At a glance
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Intervention to Improve Outcomes for Foster Children Reunited With Their Birth Families
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Promoting First Relationships ® and Resource & Referral for Child Abuse and Child Neglect. Completed, enrolled 264 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
Birth parents of young children who have been placed into foster care are a highly vulnerable population of caregivers. Little is known about the ability of existing prevention programs to intervene with birth parents who have recently been reunified with their children under the age of six. This project aims to evaluate a brief, home-visiting intervention model with a sample of reunified birth parents, examining its effectiveness to improve parenting and child wellbeing, and reduce reoccurrence of maltreatment and reunification failure.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Promoting First Relationships ® is based on attachment theory and is strengths-based. The 12 week intervention is delivered in the home of the family. Each week has a theme for discussion, handouts, an activity, and time for "joining" - checking in with the parent, listening to their concerns, and establishing a positive, supportive relationship. The provider videotapes playtime between parent and child, and alternates weeks watching the video with the parent, reflecting about the needs of both parent and child (reflective observation). PFR consultation strategies include Joining, Positive Feedback, Instructive Feedback, Reflective Questions and Comments, and Instruction with Handouts. These core strategies enhance parents' sense of security and competency. The provider helps the parent develop greater empathy and understanding of the child's needs and feelings, and helps the parent to identify their own feelings and needs around parenting.
This condition consists of 1) Resource \& Referral assistance provided over the phone, and 2) Local Services Resource Packet. Throughout the intervention period, the provider makes monthly phone calls to offer further support to families, answer questions, and provide additional resources. The provider has at least four interactions with each family served. In addition, families in this condition have the Resource and Referral Specialist's phone number and they can call if an additional need arises. The resource packet includes local information organized by type of need or resource. These packets are updated regularly as services change over time.