Date of Award

12-2013

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Dr. Angela M. Moe

Second Advisor

Dr. Zoann K. Snyder

Third Advisor

Dr. Joetta L. Carr

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

This research was conducted to answer the question “Do children who are perceived to have strong relationships with siblings and more access to their siblings have fewer problems adjusting to their foster care placement as observed by child welfare professionals?” This qualitative research project was completed through semi-structured interviews with professionals who work with children in foster care in a variety of ways (and may have worked with children in more than one way during their career in child welfare), such as foster care workers, counselors, and sibling visitation supervisors. The snowball sampling method was used in this research. These interviews were then transcribed and analyzed to examine the effect of the continuity, change, or loss of sibling bonds on a child’s ability to adjust to life in foster care.

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