The significance of a secure base: a psychosocial model of long-term foster care

Schofield, Gillian (2002) The significance of a secure base: a psychosocial model of long-term foster care. Child and Family Social Work, 7 (4). pp. 259-272. ISSN 1356-7500

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Abstract

Long-term foster care has been a much neglected area of social work practice and research. Yet there are obvious challenges that need to be understood when building a family for life in foster care. Is it possible for foster families, where there are no biological or legal ties between carers and children, to provide care, concern and family membership not only through childhood but also into adult life? The study on which this paper is based set out to explore that question by investigating the experiences of 40 adults, aged 18–30, who grew up in foster families. Qualitative interviews were conducted, transcribed and analysed. Theoretical frameworks from attachment and resilience were brought together with concepts such as ‘belonging’ and ‘family membership’ to make sense of the narratives provided. An integrated and dynamic psychosocial model of long-term foster care was developed, which emphasizes the significance of a secure base and has some important implications for practice.

Item Type: Article
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Social Work
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Child Protection & Family Support
Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Centres > Centre for Research on Children and Families
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Business and Local Government Data Research Centre (former - to 2023)
Depositing User: Vishal Gautam
Date Deposited: 09 Dec 2010 18:02
Last Modified: 16 Jun 2023 03:30
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/16683
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2206.2002.00254.x

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