Growing up with foster siblings: A qualitative exploration of the wellbeing of sons and daughters of foster carers

This research qualitatively explores the unique experiences and wellbeing of nine individuals who are the son or daughter of a foster carer, with a particular focus on support received and positive changes since fostering. Participants were recruited via purposive sampling from Calderdale’s pre-existing support group for sons and daughters of foster carers. The sample comprised of four females and five males, ranging from ten to seventeen years old. They were placed in focus groups of three, and engaged in a number of tasks all of which aimed to create an in-depth group discussion. A rigorous thematic analysis was carried out on the transcripts, and as a result, three main themes emerged: support, anxiety and value of helping others. Future recommendations have been discussed