Validating a Measure of Vicarious Trauma as Experienced by Foster Carers

ABSTRACT Burnout, stress and fatigue are known contributors to foster placement breakdown, yet little is known about the prevalence and experience of vicarious trauma specifically among foster carers. This paper sought to develop and validate a measure of vicarious trauma among foster carers. In Study 1, we conducted qualitative interviews ( n = 28) and utilized a Delphi panel to develop 38 measure items. In Study 2, participants completed the new Vicarious Trauma in Foster Carers Scale (VTFCS) as well as the Burnout Measure Short (BMS), the PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5), the Post‐Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Compassion Fatigue Scale (CFS) and the Vicarious Trauma Scale (VTS) ( n = 117). In the final study, a second cohort completed the VTFCS only ( n = 375). The results indicate a specific experience of vicarious trauma among foster carers as compared with other related experiences and could be used to inform the development of resources and supports for key vulnerable demographics.