‘We had to change ourselves’: an interpretative phenomenological study on the experiences of foster parents of children with disabilities in Bulgaria

Todorov, Sarah ORCID: 0000-0001-9726-9249 (2023). ‘We had to change ourselves’: an interpretative phenomenological study on the experiences of foster parents of children with disabilities in Bulgaria. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Developing foster care services is part of the de-institutionalisation of care for children separated from parental care occurring in Bulgaria and other countries in Eastern Europe. Children with disabilities are vulnerable to being separated from their biological parents in Bulgaria, yet opportunities for these children to be placed in alternative family-based care are limited. This study addressed this issue using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach to investigate foster parents’ experiences of fostering children with disabilities in one region of Bulgaria. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with six individuals with experience of fostering children with disabilities. Interviews were conducted in Bulgarian and translated to English using an adapted version of the Committee Approach for translation (CA) and analysed using IPA. Findings show that these foster parents: 1) have expertise in providing specialised care and are committed to the children; 2) face specific challenges when navigating relationships and services surrounding foster care; and 3) experience a personal impact with both positive and negative consequences. This study therefore contributes new understandings of foster care services and practices in Bulgaria from the perspective of foster parents, and signposts development needs including training and support needs for foster parents.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):