A support group for families who have children in care: An evaluative case study

This article evaluates an attempt to establish a support group for parents and relatives whose children are in care in one health board in Ireland. It uses a qualitative methodology, drawing on a group evaluation session, supplemented by individual interviews with the members of that group. The paper shows that it was successful in so far as it provided members with a forum where they felt accepted, where their rights as parents were validated, their self-esteem enhanced and informal access provided to senior social workers. Finally, the paper suggests ways in which the therapeutic potential of such groups could be enhanced and more needy parents attracted into them.