Research Library

This study looked at behaviour problems in children aged four to 11 who were living in foster care. It examined how these children thought about themselves, other people and the world around them.

This study examines how three adopted adult women who experienced childhood maltreatment have managed their emotions and relationships over time.

This study found children in independent fostering agencies are typically older with more complex needs than those in local authority care, but show similar levels of risk and short-term mental health outcomes.

This study found the Reflective Fostering Programme improved carers’ reflective capacity, reduced stress and strengthened child–carer relationships. It was also cost-effective, though children’s emotional and behavioural outcomes did not differ from usual support.

This study explores how low-intensity life story work can better support adolescents in care. It identifies seven key principles, such as flexibility, early support and focusing on everyday experiences, and offers practical guidance for carers and professionals.

Large-scale research in UK fostering is often slowed by healthcare-style bureaucracy and limited administrative capacity in social care. The authors argue research rules should be refined to better reflect the realities of children’s social care.

This study explored foster and kinship carers’ experiences of the Reflective Fostering Programme. Most found it improved relationships and stress management, though some were unsure of its relevance, suggesting a need for better tailoring.

This review found foster care research often underrepresents groups such as kinship and non-White carers and rarely addresses inclusivity, calling for more representative, inclusive research practices.

This paper shares reflections from four researchers in a co-produced foster care study, highlighting the value of safe, inclusive research spaces and offering practical recommendations for future co-production projects.