Exploring the experiences of foster/kinship carers in relation to the oral health of children living in out-of-home care

Investigators

  • Reecha Acharya
  • Stacy Blythe

 

  • Ajesh George
  • Harrison Ng Chok

Collaborators

TReSI: Translation Research and Social Innovation Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research
Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research
NBMLHD: Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District

Project Overview

Children in out-of-home care (OOHC) are a vulnerable population with increased physical, mental and dental problems compared to other children. However, no studies in Australia have explored the potential role of foster/kinship carers regarding the oral health of children in OOHC. This program of research aims to explore the perceptions, practices and attitudes of foster/kinship carers in relation to the oral health of children in OOHC.

Aims & Objectives

This project aims to summarise the existing literature surrounding the oral health needs of children in out-of-home care, and the role of foster carers in meeting these needs. Specifically this project aims to explore:

  1. The oral health status of children in out-of-home care, and how this compares to other children who are not in out-of-home care
  2. Any barriers children in out-of-home care experience in maintaining oral health and receiving adequate oral health care
  3. The role foster carers have played in promoting or maintaining oral health care for children in out-of-home care, including any existing interventions or recommendations to improve the oral health of these children

Research Output

To see the various outputs from the program, please navigate to the pages below:

Publications Presentations Awards Training resources Oral health promotion resources

Alignment with ACIOH’s themes


Workforce reoriented:

FOSTER CARERS

This project aims to explore the barriers and recommendations among foster carers to improve the oral health of children in OOHC.


People-centred strategies:

CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE

This project aims to improve the oral health of children in out-of-home care