Separation and Psychosocial Challenges of Parents with Children in Foster Care

Background:
Parents of children placed in out-of-home care experience intense loss followed by prolonged grief that often goes unrecognized and unvalidated by the public. Child removal frequently exacerbates parents’ pre-existing mental health issues, fosters dependence on unhealthy coping strategies, and intensifies feelings of isolation and loneliness due to a lack of social support. However, there is still limited research describing the effects of child removal on parents’ well-being. To address this gap, this study builds on previous research by exploring the nuanced psychosocial challenges faced by both mothers and fathers whose children have been placed in foster care. It highlights their experiences of loss, disenfranchised grief, trauma, loneliness, and disruptions to the parent-child bond, with particular attention to how these dynamics were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:
The data for this paper were drawn from the qualitative portion of a large mixed-methods evaluation study conducted at two child welfare agencies providing foster care services in an urban setting. The broader study focused on evaluating a new pilot initiative aimed at supporting reunification, while also exploring in depth the experiences of parents navigating the foster care system. The sample comprised 38 parents, including both mothers and fathers, whose children had been placed in foster care. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, parents shared their experiences following the child removal process.

Findings:
Analysis of the interview data revealed that child removal was a profoundly traumatic experience for these parents, marked by loss, suffering, hopelessness, and disenfranchised grief. These experiences, and the challenges that followed, often led to increased isolation, depression, loneliness, loss of identity, and a broken connection with their children. Despite these challenges, some parents found internal motivation to stay engaged in the reunification process, pushing themselves to attend appointments and remain involved for the sake of their children. Others emphasized the importance of emotional and motivational support from agency staff, therapists, and especially parent advocates, individuals with lived experience who provided empathy, encouragement, and a sense of connection. This support played a critical role in helping parents remain resilient and hopeful during their efforts to reunify with their children.

Conclusions and Implications:

The findings of this paper shed light on the complex and often overlooked dimensions of parents' emotional experiences following child removal. Recognizing and addressing these emotional struggles in a timely and meaningful way is critical to supporting parents' well-being and may be essential in facilitating successful reunification. The findings emphasize that addressing these needs through peer support, professional sensitivity, and mental health services is crucial for successful reunification and for preventing long-term emotional consequences for both parents and children.