An ecological perspective on what helps and hinders the well-being and role satisfaction of foster carers: A systematic scoping review

• Used a social-ecological lens to understand foster carer wellbeing and satisfaction. • Carer well-being is shaped by carer skills, relationships, services, and society. • Strong relationships and support systems enhance carer outcomes. • Carer stress results from trauma exposure, poor support, and system strain. • A whole system approach can guide better support and stronger placements. Foster carers play a pivotal role in caring for children who cannot reside with their biological parents. However, they also face unique challenges that shape their caring experience and overall well-being. In light of recruitment and retention issues, a systematic scoping review was conducted to explore factors that influence well-being outcomes and role satisfaction in foster carers. Peer-reviewed research articles were screened using PRISMA. Ultimately, sixty scholarly, peer-reviewed articles were included and examined using reflexive thematic analysis. Analysis was driven by social-ecological theory in acknowledgment of the significant relational and systemic influences on the fostering experience. Foster carer well-being and role satisfaction appear to be influenced by 1) individual traits, skills and experiences, 2) formal and informal relationships, 3) case management and agency processes and 4) systemic, legal and socio-cultural factors. The review highlights the complex interrelationship between foster carers, their community and the broader child welfare system. It emphasises the need for collaborative and trauma-informed approaches to supporting foster carers. These findings have implications for research as well as practice and policy development, given that, ultimately, positive outcomes for foster carers can have positive impacts on the children in their care.