A model for successful foster child-foster parent relationships

The purpose of this study was to explore successful relationships between foster children and foster parents. Dyads of exemplary foster parents and foster children, identified by foster care experts, were interviewed to uncover the meaning of human bonding and attachment between the foster child and foster parent. Data were collected and analyzed with use of Colazzi's phenomenologic methodology. A sense of family/coming home was most important for both foster children and foster parents. The powerful desire of the foster child to attain family membership emerged from their experiences, both in and out of foster care. The combination of a caring foster parent who worked patiently with the child to help him or her establish membership and a foster child who not only recognized caring behaviors but also was willing to respond to them created the foundation for a successful relationship.