Lapsen ympärillä – Yhteisvanhemmuussuhteet lastensuojelun perhehoidossa (LYYPE)

The aim of the LYYPE project ‘Around the Child - Co-Parenting Relationships in Foster Care' is to produce and disseminate knowledge about the co-parenting relationships that are formed around children placed in foster care, from the perspectives of birth parents, foster parents, and child welfare professionals. The project examines three research questions: 1) What kinds of co-parenting relationships are buildt between birth parents, foster parents, and child welfare professionals in foster care? 2) What kinds of factors promote and hinder the formation of co-parenting relationships in foster care practices? and 3) How does co-research as a methodological choice suit to the multi-perspective study of foster care?

The research topic is approached by combining the research tradition of co-parenting with the relationship-based approach of social work. The project relies on relational research methodology and utilizes two qualitative data sets: data produced from focus group discussions and multi-case studies.

The project is being carried out from 2024 to 2026 by the Jamk University of Applied Sciences, the University of Helsinki, the Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius, and the Family Care Association in Finland, in collaboration with Kasper – the Parenting and Family Counseling Association, the Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters, the Association of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters in Central Finland, and the Wellbeing Services County of Central Finland. The research is planned and guided by the co-research group. The project is funded by state research funding for university-level social work research from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

The research produces and disseminates new knowledge applicable to foster care practices and their development (e.g., research publications, trainings) and increases the visibility of foster care (e.g., multimedia exhibitions, discussion events, blogs). Co-research as the methodological basis of the project ensures that the research results and outputs are relevant to the various stakeholders.

For more information about the project, please contact the Principal Researcher, Kaisa Malinen, at kaisa.malinen(a)jamk.fi.