A Phenomenological Exploration of Indigenous Caregivers' Experiences: Navigating the Foster Parent Application Process in British Columbia

Background and Purpose:

There remains a lack of culturally engaged Indigenous caregivers across Canada despite the over-representation of Indigenous children and youth in child welfare care. While research has explored the over-representation of Indigenous children in care, there is a gap in research regarding the experiences of Indigenous foster caregivers navigating the child welfare system in Canada, particularly the recruitment process of prospective Indigenous caregivers. This study explored the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) caregiver application process experienced by Indigenous foster caregivers in British Columbia, including barriers and areas of opportunity for meaningful cultural engagement.


Methods:

Five qualitative semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with Indigenous caregivers. Participants were recruited via poster flyers distributed through the MFCD, Indigenous community centres and through snowball sampling from various Indigenous cultures in Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island BC.

Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded thematically using a phenomenological inductive approach. This study utilized Indigenous methodologies and was guided by principles of self-determination, reciprocity, relationship in research and Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP) of the data. An Elder was available to support participants throughout the interviewing process and post-interview. All participants reviewed and verified their interview transcriptions and the arrangement of main themes that emerged from data to ensure it accurately reflected their experiences.


Results:

Key themes from participants included: lack of empathy from social workers; distrust in the system; limited to non-existent cultural support, integration of Indigenous worldviews and funding for family caregivers; community connection with children and their communities; engaging with foster children’s cultural identity; self as sole support both culturally and personally; fear of placement breakdown; and a need for more Indigenous foster caregivers. Data analysis identified cultural values and Indigenous worldviews as key factors in becoming a foster caregiver.

Participants described the application process as impersonal, intrusive, and non-inclusive of supports such as Elders, family, and friends. Participants indicated the process was not trauma-informed or Culturally Safe, recalling some interview questions as unnecessary and discriminatory. Transparency and trust with social workers surfaced as a significant factor in supporting the fostering application process. Caregivers shared they frequently felt required to fight for what they believed to be the best interests of the children, indicating the non-collaborative spirit of these discussions on the parts of child welfare organizations.


Conclusion and Implications:

Child welfare agencies serving Indigenous Peoples work toward promoting the well-being and connection of Indigenous children through cultural and relational permanency. However, the impact of colonialization, discriminatory policies and practices, systemic oppression is responsible for the disproportionate number of Indigenous children in care and the need for more Indigenous foster caregivers. Findings suggest the importance of cultivating cultural identity by matching culturally engaged Indigenous caregivers with Indigenous children. Results show the well-being of children and cultural engagement is central to Indigenous caregivers fostering experiences. Cultural connection established through meaningful engagement addresses issues in well-researched areas where Indigenous children in care often lack a sense of cultural connection, which is fundamental for developing and maintaining positive cultural identities.