EVALUATION OF AN ATTACHMENT-BASED GROUP INTERVENTION FOR FOSTER CARERS
IN THE LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN'S SERVICE
Abstract
AIM: This paper aims to evaluate the efficacy of the Fostering and
Attachment Group in improving foster carers’ understanding of
difficulties experienced by young people in their care. It also aims to
assess the changes in the perception of challenges faced by carers and
any improvements in communication, between carers and young people
following the group intervention. METHOD: A structured tool called Carer
Questionnaire was used before and after the group intervention in order
to evaluate its efficacy. RESULTS: Pre and post group evaluations showed
statistically significant improvements in the domains of carers’
understanding of children’s difficulties and improvements in connection
between carers and young people. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our results are
in keeping with the existing literature that have researched the
benefits of attachment focused group intervention in foster carers.
Future research could focus on effects of attachment-based group
interventions on children and young people who are being fostered.