Children in foster care with challenging behaviour in Wales (UK): key themes and issues for practice and research

Kathy Lowe, Andrew Pithouse

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Abstract: Foster care in Wales (UK) engages frequently with children thought to present with challenging behaviour. It is essential we gain a deeper understanding of their behaviour in order to inform our thinking about how we provide support to children and carers. The paper presents key findings from research into a total population of fostered children in four neighbouring local authorities in South Wales who were considered to exhibit challenging behaviour. The paper examines children’s characteristics and key processes in fostering and in doing so, outlines the very different behaviours and difficulties associated with these children as perceived by carers. The article concludes with some reflection on the term ‘challenging behaviour’ and its sufficiency to account for difficulties in foster placements
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)109 - 118
Number of pages9
JournalFamilies in Society
Volume89
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2008

Keywords

  • behaviour disorders
  • challenging behaviour
  • foster care
  • foster children;
  • placement

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