Young adults' lived experience as biological children of parents who choose to foster

Abstract

Becoming a foster carer is something we are hearing of more often nowadays. Many parents who have their own biological children to care for are becoming foster carers. This study explores the biological child’s lived experience from a young adult’s perspective. Five participants between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five who were the biological children of foster parents took part in the research by volunteering to be interviewed. These interviews were semi-structured and conducted individually. The findings were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis through which five common themes emerged: Initial experience; The Biological Child’s Journey as a Foster Sibling; The Family Dynamic; Needs and Recommendations; What the Future Holds. The five themes were supported by subthemes. Becoming a foster sibling brings different experiences and emotions to each individual. The findings conclude that though children were eager to foster, they found difficulties in various aspects of their fostering experience, therefore, it may be beneficial for more support to be provided to these individuals according to their needs.