Affiliation:
1. Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy Ghent University Ghent Belgium
Abstract
ABSTRACTShared parenthood is increasingly emphasized in long‐term foster care placements across European countries, including Flanders, where our study was conducted. However, despite its growing importance, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the dynamics and pedagogical conceptualization of shared parenthood. This research seeks to bridge the gap by investigating how parents and foster carers perceive and navigate parenting roles. Through in‐depth interviews with 12 parents and 12 foster carers from 10 long‐term foster care cases, thematic and narrative analyses were employed to explore shared parenting dynamics. The findings underscore the significant impact of power dynamics on the relationship, often resulting in prolonged silences and reluctance to address issues openly. By elucidating both the promoting and impeding factors, this study sheds light on the complexities of shared parenting within long‐term foster care arrangements. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of recognizing and discussing the normative notion of shared parenting to facilitate its successful implementation in long‐term foster care placements.
Reference96 articles.
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.2023. “Child Protection Australia 2021–22.”
2. Bergh P. M. V. D. andA. M.Weterings.2010. “Pleegzorg in perspectief: Ontwikkelingen in theorie en praktijk.” Van Gorcum.
3. Dimensions of high quality foster care: Parenting Plus
4. Etnografisch onderzoek: het perspectief van de ander;Bisschop Boele E.;Cultuur & Educatie,2018