Resources: Review - Finding the key to successful fostering

Its messages are consistent with what we know already. The shift fromresidential to foster care over recent years offers partial explanationfor the increasingly complex behaviours now presented by looked-afterchildren. The work also touches on the notion of fostering as theCinderella service despite the fact that a return to the birth familymay be too dangerous for some children and adoption unlikely for othersbecause of the age and preferences of the children themselves. Theemotional meaning of sibling links for the fostered child is key.

The range of research findings reviewed by Sinclair and colleagueshighlights the need that looked-after children have for stability,tracks the carer qualities associated with best outcomes and offerspointers to professionals and support service providers. Those pointersinclude the significance of school, the need for joined-up work and thechallenges to parenting brought about by children who have experiencedrejection. Good support systems, respite breaks, fair remuneration,appropriate training and the absence of avoidable hassle retaincarers.