The Meaning of Shared Parenthood in Long-Term Foster Care: The Perspectives of Parents and Foster Carers

Shared parenthood is increasingly emphasized in long-term foster care placements across European countries, including Flanders, where our study was conducted. However, despite its growing importance, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the dynamics and pedagogical conceptualization of shared parenthood. This research seeks to bridge the gap by investigating how parents and foster carers perceive and navigate parenting roles. Through in-depth interviews with 12 parents and 12 foster carers from 10 long-term foster care cases, thematic and narrative analyses were employed to explore shared parenting dynamics. The findings underscore the significant impact of power dynamics on the relationship, often resulting in prolonged silences and reluctance to address issues openly. By elucidating both the promoting and impeding factors, this study sheds light on the complexities of shared parenting within long-term foster care arrangements. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of recognizing and discussing the normative notion of shared parenting to facilitate its successful implementation in long-term foster care placements.