Sustaining a 'Partnership' between Foster Carers and Social Workers. Navigating the Current Landscape of Fostering in Ireland

The experience and lives of children in foster care are shaped and determined by many different people. The roles of two of the most significant parties, social workers and foster carers are closely aligned can veer from collaboration to conflict within an ever changing fostering system. What are the strengths and areas of conflict within this relationship? This paper presents preliminary findings from the pilot stage of a research study which aims to explore these issues.