Points of foster parent stress in the system: A qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis

Foster parents provide invaluable care for just under half of the almost 400,000 U.S. children in foster care due to experiences of child maltreatment. Indeed, while many of these children present with various physical or mental health needs because of the complex, often interpersonal traumas they have experienced, some scholars say healthy relationships are a key pillar in healing. The breadth and depth of foster parents’ roles make their wellbeing a key consideration in the wellbeing of the child welfare apparatus itself. Existing literature details a variety of sources of foster parent stress, noting in particular the impact of foster child behavior. However, it seems much more could be gleaned about the nuances of foster parent stress with a more holistic inquiry. The present study aimed to answer the question, “What do foster parents tell us about their greatest points of stress in the foster care system?” Utilizing a Qualitative Interpretive meta-Synthesis (QIMS) research design, the authors synthesized 21 previously published qualitative research articles conducted across the U.S. with a broad sample of 572 foster parent responses. Four primary themes emerged from the analysis, including (1) fighting for respect and inclusion; (2) feeling unsupported; (3) missing information; and (4) parenting stress. Additional subthemes yielded even greater insight into the experience of foster parent stress. Notably, foster parent stress appears to be impacted by interpersonal dynamics with caseworkers, lack of supportive resources, and tension between the respective needs of their children. Implications for child welfare policy, practice, and training are provided.