An evaluation of informal foster family care from people perspective, who are experienced

The study aims to evaluate the informal foster care – informal kinship care from people perspective who are experienced in childhood. The study also aims to find out the needs of people, their experiences, evaluations and problems about this type of care. In the study, 14 people who have experienced informal foster-kinship care in childhood were interviewed with using a qualitative research. In this framework in depth interviews were conducted with the people using semi-structured interview forms. The contents of the interview were transcribed and then divided into themes and codes according to theoretical knowledge. The result of the study was interpreted under the themes of; socio-demographic findings, reasons for living informal foster care, assessments of separation from biological parents, personal care, physical conditions of the living place, economic conditions, family relations, participants' assessments and suggestions. Most of the participants were neglected due to lack of adequate and healthy nutrition, inability to access health services, prevention of education, violation of playentertainment rights and not meeting basic needs. There have also been individuals who have been subjected to physical, sexual, economic and emotional abuse and discrimination. Experiencing informal foster care leads to negative behaviors and characteristics for some participants; such as feeling depressed, lack of love and confidence, having difficulty in conforming to the rules of society, having a cold and distant personality structure, suicide attempts. Although, individuals have gained positive features such as being strong and courageous, strengthening of coping mechanism, increasing selfconfidence and being solution-oriented. While some participants evaluated their experiences positive and happier than being with biological parents, there were also negative experiences. In the study, participants who lived with grandparents is found happier than other participants. As a result of this research, it has been determined that professional care and supportable services should be provided for the families and children under this care. Keywords: Foster Care Services, Traditional Foster Care, Informal Foster Care.