This master’s thesis studies the experience of biological children of foster parents in foster families in Slovenia. First, the theoretical part offers an overview of foster care regulations in Slovenia, different theoretical approaches to help understand the concept of family, specific dynamics in a foster family, and current studies related to the experience of foster parents’ own children (FPOC). Next, the empirical part presents the research results that included 10 individuals (4 men and 6 women) from the age of 16 and 33, whose parents were foster carers during their childhood and/or adolescence or are still foster carers to this day. We interviewed the participants and analysed the interviews using the psychological phenomenological method. The results have shown that FPOC can perceive foster care as difficult, especially in the initial period when the foster child arrives into the family. Among the principal challenges of living together with foster children, FPOC emphasized the constant need for adapting, accepting foster children—despite the problematic behaviour of some—and having to suppress their own responses. The results of the research have also shown that despite the loss of parental attention, foster care does not necessarily mean great changes in the relationship between FPOC and their parents. Nevertheless, FPOC still wish to be seen, understood, accepted and supported by their parents. Spending time together—in the absence of foster children—can satisfy these needs to a great extent. The research also revealed that FPOC perceive their parents as someone who is responsible for carrying out the tasks of foster care, what is more FPOC can also get involved in caring for the foster children. By that they can get caught between the role of a sibling and a carer, which can cause confusion between them. The FPOC can express a great deal of compassion, understanding, accept other people’s perspectives, and show a sense of morality and the ability to adapt even at the expense of their own needs. The thesis concludes with some suggestions for further research and practice.
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