‘Somewhere in-between’: A qualitative study of Australian foster carers in the liminal space of parenting and professionalism

Abstract Nations such as Australia rely on foster care to provide for children who cannot live with their family. The foster care role is challenging and unique, combining elements of personal motivations, public responsibility, and intersections of private and public space. Foster carer shortages are also a challenge for many nations. This study presents findings regarding foster carer identity that emerged from a qualitative study exploring foster carers’ experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with foster carers (n = 16) and foster agency staff (n = 7) and analysed thematically using interpretive content analysis. Study findings indicated that foster carers experienced their role as both professionals and parents. However, though they experienced both professional and parental elements, foster carers presented their professional identity over their parental. Foster carers also experienced limitations within each role making them ‘almost parents’ and ‘almost professionals’ ultimately resulting in a need to operate in a liminal space. The study suggests foster carers’ promotion of professional identity may be the expression of a wider social negotiation seeking respect and raises questions regarding the sustainability of the present foster care model.