The aim of the study was to reveal the difficulties faced by foster carers in developing the social skills of children in foster care. The study was conducted using a qualitative research methodology. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, which were analysed using thematic analysis. The research was carried out in accordance with research ethics: confidentiality, anonymity, and voluntary participation. The study involved 15 foster parents from different regions of Lithuania. The study revealed that children’s emotional trauma leads to vulnerability, low self-esteem, and lack of trust both in themselves and in adults. As a result, it is difficult for them to form relationships with foster carers, and without a close, trusting relationship, the development of social skills becomes challenging. Children have developed inappropriate behaviour patterns such as disrespectful behaviour, self-devaluation, lack of self-confidence, poor self-control, and excessive defensiveness. Inappropriate behaviour requires a lot of effort and time from caregivers to develop children's social skills.
The findings also highlighted a lack of internal resources among foster carers. Foster parents lack methodological knowledge on how to develop children's social skills and how to approach traumatized children and educate them. Children in foster care face stigmatizing attitudes in the community and at school, which leads them to feel rejected and encounter barriers to developing positive social relationships at school and in the community—relationships that are essential for the development of social skills. In addition, the study showed that in crisis situations, foster carers lack timely access to rapid professional support.

Authors:
Justinas Sadauskas, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
Rita Raudeliūnaitė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania
Vida Gudžinskienė, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania

About the Presenter(s)
Associate Professor at Mykolas Romeris University Faculty of Human and Society Studies, Institute of Education and Social Work

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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