Evidence-Based Practice in Foster Parent Training and Support ...

EBP in Foster Parent Training and SupportErlbaum Associates.Population: Family-based treatment fostercarehome family and/or individual therapy, 2) group therapy or play therapy 3) smallclient/therapist ratios (5:1), 4) multifamily therapy retreats (for child, foster and biofamilies) 5) case management, 6) monthly psychological-psychiatric services, and 7)HELP (How Empowerment Liberates Parents) training program for foster parents. Inaddition cultural services are provided; a therapeutic rites of passage program andcultural hour group. Additional supportive services are individualized for the clientincluding: transition home placements, respite services, tutorial services, academicincentives, recruitment-training services, support groups, and step-down programs.The population served included 35 African-American foster children between the agesof 4 and 16, who were labeled as seriously emotionally disturbed (SED) and had aDSM-IV diagnosis. The researchers describe the population as “severely culturallydeprived, spiritually disconnected, unaware of their personal biography, disconnectedwith their community and family, and lacking a sense of belonging.” Of the fosterchildren in the program, approximately 70% were admitted with a pharmaceuticalregime intact. A pre-test/post-test design was used to test the efficacy of the NTUprogram.Findings: Of the 19 children in the emotional category, 14 (74%) improved significantlyin this area, 21% remained stable, and 5 % continued to experience significantproblems. School problems: 37% showed progress with school related problems, 47%remained stable, and 16% continued to experience severe problems. Behaviorproblems: 53% improved significantly, 42% remained stable, and 16% continued tohave severe to moderate behavioral problems.In 1991-1992 sixty percent of the programmatic areas of NTU were ranked 5 (on a 1-5scale with a score of 5 defined as “exceeds expectations”). Recruitment and trainingwas ranked as the strongest area. IN 1992-1993 the average rating was a 4. Five out ofthe eight (63%) of the clinical areas were ranked 5.In 1993 the majority of therapists (54%) felt that the treatment parents were exceedingtheir requirements. 83% of the treatment parents indicated that they receive directclinical services frequently and consistently, and 90% indicated that the clinicalintervention is effective and could see the healing occurring.Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW)University of Minnesota School of Social WorkContact: Kristine N. Piescher, Ph.D. kpiesche@umn.edu 67