Abstract
The aim of this research was to undertake an external independent evaluation of FosterTalk membership services and its role in the retention of foster carers. Methods included an online survey, to which 422 foster carers responded, and interviews with eight foster carers. The survey included both open and closed questions. Foster carers were asked about their experiences of fostering, experiences of FosterTalk membership services and ideas for future developments. Survey respondents and interview participants came from diverse backgrounds and had varying degrees of fostering and FosterTalk membership experience. A representative from the Department for Education (DfE) also participated in an interview. The data collection was undertaken in November and December of 2020 and January, 2021 during a global pandemic at a time of varying degrees of national lockdown in the UK when parents and carers were responsible for home school activities for children and young people and face to face contact with health, education and social services was limited or non-existent. Data analysis allowed descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to emerge from the survey and interviews.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Place of Publication | Birmingham |
Publisher | Centre for Applied Finance and Economics (CAFE), Birmingham City Business School, Birmingham City University |
Publication status | Published (VoR) - 1 Mar 2021 |
Keywords
- Fostering; Social Work; Membership Services; Department for Education; Foster Carers