Reflections on the non-accidental death of a foster carer

Kirstie Maclean - Adoption & Fostering

Abstract

This article is a case study and analysis of the death of a foster carer in Scotland at the hands of the child for whom she was caring. The death was the subject of a Fatal Accident and Sudden Deaths Inquiry in 2015. The case study explores whether or not this was a unique case, its messages for understanding child on parent violence, the adequacy of foster carer training, approval for blanket or specific age ranges, information about children provided to foster carers, meeting the needs of traumatised children and birth family contact when children have access to social networking sites. It considers if there are lessons that can and should be drawn from this case.