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Foster parents can be placed under significant demands when caring for foster children with extensive needs. Coming to terms with the challenges they have to face can be a daunting prospect. To examine foster parents' experiences is vital with a view to enhancing their resilience amid sustained demands and improving the professional support offered to them. This study explores foster parents' lived experience of caring for foster children with mental illness and attachment difficulties. Twenty-two foster parents, caring for foster children aged 2–17, were recruited from a mental health clinic providing assessment and treatment to children. In this qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted and analyzed using a descriptive phenomenological psychological approach. Our analysis revealed four interrelated constituents describing the foster parents' experiences: 1) Wanting to help a child, 2) Adjustments were harder than expected, 3) Sacrifices and suppression of needs, and 4) Commitment and love mixed with ambivalence. The findings highlight that being a foster parent for children with mental illness and attachment difficulties demands heightened patience, knowledge and understanding. It also involves a substantial emotional investment. This underscores the importance of addressing feelings of love, shame, and guilt in this context. Balancing the needs of the foster child with the well-being of the foster family can be challenging. Foster parents may need extensive support from professionals who are familiar with their unique circumstances to increase their feeling of self-efficacy and reduce ambivalent feelings regarding their role as caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to adverse care experiences, foster children are at risk for developing symptoms of reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED). This study investigated the factors influencing rate and course of RAD and DSED symptoms during the first year of placement in long-term foster care. The sample consisted of 55 foster children aged 1 to 6 years. Measurements were taken at placement as well as 6 and 12 months after placement. RAD and DSED symptoms were assessed with the Disturbance of Attachment Interview (DAI). DSED symptoms were also assessed by observation with the Rating of Infant Stranger Engagement (RISE). Foster parents and caseworkers reported on children's preplacement experiences and placement characteristics. RAD symptoms were rare at Wave 1 (5.5 %) and remitted in most children within the first six months of placement, t (54) = 3.06, p =.003. A total of 30.9 % of the foster children presented DSED symptoms according to the DAI, but only 5.5 % of the children according to the RISE. Foster parents reported symptom reduction, t (54) = 3.71, p =.003, while observational data indicated symptom stability. Prior placement in emergency foster care was associated with lower levels of RAD at Wave 1, F (1.62, 80.88) = 7.80, p =.002, while later placed children presented more RAD and DSED symptoms (R RAD 2 = 0.07, R DSED 2 = 0.08, R RISE 2 = 0.12). Psychopathology of the biological parents (R RAD 2 = 0.07, R DSED 2 = 0.08) and visitation with the biological parents (R RISE 2 = 0.14) predicted symptom stability. A substantial number of foster children present persistent DSED symptoms indicating a need for evidenced based interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Foster parents experienced additional challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Foster parents were disconnected from typical supports. • Foster parents felt disrespected by professionals 'in the system.' • Informal supports were invaluable to foster parents during this time. • Support networks adapted to provide care in creative ways. In caring for some of our most vulnerable children, foster parents fill a critically important and challenging role. Yet, research demonstrates that they often experience a lack of social support in this role, a factor that has been shown to buffer against the ill effects of foster parent stress. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, foster families lost access to typical supports while stressors multiplied. The present study examined the experiences of social support among foster parents during the pandemic through the use of individual semi-structured interviews with 16 licensed foster parents in one Midwestern state. Findings were organized into four main themes, each shedding light on an aspect of foster parents' experiences of support (or lack thereof) during the pandemic. Themes were titled using direct quotes from participants and include: (1) "On an island," (2) "You have to respect the foster parent," (3) "The only way I survived," and (4) "Supportive in a way that was safe." Participants indicated that the pandemic exacerbated many challenging aspects of fostering, such as isolation and feeling disrespected. However, some sources of support, such as extended family, were invaluable. Additionally, many forms of support were either developed or adapted to be delivered in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines. The findings presented here carry implications for foster care research and practice both within and beyond public health emergencies such as COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Recognition that carers' experience both affiliative and threat-based emotions in their relationships with birth parents; • Carers who share First Nations' cultural identities with parents find that these can provide a basis for affiliative emotional responses; • There is limited formal support for carers to manage the strong emotions, particularly threat-based emotions, that can complicate their relationships with birth parents; • We provide five recommendations for improving support for carers in building and sustaining relationships with birth parents and in realising their potential to support children's rights to family connections during the out-of-home care journey. Children in foster and kinship care have a right to relationships with their parents. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) asserts children's right to contact with their parents and families during periods of separation, except where this is proven not to be in the child's best interests. Foster and kinship carers can play a pivotal role in children's opportunities for, and experiences of, connection to parents and other family. Yet, the relationship between carers and parents is often characterised by ambivalence and tensions. Emerging research suggests that training and support to carers can help them to navigate their own and children's relationships with their families. However, such support is not routinely available, and the evidence-base for supporting carers to manage complex relationships with parents is not well-developed. In this paper, we report on a study with 113 foster and kinship carers in Queensland (Australia). We explore carers' perceptions of the emotional aspects of their relationships with parents. A novel feature of our study is our exploration of carers' perceptions of affiliative and threat-based emotions in their relationships with birth parents. We report that carers experience a wide spectrum of emotions in their relationships with parents, some of which strengthen these relationships while others create distance. We find also that carers receive little, if any, formal support in building relationships with parents and for supporting children's opportunities for, and experiences of family contact. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers report being unsupported in meeting their cultural obligations in developing relationships with children's parents and families. We discuss the implications for formal support to improve carers capacities to build and maintain their own, and children's, relationships with parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in academic motivation profiles over time and their potential academic outcomes (i.e., academic persistence and procrastination) and contextual antecedents (i.e., perceived parenting style) as well as personal antecedents (i.e., self-regulated strategies) among Chinese adolescents. Latent profile and transition analysis of responses from 497 students illustrated four motivational profiles (Autonomous , Multimotivated , Controlled , and Poorly Motivated) and several divergent transition patterns across two time points (e.g., 64 % remaining in original profiles, 12.9 % experiencing adaptive change, and 14.3 % experiencing maladaptive change). Students remaining in the Autonomous profile and experiencing adaptive motivation change were more well-adjusted with higher academic persistence and lower academic procrastination; and perceived need-supportive parenting and the use of cognitive reappraisal strategy in emotion self-regulation could foster the adaptive development of motivation over time. The findings add to practical knowledge about the mechanism and outcomes of the development of student motivation and provide implications in future educational interventions. The current research identified the transitions of academic motivation profiles among adolescents over time and explored their potential outcomes and antecedents. Results revealed that (a) four motivational profiles— Autonomous , Multimotivated (accounting for the largest proportion of Chinese adolescents), Controlled , and Poorly Motivated —varied in their volatility and stability over time; (b) belonging to stable Autonomous profile and occurring adaptive change in motivational profile showed the highest academic persistence and the least procrastination; and (c) perceived supportive parenting style (autonomy support, warmth, and structure) and usage of cognitive reappraisal predicted students' staying in or shifting to a more adaptive motivational profile. The findings highlight the necessity of distinguishing students' motivational profiles and providing targeted intervention for them, and indicate the potential avenues to facilitate students' adaptive change in academic motivation. Teaching students how to adaptively regulate personal emotions may not only contribute to their social development, but also be conductive to protect them from the worsening of academic motivation and even boost the growth of autonomous motivation over time. • A longitudinal person-centered design was applied. • Four academic motivation profiles were identified and the Multimotivated profile accounted for the largest proportion. • Divergent transition patterns of motivational profiles over time emerged. • Remaining in the Autonomous and experiencing adaptive motivation profile change had higher academic persistence and less procrastination. • Perceived supportive parenting and the use of cognitive reappraisal facilitated adaptive transition of motivational profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PROACTIVE Family Navigator Program was designed to address the needs of foster parents of youth with mental health concerns. • This program is a promising approach to building capacity to recognize youth mental health symptoms and engage in services. • This program was feasible and acceptable to foster parents. This pilot study assessed the acceptability and feasibility of the PRO viding AC cess T o I nno V ative & E vidence-Based Intervention (PROACTIVE) Family Navigator Program for foster parents of children with mental health needs. Foster parents (n = 7) participated in four video conference sessions with a family navigator over the course of one month. In this study, family navigators were psychology doctoral students with mental health training. Feasibility and acceptability were measured with post-session surveys completed by family navigators and participants as well as a participant-completed survey following completion of the program. Feasibility and acceptability were both found to be excellent. Foster parents provided very positive satisfaction ratings for all aspects of the program. This pilot study provided preliminary support for the feasibility and acceptability of the PROACTIVE Family Navigator Program. With the experienced gained in this pilot work, we will design a randomized controlled trial with a fully powered sample to evaluate the efficacy of this program on building foster parent capacity to manage their child's mental health needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Supporting foster carers is important given the role demands and expectations inherent in their daily work, however many may experience burnout and secondary traumatic stress leading to carer attrition and children's placement instability. • The Mockingbird FamilyTM is a promising model involving collective foster caring. It shows potential to support foster carers, thereby strengthening and stabilizing the environment of children and young people in care. • We measured the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) of foster carers in the Mockingbird FamilyTM in Australia and compared their ProQOL with foster carers caring as usual. We showed that Mockingbird FamilyTM model may have positive associations with improvements in compassion satisfaction and reductions in compassion fatigue among carers. Children's behaviours and support system typology are potential predictors of foster carer compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress (i.e., Professional Quality of Life, ProQOL). Little is known about the ProQOL of Mockingbird FamilyTM foster carers compared to foster carers caregiving as usual. This study aimed to: Examine ProQOL of Mockingbird FamilyTM carers compared to other carers; Explain associations between ProQOL, demographic characteristics, and determinants of ProQOL. Participants and setting: Two groups were studied: Mockingbird FamilyTM carers (n = 27) and other carers (n = 89) of children < 18yrs. The sample was drawn from a single registered foster care agency following implementation of the Mockingbird FamilyTM in Australia. Cross-sectional, comparative mixed method design. Participants completed self-report questionnaires incorporating demographic questions, ProQOL instrument developed by Stamm (2010), and qualitative questions, analysed using SPSS 28.01 and thematically. Pearson correlation, t -test and ANOVA showed Mockingbird FamilyTM carers had a better ProQOL compared to carers caregiving as usual, with associations identified between ProQOL and socio-demographic aspects including gender, ProQOL and foster caring experience, and ProQOL and carers' engagement of the children in community activities. Qualitative data showed that communication, relevance of training, and the quality of statutory and agency supports to members of the Mockingbird FamilyTM were key determinants of ProQOL. Our findings showed that the Mockingbird FamilyTM model of foster care may improve the ProQOL of carers, compared to carers undertaking caregiving as usual. We recommend further research to examine associations with placement breakdown and carer attrition rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Youth with SHCN tend to experience adverse outcomes in foster care compared to their typically developing peers. • Foster parents cited a lack of SHCN-specific training, insufficient clarity about youth needs, and challenges locating service providers. • Prospective foster parents tended to be more concerned about logistical barriers rather than service-related barriers. • Foster parents of youth with SHCN require capacity-building, transparency on youth's history and needs, and clarity on available resources. Youth with special health care needs (SHCN) experience more placement disruptions in foster care than their typically developing peers. This study, conducted by a research-community partnership, used a mixed-methods approach to understand the needs and barriers of current, past, and prospective foster parents to provide care for youth with SHCN. One hundred twenty-six participants completed a survey regarding their youth's care needs, anticipated and experienced barriers of concern when caring for youth with SHCN, support they believe should be provided at the beginning of placements, and information they believe would be helpful to know when deciding to foster a youth with SHCN. Current and past foster parents of youth with SHCN most commonly reported caring for youth with behavioral issues, developmental disabilities, and medical conditions requiring frequent monitoring and intervention. The biggest barriers reported by current and past foster parents were SHCN-specific training, transparency regarding youths' needs, and assistance finding providers. In contrast, prospective foster parents reported not receiving enough information about youths' specific needs and getting physical home modifications as the biggest anticipated barriers. Prospective foster parents reported they would like to receive clear information on youth's needs, care goals, and medical history to guide their decision to foster youth with SHCN. The findings from this study highlight that current, past, and prospective foster parents of youth with SHCN feel a critical need exists for additional capacity-building and resources for foster parents to be able to successfully care for youth with SHCN. Furthermore, prospective foster parents require tailored guidance and training to ensure they are fully prepared for the practical considerations to care for a youth with SHCN. Foster parents who care for youth with SHCN require additional support to manage the complex medical and behavioral needs of the youth in their care, transparency on youth's medical history and care needs, and clarity on resources and services available. By identif ying opportunities to better support, recruit, and prepare foster parents caring for youth with SHCN, the child welfare system can reduce gaps in wellbeing, promote placement stability, and improve outcomes for children and youth with SHCN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth in foster care have higher lifetime rates of sexual abuse victimization than their peers who are not in foster care. This sexual abuse occurs before, during, and after their placement. Yet there is a dearth of qualitative research focused on the characteristics of the abuse and the disclosure experiences of youth in foster care. We aimed to understand potential barriers to disclosure for youth who were abused while in foster care. Our study used anonymous, archival data of 143 one-on-one chat sessions on the US based National Sexual Assault Online Hotline (NSAOH) with youth currently living in foster care who sought help for sexual abuse. Hotline staff summarized youth's disclosure experiences and barriers using an assessment that included open-ended responses. We used thematic analysis to code text segments. Youth in foster care most often discussed that the abuse was being perpetrated by a foster family member (66 %). Disclosure barriers included concerns for physical safety, not wanting to move placements, not trusting the system to keep them safe, and not wanting to disclose again after previously receiving a negative reaction to their disclosure. Youth in foster care who seek help for sexual abuse while in the foster care system have unique barriers to disclosure. This study underscores the need for more qualitative research with youth in foster care and includes safety recommendations and implications for training and education of those who work with youth in foster care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many companion kittens spend their sensitive period for socialization (∼2–9 weeks of age) in foster care, and the quality of these early life experiences can impact behavioural development. This study aimed to improve early kitten care by using an online survey to investigate risk factors for fear behaviour in foster kittens prior to adoption (7–9 weeks of age) based on early management practices, foster parent personality traits, and evaluations of kitten behaviour. The main behavioural outcomes of this study were whether kittens showed caregiver-reported fear behaviour during interactions with unfamiliar people and unfamiliar objects just prior to adoption. Fear behaviour included displays of avoidance, freezing, crouching, ears back, piloerection, and aggression. We analyzed the impacts of kitten (n=235) and foster parent (n=72) characteristics, exposure to social stimuli (i.e., general handling, mimicking handling during a vet visit, exposure to people), and exposure to non-social stimuli (e.g., interactive toys, scratching material, different surfaces, etc.) provided. Using mixed logistic regression models, with foster parent as a random intercept to account for clustering at the foster home level, we found that kittens who were reported fearful at intake into foster care had significantly greater odds of displaying fear behaviours towards unfamiliar people and unfamiliar objects than kittens who were not reported fearful at intake. Additionally, kittens who received exposure to cognitive enrichment-based non-social stimuli had greater odds of displaying fear towards people compared to kittens who did not receive cognitive exposure. Kittens whose foster parent had a high score for emotional stability had greater odds of displaying fear towards people compared to those who had a low score for emotional stability. Further, kittens who received high exposure to social stimuli had reduced odds of displaying fear towards people than kittens who received low social exposure, as predicted. Some of these findings challenge recommendations for high amounts of exposure to social and non-social stimuli during early socialization. High social exposure was ineffective at reducing fear levels towards unfamiliar objects, and high cognitive enrichment-based non-social exposure appears to have exceeded kitten limits for optimal behavioural development. While appropriate socialization is beneficial for development, the current study highlights the need for further research to understand the impact of different socialization practices on kitten behavioural development, and the importance of accurately identifying when kittens are fearful and adapting socialization practices appropriately. • Fear at the time of adoption is a welfare concern for foster kittens. • Being fearful at intake increased fear to unfamiliar people and objects at adoption age. • Exposure to social stimuli reduced fear towards people at adoption age. • Exposure to cognitive enrichment and foster parent personality increased fear. • This study challenges guidelines for high exposure during early socialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Results from a latent profile analysis indicated three subpopulations of foster parents. • Differences between groups were noted in scores on burnout, social support, training usefulness, and satisfaction. • Differences among group make-up were noted for foster parent race and youth behavioral problems. • Foster parent profiles showed significant differences in turnover and placement disruption risk. Foster parents serve a critical role in child welfare systems. However, foster parents express dissatisfaction in their roles as caregivers, thus impacting placement stability. Placement disruption has many negative impacts on foster youth including delayed permanency, increased behavioral symptoms, and negative educational outcomes. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, this survey study collected data from 362 foster parents in six states. Results from a latent profile analysis indicated a three-profile solution was found, representing three subpopulations of foster parents, subsequently named Resourceful , Strained , and Disadvantaged Foster Parents. Differences between groups on indicators were noted in scores on burnout, secondary-traumatic stress, social support, thoughts on training usefulness, and foster parent satisfaction. Added covariates showed significant differences among group make-up on foster youth behavioral issues, and foster parent race. Foster parent profiles were explored in relation to intention to turnover and disrupt current foster youth placement. There were significant differences across all profiles on turnover and placement disruption intent. These findings give insight into the training and support needs of foster parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We compared kinship and foster care on child, caregiver, and relational variables. • Kinship and foster caregivers completed a five-minute interview and questionnaires. • Unexpectedly, families in kinship and foster care fared similarly on many variables. • 61% of children in care displayed clinically significant mental health concerns. • More accessible, targeted support for kinship and foster families is needed. Internationally, there is an increasing preference to place children in kinship versus foster care. While research suggests that kinship care might promote better child mental health and placement stability than foster care, less is known about how these placement types compare on other factors of significance to family wellbeing in out-of-home care, including caregiver-child relationship quality and caregiver strain. We aimed to examine potential group differences on these outcomes in a sample of 101 kinship (N = 30), foster (N = 35), and birth (N = 36) caregivers of 7- to 16-year-olds in Australia. Caregivers completed measures on child mental health (behavioral and emotional adjustment, affect regulation), caregiver-child attachment, and caregiver strain, and a Five-Minute Speech Sample interview regarding their relational schemas (e.g., attitudes and feelings) about their child. Results showed that kinship and foster care families fared similarly on levels of child mental health, caregiver relational schemas, caregiver-child attachment, and caregiver strain. However, both groups displayed significantly more challenges in these domains than the birth family comparison sample. Sixty one percent of children in kinship and foster care experienced clinically significant mental health problems, yet many families–particularly kinship care families–had not received adequate professional supports for these challenges. Our findings suggest that families in kinship and foster care experience similar relational and mental health challenges, though they may require services tailored to their unique circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unaccompanied refugee children are highly susceptible to challenging living conditions, as they lack the presence of biological caregivers. This study addresses a critical gap in the existing literature, providing valuable insights into a vulnerable population that has been relatively understudied. Moreover, understanding the specific circumstances and difficulties faced by unaccompanied refugee children in Jordan can inform the development of more effective support systems and policies. This study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of unaccompanied refugee children in Jordan and shed light on their unique challenges and needs. Sixteen unaccompanied refugee children residing in Jordan were purposefully selected as participants for the study. They were selected based on accessibility and permission from the responsible entity. The limited number of participants (16) reflects the challenges associated with accessing this group and the need to prioritize their privacy and confidentiality. To achieve this goal, a qualitative research approach was employed. Semi-structured interviews were used as the data collection method in the study, allowing participants to share their experiences and perspectives in their own words. The collected data were analyzed using the inductive thematic analysis method. Steps were taken to prioritize the well-being and rights of the participants, including obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality, and providing psychosocial support when needed. The study revealed three primary forms of alternative care provided to unaccompanied refugee children in Jordan: foster families, supervised groups, and institutional care. These findings shed light on the challenges faced by children in each of these care settings. The research unveiled that these children often experience various forms of abuse and violations. Unaccompanied refugee children face numerous challenges and difficulties in destination countries. In light of the study's findings, several crucial recommendations emerge. First, there is an urgent need to strengthen the foster care system in Jordan while ensuring rigorous oversight to safeguard their rights. Moreover, policymakers should prioritize the provision of cost-free, high-quality healthcare and unhindered access to free education for these children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Foster family factors are important in the context of behavioral problems. • Research points to a positive association between parenting stress and (an increase in) behavioral problems.. • An association of parenting behavior and (changes in) behavioral problems was reported in several studies. Every year, a significant number of children are placed in family foster care. Although foster children are at risk of behavioral problems, it is not yet clear which factors contribute to this. The methodology of this review was based on the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were systematically searched. Reference lists from the articles retrieved were hand searched. Studies were included in this scoping review if they: (1) were published between January 2010 and August 2020, (2) were primary research including at least two quantitative variables (one of them being the behavioral problems of the foster child and/or the evolution of these behavioral problems), (3) included a sample of foster children who were under 18 years old, and (4) published in English or Dutch. This review provides an overview of the associated characteristics with internalizing, externalizing and total behavior problems and changes over time in these behavior problems. The results mainly point out the importance of foster family factors in the context of behavioral problems. The results point into the direction of a positive association between foster parental stress and (an increase in) behavioral problems in foster children and the association of parenting behavior and (changes in) behavioral problems. Monitoring parenting stress and the implementation of interventions aiming at optimalisation of parenting behavior can be used to help foster parents in raising foster children with behavioral problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many children in South Africa are orphaned or subjected to maltreatment, leaving them in need of care and protection. Foster care is one form of alternative care for such children. Retention of foster parents, or foster care placement stability, is one of the many challenges related to foster care, globally and in South Africa. This instability can have an adverse impact on children, and although some research speaks to the problem, the experiences of South African role players regarding this problem have not been documented, to date. To improve foster care retention in South Africa, local, contextualized studies exploring the drivers of foster care placement instability are required. The aim of this qualitative study was thus to explore designated social workers' (DSWs) and foster parents' experiences about the reasons prompting foster care transfers. A purposively selected sample of ten foster parents and ten DSWs in the Gauteng province of South Africa took part in the study. A descriptive qualitative study was adopted as basis for this study, which entailed thematic analysis of 20 semi-structured interviews. It was found that children's behavioural problems, a shortage of resources, a lack of parenting skills, problematic relationships between foster parents and foster children, and previous traumatic events, led to most foster care transfers. A key finding from this study, which appears not to be evident in previous studies, centres on the critical role played by money, or rather its absence, in contributing to foster care placement instability. When considered in conjunction with findings emerging from previous studies, our findings underscore the importance of obtaining a contextualized understanding of local, cultural factors at play in foster care delivery. To improve foster care retention in South Africa, which is fraught with challenges not yet reported elsewhere, it is recommended that screening procedures for foster parents be revised, and that allocation of resources to DSWs be prioritized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging literature suggests parents were under increased stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, fewer studies to date have examined the wellbeing of foster parents in this season. Miller et al.'s (2020) quantitative study recommended in-depth, qualitative study of the stressors faced by foster parents during COVID-19. Accordingly, this qualitative study sought to fill a gap in the literature regarding foster parents' lived experiences of foster parenting stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with n = 20 foster parents from across one Southern U.S. state between April and July 2021. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed utilizing Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis. Five themes emerged in the analysis: (1) Varied Descriptions of Fostering in a Pandemic; (2) Nowhere to Go; (3) COVID-Consciousness; (4) The Virtual Reality; and (5) Stress Relief. Eight total additional subthemes were recorded. All themes and subthemes were described with representative direct quotations from the data. Findings from this study demonstrated foster parents experienced both shared and unique parenting challenges during COVID-19. Three areas for further consideration and development in practice included improving online service delivery, strengthening guidance for online parent-child visitation, and enhancing support for foster parents of children with special needs. Developing social support and self-care practices should continue to be ongoing priorities for foster parents and foster parent-serving agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Trauma-informed training can increase caregivers' knowledge about the impact of traumatic experiences on foster children. • Trauma-informed training can increase caregivers' perceived self-efficacy related to parenting a traumatized child. • Community and peer support for foster caregivers may have a positive impact on foster caregiver and children outcomes. • Foster caregivers experience persistent challenges related to traversing the child welfare system. • Addressing systemic challenges is beyond the scope of many social support-based foster caregiver interventions. The Encompass program trains and supports foster, kinship, and pre-adoptive caregivers to recognize trauma in children, attend to foster children's behavioral health needs, and ease the stress of caregiving. We used a caregiver survey at two time points to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of the Encompass program on foster parent (n = 17) and child (n = 25) outcomes, and conducted qualitative interviews with caretakers (n = 15). We observed significant positive changes in caretakers' perceived knowledge about trauma, confidence in trauma-informed fostering, and use of external support care providers. Qualitative data suggest that participants found the Encompass program to be helpful and enjoyable, but that systemic issues in the child welfare system, which were beyond the scope of this program to impact, contribute to caregiver dissatisfaction and fostering difficulties. Findings suggest that Encompass has a positive impact on caregiver perceptions of knowledge about trauma and confidence in their capacity to provide trauma-informed foster care. Continued evaluation of the Encompass program using an experimental design will be informative about program impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has long been a shortage of homes for teenagers in foster care due in part to the reality that many people who foster choose not to foster teenagers. An understanding of factors that influence people's willingness to foster teenagers might support an increased supply of available homes for teenagers. Through this qualitative study, we explored why some foster parents are motivated to foster teenagers, what barriers prevent other foster parents from fostering teenagers, and whether there are effective strategies for foster parents to overcome barriers to fostering teenagers. The first author collected data through 19 semi-structured interviews with 16 foster parents and 6 foster care agency staff in Tennessee and used the constant-comparative method to analyze the data and allow grounded theory to emerge. Through this study, we found that people were motivated to foster teenagers by a combination of overarching motivators and teen-specific motivators. Overarching motivators, which influence people who do foster teenagers as well as those who do not, included making a difference and having a family. Financial compensation emerged as an overarching facilitator of fostering. Teen-specific motivators were both foster parent-oriented – ability, lifestyle, passion, preference, and satisfaction – and teenager-oriented – compassion and teenagers' progress. Key barriers to fostering teenagers were also foster parent-oriented – desire to raise children from a young age and preference – as well as teenager-oriented – bad experience, fear, and stereotyping. Strategies for foster parents to overcome barriers to fostering teenagers that emerged through this study were firsthand experience with teenagers in foster care, especially through respite care, and secondhand learning about things like trauma and youth's needs, and agencies are able to facilitate both types of strategies. These findings have implications for research, policy, and practice. • General motivations to foster do not alone explain the choice to foster teenagers. • People's willingness to foster teenagers is affected by teen-specific motivators. • There are specific barriers that deter people from fostering teenagers. • Certain strategies can help foster parents overcome barriers to fostering teenagers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This current systematic literature review aims to examine what is known about foster parents' needs, satisfaction and perceptions of foster parent training. A systematized search in relevant databases resulted in 13 publications, with mostly quantitative studies, originating from four countries. Research on foster parent training is scarce, and the satisfaction, needs and perceptions of foster parents were included as secondary outcomes in most of the reviewed studies. A synthesis of the results from the reviewed quantitative studies indicate high levels of user satisfaction, whereas qualitative findings indicate needs for more advanced training on parenting children with special needs, and more real life and flexible practice/training. In conclusion, more research is needed to increase the knowledge on prospective and current foster parents' perceptions of, and satisfaction with foster parent training, and their needs for training. • Major knowledge gaps on foster parents' perceptions/satisfaction with training • The review gives a basis for developing the training for foster parents • Online training platforms seems promising to strengthen and supplement the training • There is a need for more follow-up during the foster care placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children involved in the foster care system are at high risk for social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Foster and kinship caregivers need access to concrete, trauma-informed parenting strategies to effectively support the trauma-related needs of youth in their care. As technology enhancements effectively augment family-based interventions, the purpose of this study was to pilot a smartphone application (app) in the context of a trauma and behavior management-informed training for foster and kinship caregivers. Qualitative data were collected to develop and evaluate the smartphone app. Pre- and post-training data were collected from intervention (n = 20) and comparison (n = 25) groups. In order to bolster generalizability, the pilot lacked random assignment. Thus, the technology-enhanced program's effectiveness and feasibility were evaluated using the statistical approach of effect size estimates. Caregiver satisfaction with the program was evaluated using focus group interviews and consumer satisfaction data. Findings suggested the technology-enhanced program may have supported increases in parenting skills and self-efficacy, with mixed evidence regarding changes in child outcomes. Data also suggested caregivers believed the smartphone app aided in reinforcing program content. Future research replicating findings associated with this promising technology-enhanced training is necessary. • We piloted the feasibility of enhancing a resource caregiver training with an app. • The technology-enhanced caregiver training supported increases in parenting skills. • Caregivers believed the smartphone app was helpful and reinforced training content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper sets out to give a rounded view of the Irish foster care system as currently constituted. It will cover areas such as the law and policy framework, key data, key institutional actors, views of the system from the perspective of key stakeholders (care experienced adults and young people, foster carers and their children and the biological parents of children in foster care), and distinctive features of the Irish system. It will also offer a brief review of key influences that have helped shape the current system and Ireland's move from high use of institutional care to high rates of family placement. It will also consider challenges that still face policy and practice in the Irish foster care system. The paper takes a multi-disciplinary approach drawing on evidence from various perspectives including law, history and social policy. Offering the Irish case in this paper is not to claim or imply that the Irish system is fully developed or has resolved all its challenges. As will become clear, the argument here is that Ireland is an interesting case not because of any (erroneous) claim that it is the finished article as a foster care system. It is interesting because it is both a system that is still in development, and is also one that has already made the transition from a system dominated by residential care to one heavily reliant on family placement. Highlights • Ninety-two per cent of children in care in Ireland are placed in families (in both foster and kinship care) • This represents one of the highest family placement rates in care systems across the world • Previously the Irish care system relied heavily on institutional care like many Catholic countries • Ireland thus serves as an interesting case study of de-institutionalisation in a traditionally Catholic country • The paper offers a detailed overview of the current system of provisions for children in care in Ireland [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The majority of children in foster care 24 months or longer experience three or more placements. Children's behavior problems are a primary contributor to multiple moves, but little is known about how behavior problems and other stressors lead to disruptions. This study focused on foster parents' experiences of parenting a child at risk for moves using the determinants of parenting model (Belsky, 1984) to identify potential correlates of difficult parenting experiences and placement disruption. Objective To identify factors associated with difficult parenting experiences and placement disruption. Participants Foster parents (N = 139) caring for children age 8–14 in long term foster care with a history of two or more moves were randomly selected in a large Midwestern state in the U.S. Methods Participants completed a 90-minute telephone interview (86% response rate). Placement moves were tracked prospectively for two years. Parenting experiences and disruption were analyzed using multiple and logistic regression. Results Results support aspects of the determinants of parenting model. Behavior problems, children's risk to others, low support, and stress were significantly associated with more difficult parenting experiences (βs =.28,.22,.18,.19, respectively, p s <.05), and more difficult parenting experiences strongly predicted placement disruption (p <.01). Risk to others also predicted disruption before including parenting experiences, with this association becoming nonsignificant after including parenting experiences. Unexpectedly, African American foster parents had a higher risk for disruption, despite more positive parenting experiences. Conclusions These findings support attending to foster parents' parenting experiences, children's risk to others, social support and stress to better support placements of children at risk for disruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The current study examined the effectiveness of an online training program on parenting children's noncompliant behavior. Eighty-two resource parents (foster, adoptive, and kinship) were recruited through Foster Parent College—an online training website—and randomly assigned to a treatment or wait-list control group. Parents in the treatment group participated in an online interactive workshop on noncompliant child behavior. Online assessments occurred before and after a 1-week intervention, and again 3 months later. Group differences at posttest were significant for parents' reports of children's positive behavior and parent knowledge related to children's noncompliant behavior. Only parents in the treatment group showed significant improvement from pre- to posttest on several other outcome measures of parenting noncompliant behavior. Satisfaction with the online workshop at posttest was very high. Results at the 3-month follow-up assessment showed significant group differences only for parents' knowledge about children's noncompliant behavior. Feedback on the workshop remained positive, with treatment group parents indicating that they felt the workshop had beneficially impacted their parenting and their children's behavior. Highlights • Treatment group post scores were significantly higher than control for parent reports of children's positive behavior. • Treatment group post scores were significantly higher than control on parent knowledge about child noncompliance. • Treatment group improved significantly from pre- to posttest on several other measures of parenting noncompliant behavior. • Treatment group scores at 3-month follow-up were higher than control only for parent knowledge about child noncompliance. • Participant satisfaction with the online workshop at posttest was very high and feedback remained positive at follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Foster parents play a critical role in the lives of youth in foster care, experience myriad stressors, have high rates of turnover and in turn the child welfare system ultimately over relies on relatively small numbers of caregivers to care for the majority of foster children. While there is a small literature that includes an examination of how foster parents care for themselves and maintain their well-being, to date there is only one study that has primarily examined foster parents' self-care. The purpose of the current article is to highlight the need for greater attention to foster parent self-care and integrate the research literature about foster parent stressors and self-care to propose a conceptual model of foster parent self-care. This manuscript describes the stressors faced by foster parents to illustrate the need for greater attention to foster parent self-care. It then proposes a conceptual model that seeks to expand the notion of self-care beyond a set of practices to an understanding of self-care practices as the result of internal and external factors that contribute to or inhibit foster parent self-care. The authors make recommendations for foster parents, researchers and agencies interested in improving the health and well-being of foster parents. Highlights • There is a need for increased attention to foster parent self-care. • The article describes a conceptual model of foster parent self-care is presented to expand the notion of self-care beyond a set of health-related behaviors. • Recommendation: future studies should investigate the processes that contribute to successful foster parents successfully engaging in self-care. • Conclusions: Foster care agencies should take greater responsibility for supporting foster parent self-care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Given the multifarious challenges facing foster parents and the impact these challenges may have on caring for young people, it is imperative that researchers examine aspects of wellness among foster parents. This study explored the personal self-care practices of foster parents (N = 1271) in one southeastern state. Researchers utilized the Self-Care Practices Scale (SCPS) to explore the personal self-care practices of foster parents, as well as the relationships between demographic and foster parenting characteristics and self-care, respectively. Congruent with other research related to helping professionals, results from the current study indicate that foster parents engage in moderate amounts of self-care. In addition, analyses detected significant differences in personal self-care scores by gender, relationship status, health status, and current financial status. Significant predictors of self-care include gender, race, sexual orientation, employment status, health status, and current financial situation. Implications associated with training and support for foster parents are discussed. Highlights • This study explored the personal self-care practices of foster parents (N = 1271) in one southeastern state. • Results from the current study indicate that foster parents engage in moderate amounts of self-care. • Analyses detected significant differences in self-care scores by gender, relationship status, and so forth. • Significant predictors of self-care include gender, race, and sexual orientation, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Concept mapping was used to identify the needs of nonkinship foster parents from Caucasian ethnicity who care for unaccompanied refugee minors (URM) in Flanders (Dutch speaking part of Belgium). Nonkinship foster parents (n = 30) described their needs in response of the question: "What do you need to be a good foster parent for the unaccompanied refugee minor(s)?" Next, 50 unique responses were sorted by 15 foster mothers, and analyzed using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. Furthermore, foster mothers indicated the degree of importance of each statement. Fifty unique responses were grouped into eight clusters. In descending order of importance these clusters referred to parenting skills and a good fit of the URM into the foster family, good parenting conditions and personal skills, a tolerant society and information about options for reunification, support for the URM and certainty about the future, information on and open attitude for the background and friends of the URM, preparation of the URM and reassuring contacts with the biological family and others, support and fellow contacts for foster parents, and support from the context. Their needs resemble the needs of normal foster parents, with the exception of some specific needs, such as the preparation of URM for the placement, information about the options for reunification and certainty about the future, experienced foster care workers, specialized psychological support related to trauma, openness to and information about culture, religion and language. Highlights • Foster parents who care for unaccompanied refugee minors have specific needs. • Unaccompanied refugee minors should be well prepared for placement in foster care. • Placement success is associated with flexible cultural adaptation. • Specialized services are needed to support foster parents of unaccompanied minors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80–20 rule, is the observation that 20% of input (e.g., workers) produce 80% of the results. Consistent with this principle, previous research has identified a group (20%) of families, the Vital Few , who provide a disproportionate amount of foster care and are more willing to foster children with special needs. The ability to predict the emergence of these families has important implications for recruitment, support and placement stability, as well as longevity of foster families. This study replicated and extended previous research by conducting a follow-up study of 107 families (90% response rate) 17 years after pre-service training. Consistent with previous research we found a small proportion (10%) of families who provide a disproportionate amount of care in terms of length of service and number of children fostered, approved to foster, adopted, and removed at families' request. At the completion of pre-service training Vital Few families were more likely to have had previous foster parent experience and one or more children in their homes; mothers and fathers in the Vital Few were older, and fathers reported less education. Also, at pre-service training more Vital Few families said they would foster sibling groups (100 vs. 64%), but there were no other differences in terms of willingness to foster children with special needs. This study further validates the utility of the Pareto Principle for understanding foster families and, by extension, has important implications for the well-being and stability of foster children. Highlights • Prior research has identified the Vital Few , a subset of families (20%) who provide a disproportionate amount of foster care. • This study replicated and extended prior research with a follow-up of 107 families 17 years after pre-service training. • Vital Few families (10%) served longer, fostered and adopted more children, and requested fewer children to be removed. • Vital Few families were more likely to have previous foster parent experience and one or more children in their homes. • Vital Few families were more willing to foster sibling groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Measuring treatment parent satisfaction is an important area of interest for foster care programs to improve quality of services, or to meet demands from funders or program leadership. Treatment parent satisfaction is an important indicator of quality services due to its association with retention, placement stability, and permanency for youth. One way to effectively measure treatment parent satisfaction is to use a standardized assessment tool that can help guide areas for intervention as well as monitor improvements after changes have been made. The Treatment Foster Parent Satisfaction Survey (TFP-SS) was developed to measure treatment parent satisfaction through four constructs: Professional Parenting Role , Treatment Foster Parent Efficacy , Support from Staff , and Quality of Training. In order to increase utility of the survey and usefulness of results, we developed the Treatment Parent Satisfaction and Retention Learning Collaborative with 20 foster care organizations. We will provide evidence supported resources and innovative strategies shared during the learning collaborative. Foster care organizations also used the TFP-SS, and results were used to develop benchmarks for each domain. Lessons learned from implementing the learning collaborative and benchmarking initiative will also be discussed. Highlights • A learning collaborative used the Treatment Foster Parent-Satisfaction Survey. • Evidence-supported strategies to improve treatment parent satisfaction are reviewed. • Results from guided discussions with foster care organizations are provided. • Benchmarking results from 791 treatment parents who completed the TFP-SS are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Children who live in conditions of poverty are at high risk for developmental and emotional difficulties. This study compared the psychological distress of migrant workers in Israel and their children with the psychological distress of low socioeconomic Israeli mothers and their children. We hypothesized that migrant working mothers and their children would show higher levels of distress than Israeli mothers and their children, and that single mothers and their children would show higher levels of distress than married mothers and their children. Three hundred and twenty-three mothers aged 25–59 and their children aged 6–12 participated in the study. One hundred and sixty-seven mothers were migrant workers, mostly from the Philippines, and 156 were Israeli working mothers of low socioeconomic status. One hundred and fifty-seven of the mothers were married and 143 were single. The mothers completed a measure of psychological distress and measures of their children's behavioral problems, psychological functioning, and satisfaction with life. The children completed measures of negative life events, subjective competence and psychological functioning. Overall, hypotheses were confirmed for children but not mothers, although migrant mothers reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than Israeli mothers. Levels of psychological distress were similar in single versus married mothers. In contrast, children whose mothers were migrant workers or single working mothers were at significantly higher psychological risk than children of Israeli mothers or married mothers respectively. This study contributes to an understanding of problem domains that should be addressed in welfare, and points to the need for psychological interventions for migrant and single-mother families that foster positive mother-child communication and interaction. Highlights • Risk for depression is greater in migrant than in non-migrant mothers. • Levels of psychological distress are similar in single and married working mothers. • Children of migrant workers in Israel are more distressed than local children. • Children of single mothers are more distressed than children of married mothers. • Psychological interventions for migrant and single-mother families are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract With the rising numbers of children in need of out-of-home care, child protection services look to foster and kin carers to play a leading role in the lives of children unable to live with their birth families. The current study examined placement, carer, and child characteristics related to perceived foster parent stress in a sample of 158 foster and kin carers in Queensland, Australia. Carers completed a self-report online survey that assessed parenting stress, and carer perceptions of the child in their care and the child protection system. Overall, foster carers reported high stress, with 20% in the clinical range on the Parenting Stress Index (PSI-4-SF). This stress was significantly higher for those providing care for children with carer-reported high emotional and behavioural problems. Both foster carer stress and the child's emotional and behavioural challenges were significantly related to placement factors, such as, the length of time the child had been in their current placement, and the child protection court order under which the child had been placed. The findings of the study highlight the challenges to caregivers in out-of-home care and the need for individualised services, resources and supports for caregivers under stress. Highlights • The perspective of foster and kin carers offers an avenue to understand the challenges of providing out-of-home care. • The study explored foster parent's perception of stress and mental health in 158 Australian foster and kin carers. • The carer's report of emotional and behavioural problems of the child was the strongest predictor of carer stress. • Foster parent stress and the child's reported emotional and behavioral problems were related to the context of the placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Foster parents play a critical role as adults responsible for the wellbeing of children who find themselves in care of the state. However, foster parent perspectives are often absent from policymaking and in court proceedings. The literature suggests that there are several barriers to foster parent engagement, including difficulties navigating a complex and often disorganized system. This exploratory focus group study examines foster parent perspectives on what facilitates and impedes their engagement in child welfare court processes. Findings from six focus groups held in diverse areas of Maryland with a total of 57 participants indicate that foster parents are often unsure of when and how to participate in the wake of scheduling and notification difficulties, and some sensed that their presence and participation may be unwelcome. Courthouse and courtroom environments add to their own and their foster children's stress and confusion. Others provided examples of interactions with child welfare personnel and judges that put them at ease and facilitated their participation. We recommend logistical and environmental modifications to enhance foster parent engagement, including flexible scheduling and the creation of child-friendly waiting spaces. We also recommend policy changes to enhance input from foster parents regarding their experiences with the courts. Highlights • Foster parents believe court engagement is crucial to keep abreast of cases and support children. • Despite mandates to allow participation, foster parents face barriers to engagement. • Logistical hurdles include faulty notification and long wait times. • Confusing, chaotic, and unwelcoming court environments deter engagement. • Practices that engage foster parents are also beneficial to foster children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In recent years, the study of parental sense of competence has become increasingly relevant in the field of family intervention. However, despite the importance of the protective task carried out by foster carers, research into parental competences is still scarce among non-kin foster families. The main purpose of this paper is to explore non-kin foster carers' sense of parental competence and analyze its determinants and predictors in non-kin foster families. The sample comprised 48 Spanish non-kin foster families and the children in their care. The results indicate that non-kin foster carers perceive themselves as highly competent and moderately efficient, and feel very satisfied with their parental role. Variables related to parental competence were identified among the characteristics of non-kin foster carers, foster children and some circumstances related to the way the foster care was constituted. The regression analysis identified the predictors of parental sense of competence, role satisfaction and perceived effectiveness among non-kin foster carers. The regression data identified carers' responsiveness, children's behavioral problems, and evolution during foster placement as the main determinants of parental sense of competence in the non-kin foster families in our study. In addition to opening up new perspectives in fostering research, in terms of intervention, the results reported here will also help improve and adapt the support and professional advice given to non-kin foster families. Highlights • Non-kin foster carers' perception of parental competence and satisfaction are high, and their perceived efficacy moderate • The way the foster care was constituted is related to carers' sense of competence • Characteristics of non-kin carers and foster children are associated to parental sense of competence in carers • Carer's responsiveness and children's problems and evolution predict parental sense of competence in non-kin foster carers • Improve and adapt the support and professional advice given to non-kin carers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The numbers of unaccompanied children immigrating to the U.S. from Central America have increased drastically in recent years, and as many as 35% are eventually placed in long term foster care (LTFC) while in the custody of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). Yet, the research literature has been largely silent on the unique needs of these children while in care, or how practitioners can best respond to these needs. Drawing data from 22 focus groups with professionals and foster parents (n = 79) in two large organizations serving unaccompanied children in LTFC, the current qualitative study is designed to address these gaps. Analysis of data followed a grounded theory approach of open and axial coding to develop themes. The most pressing needs of children in care include securing appropriate and stable foster placements for youth; promoting connections in the community; ensuring adequate education and independent living skills; difficulties with acculturation; trauma and mental health issues; and issues related to legal status. Current strategies to address these issues include supporting culturally competent foster placements; providing English-language training; promoting relationships in the community such as mentors; and providing health and health-related services. Future research and practice should include a specific focus on those youth most marginalized in the education system, particularly those who lack language skills and formal education. The provision of culturally appropriate, trauma-informed care is needed in practice, as is the need to establish culturally valid trauma assessments. More work could be done to sensitize communities to the unique needs and strengths of unaccompanied youth as they integrate into U.S. society. For these children, a sense of permanency will likely entail building strong relationships in their local community that can help sustain them when they leave foster care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a community based participatory research project, which adopted a photovoice approach with seven unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) living in foster care in the United Kingdom. The project also included a focus group with six foster carers to explore their perceptions of caring for UASCs. At the end of the focus group we then shared the young people's images from the photovoice project. The purpose of this was to better inform the carers understanding of this group's needs and the reality of their lived experiences, to see if this would have any impact on their perceptions or willingness to offer these children a placement in the future. The young people then developed the photographs into posters, which were shown at community events and exhibited in community spaces during refugee week. Findings from the focus group show that some of these carers had anxieties and held misconceptions around caring for UASCs. This highlights the need for practitioners to engage in open conversations with foster carers, to discuss their perceptions and challenge any misconceptions. Furthermore, the project identified that some of these carers were concerned about being able to meet the cultural needs of the young people. Foster carers also seemed unaware of the available support in place to help with this. Therefore, it would be beneficial for foster care services and practitioners to ensure that carers are fully informed of the support and training available to them to assist in meeting UASCs cultural, religious and linguistic needs. The project also presents important lessons for researchers committed to finding ways to engage UASCs meaningfully in the research process. The action orientated approach of photovoice led to a wide range of public engagement activities, that allowed us to show important aspects of the young people's lived realities growing up in foster care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arrival of unaccompanied migrant minors in Italy continues to increase. This phenomenon is complex with regard to both the quantity of minors to care for and the fragility, emotional stress and vulnerability of these children. Most of these minors are placed in residential care communities, which represent the classical model of intervention for Italian out-of-home children, but new projects are being developed to create new intervention models in order to improve the care of unaccompanied migrant minors. The present research aimed to describe and compare three new second-level intervention models in Italy. This work used a case study method through secondary data and individual interviews conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire with key informants (projects representatives, social workers, educators, volunteer guardians, and foster mothers). This article contributes to the growth of the literature, and it can provide interesting suggestions for new intervention models regarding the care of unaccompanied migrant minors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examined whether children in foster care have better cognitive and social-emotional outcomes at kindergarten age when they enroll in formal center-based care and when they receive positive parenting practices at home. Two primary questions were addressed: (1) Do children in foster care who attended formal center-based care (including Head Start) have higher cognitive and socio-emotional outcomes than children in foster care who did not attend formal center-based care? (2) Does positive parenting practice promote better cognitive and socio-emotional outcomes? Based on the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-K: 2011 data, 299 children in foster care were selected. Regression analyses were conducted on children's cognitive and social-emotional scores by types of children's childcare arrangements (formal vs informal care) and positive parenting practices. Active parental involvement was measured based on how frequently parents read books with their children, and authoritarian parenting discipline was measured based on whether parents spanked their children. Children in foster care who enrolled in formal center-based childcare at pre-school age have higher cognitive and socio-emotional scores at kindergarten age. Positive parenting practice also promotes children's outcomes. Children in foster care who are both enrolled in formal center-based care and experience positive parenting practice had the most positive outcomes. Conclusions. Parents raising children in foster care should be informed about the positive impacts of certain parenting practices on their children. Foster parents should be connected to available community resources, including formal-center-based preschool programs and required to continuously attend parenting classes to sustain positive impact of parenting practice on foster children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Foster parents' adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) related to adult attachment anxiety and avoidance. • Foster parents' number of ACEs related to attachment avoidance. Emotional abuse related to attachment anxiety. • Foster parents' ACEs related to higher levels of parenting stress. Parental distress related to sexual abuse. • Foster parents' attachment anxiety related to parental distress and defensive responding. Connections between parents' trauma histories, adult attachment, and parenting stress are well established; those who have experienced trauma are more likely to have higher levels of insecure attachment (Jacobvitz & Reisz, 2019) and are more vulnerable to parenting stress (Steele et al., 2016) These processes in foster parents are understudied, even though they care for vulnerable children. This study examined relations between foster parents adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), adult attachment, and parenting stress. This is important to address because foster parents care for vulnerable children who can present unique stressors to caregivers. Examine links between ACEs, adult attachment, and parenting stress in foster parents. Participants were 55 foster parents from central Texas, US, recruited from a larger RCT study. Participants completed the ACEs questionnaire, Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire, and Parenting Stress Inventory. Foster parents who reported higher total ACEs were more likely to report higher levels of attachment avoidance and higher levels of overall parenting stress. Foster parents who reported experiencing childhood emotional abuse reported higher levels of attachment anxiety. Those who reported experiencing childhood sexual abuse reported higher levels of parental distress. Lastly, those who reported higher levels of attachment anxiety reported higher levels of parental distress and defensive responding. ACEs are an important factor for foster parents, particularly for parenting stress. It is crucial that appropriate support is provided to help foster parents manage parenting stress and provide optimal care for their foster children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pediatric medical home (PMH) models are well received by foster parents. • Generally, parents reported positive experiences and strong engagement in services. • PMH's should partner with child welfare agencies to best meet family needs. • Continuity of care and training in child welfare and trauma were highly valued. Children in foster care demonstrate higher rates of physical health difficulties and lower rates of engagement in preventative health services than the general population. This pattern places foster youth at heightened risk for long-term health complications in adolescence and adulthood. Interventions for children in foster care are needed to decrease barriers to health services, increase continuity of care, and ameliorate negative long-term outcomes. Pediatric Medical Home (PMH) models may be a viable solution, but little guidance exists on the adaptation of these models for vulnerable youth. The current project utilized a qualitative approach to evaluate the perceived utility of PMHs as a health care delivery system for youth in foster care. Method: Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 parents of children in foster care who had received PMH services within the past year. Qualitative themes demonstrated overall positive perceptions of the PMH model, with numerous advantages related to foster-care specialization that sustained caregiver engagement. Participant themes aligned with several of the major characteristics of PMHs, most specifically with continuity of care, and highlighted additional needs specific to families with child welfare involvement. Findings address the utility of medical homes for parents and youth with child welfare involvement and can inform future efforts on enhancing interprofessional health interventions for children with histories of maltreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Qualitative Interpretive meta-Synthesis (QIMS) is a useful analytical strategy. • Promoting respect for and inclusion of foster parents may help mitigate their stress. • Supportive resources are needed for children in care and foster families alike. • Foster parent stress has many layers beyond child behavior challenges. • Tension between the care needs of foster and biological children deserves inquiry. Foster parents provide invaluable care for just under half of the almost 400,000 U.S. children in foster care due to experiences of child maltreatment. Indeed, while many of these children present with various physical or mental health needs because of the complex, often interpersonal traumas they have experienced, some scholars say healthy relationships are a key pillar in healing. The breadth and depth of foster parents' roles make their wellbeing a key consideration in the wellbeing of the child welfare apparatus itself. Existing literature details a variety of sources of foster parent stress, noting in particular the impact of foster child behavior. However, it seems much more could be gleaned about the nuances of foster parent stress with a more holistic inquiry. The present study aimed to answer the question, "What do foster parents tell us about their greatest points of stress in the foster care system?" Utilizing a Qualitative Interpretive meta-Synthesis (QIMS) research design, the authors synthesized 21 previously published qualitative research articles conducted across the U.S. with a broad sample of 572 foster parent responses. Four primary themes emerged from the analysis, including (1) fighting for respect and inclusion; (2) feeling unsupported; (3) missing information; and (4) parenting stress. Additional subthemes yielded even greater insight into the experience of foster parent stress. Notably, foster parent stress appears to be impacted by interpersonal dynamics with caseworkers, lack of supportive resources, and tension between the respective needs of their children. Implications for child welfare policy, practice, and training are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Signs of Safety (SoS) approach has been designed as a tool for professionals to support families and children referred to child protection services, aiming to prevent child maltreatment in early stages. The current study was conducted to give in-depth information on how the SoS-approach is applied to foster parental empowerment and build a cooperative partnership, and to examine the effectiveness of SoS in terms of reducing the risk of child maltreatment and increasing parental empowerment. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seven SoS-workers. Quantitative questionnaire data from parents and social workers of 20 families receiving SoS and 20 families receiving care as usual were compared. Families were matched using propensity score matching. The interviews demonstrated that a cooperative partnership between social workers and parents was considered to be a prerequisite to establishing parental empowerment, and that the emphasis on parental empowerment contributed positively to a cooperative partnership between SoS-workers and parents. Quantitative results suggested that three months after a care plan had been made, SoS did not outperform regular care in reducing the risk of child maltreatment and increasing parental empowerment. Overall, parental empowerment was, at trend level, associated with a reduction in the risk of child maltreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trauma exposure is pervasive among children living in foster care, and yet most resource parents (foster parents and kinship caregivers), child welfare staff, and others in the child welfare system are not adequately prepared to recognize and respond effectively when children exhibit trauma symptoms. Trauma-systems Therapy-Foster Care (TST-FC) is a systemwide model of trauma-informed care focused on meeting the emotional needs of children in foster care who have experienced traumatic events. This study evaluated the implementation of TST-FC in two state child welfare agencies that included training for staff ( n  = 123) and resource parents ( n  = 111). Study findings show training participants had positive perceptions of TST-FC and found it useful. TST-FC also was associated with significant increases in trauma-informed parenting and tolerance of children's misbehavior by resource parents, as well as more trauma-informed policies and practices in the child welfare agencies. Training participants reported that TST-FC provided useful tools and a common language about trauma that enhanced their capacity to collaborate with one another and manage children's difficult behavior. An exploratory study of resource home retention and children's placement stability revealed fewer foster home closures and placement disruptions when resource parents were trained in TST-FC compared to homes not trained in the model. The results of this study suggest that TST-FC is a promising model for increasing the capacity of child welfare agencies to provide trauma-informed care to children and families in the foster care system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many foster parents are challenged by the social-emotional consequences of children in foster care who have experienced childhood trauma. In this project, we provided foster parents with a trauma-informed, evidence-based parenting program (Incredible Years; IY) and assessed its impact on child behavior, foster parent stress and attitudes, and perceived effect on parenting. Foster parents of children aged 2–7 yrs. were randomly assigned to IY intervention or control groups. We assessed pre-post child behavior, parenting stress, and parental attitudes. A subset of intervention foster parents completed post-intervention focus groups and in-depth interviews. Main themes from qualitative data (3 focus groups; 5 interviews; total n = 12) revealed that IY foster parents perceived changes in their parenting that they attributed to the peer support, new perspectives on the value of play, and specific tools that enhanced parenting skills. These parenting skills improved family relations and were sustained over time. Quantitative data, however, did not as strongly support program effectiveness. Between the IY (n = 16) and control (n = 17) groups, foster parents were less likely to perceive their foster child in need of mental health treatment (p = 0.002), and changed their perception of their child's role in the family (p = 0.03). No between group differences were found for measures of child behavior or parent stress. Overall, these results suggest that trauma-informed IY for foster parents may provide unique peer support and increased confidence needed to implement strategies that can improve intra-family relations. Further research is needed to verify whether and how these relations are improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foster caregiver couples may experience a variety of stressors that non-foster caregiver couples typically do not encounter, (e.g., caring for a child with a traumatic background, additional financial strain). These challenges can increase their parenting stress, possibly leading to struggles with parenting and other relationships in the home, such as the coparenting relationship. However, having formal and informal support systems in place as a buffer for parenting stress have been found to be associated with positive foster caregiving experiences. The current study examines the relationship between foster mothers' parenting stress and coparenting relationship quality, and the moderating influence of foster caregiver role support. Based on data collected from 59 married, female, foster caregivers, results indicate that perceiving helpful support from both formal and informal support systems may act as a buffer by mitigating the harmful effects of parenting stress on the coparenting relationship. Implications for services to promote foster caregiver support, well-being, and placement stability are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 435,000 children reside in foster care in the United States, and despite the high number of children whom need homes, only a fraction of the entire pool of foster parents care for the majority of foster children. Furthermore, about half of foster parents quit within one year of receiving placements. Research has demonstrated that a lack of appropriate foster homes is linked to placement instability and adverse effects on children's overall health and well-being. It is imperative to improve foster parent retention to enhance the well-being of children living in foster care. The current study examined how to best facilitate a healthier professional relationship between case managers and foster families with the goal of identifying concrete ways to improve the relationship and drive foster parent retention. Data were collected via in-depth, qualitative interviews to identify characteristics of the relationship with case workers that are most valuable to foster mothers. Six themes emerged in our study that reflects the importance of quality, timely communication on foster mother/case manager relationship satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recruitment and retention of foster parents, as well as the potential for disruption and dissolution of adoptions, pose significant problems for child welfare systems and the well-being of children they serve. Parent satisfaction and commitment are two important constructs that have shown bearing on these outcomes for both foster and adoptive parents. Parents who identified as foster only (n = 155), adoptive only (n = 195), or foster and adoptive (n = 60) in one northeastern state were asked about their satisfaction and commitment to the children they cared for through a cross-sectional survey. Results indicated that satisfaction and commitment were significantly higher in parents who identified as adoptive, as well as those who identified as foster and adoptive, versus those who identified as foster only. No statistically significant differences in the variables were found between the adoptive only and foster and adoptive groups. Findings highlight the potential importance of strategies to help support foster parents and the need for more research in this critical area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children in foster care are often characterized by low academic outcomes which negatively impact their later lives. School engagement may be a key element to promote their academic and educational outcomes. However, little is known about the development of school engagement in foster children and longitudinal studies are lacking. The current study reports the findings of a three-wave longitudinal study wherein we examined the development of school engagement and analyzed which factors were predictive of school engagement in a sample of 363 Dutch foster children (age range 5–18 years, 46.6% girls). Multilevel analyses showed that characteristics related to demographics, school functioning, foster children, and foster families predicted levels of school engagement of children in foster care. Foster children's behavioral functioning and foster parents’ positive parenting appeared to be characteristics important to consider in screening and interventions. Based on the findings we suggest that teachers and foster care professionals should collaborate to ensure that school engagement and consequently school functioning becomes part of foster children's personal development plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives A growing population of children has chronic critical illness (CCI), defined as children with complex and chronic medical conditions who require repeated and prolonged ICU hospitalizations. Some of these children are unable to be cared for by their parents and are placed in medical foster care (MFC). We sought to better understand the potential strengths and challenges of MFC as a placement setting for children with CCI. Methods As part of a larger study exploring barriers to care for children with CCI, we conducted semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals (inpatient; outpatient; home care; foster care) with extensive CCI experience. The subset of questions related to MFC was included in this analysis. Participants were recruited from 5 metropolitan areas across the US. Results Content analysis of 44 participant transcripts revealed the following themes: 1) why CCI children enter MFC; 2) transition from hospital into MFC; 3) potential strengths and 4) potential challenges of MFC for CCI children. Complicated hospitalizations commonly precede entrance into MFC for children with CCI, a transition complicated by delays in identifying need for MFC, limited MFC availability, and discharge training of foster parents. MFC strengths included quality MFC caregivers, MFC system supports, and a home environment. Challenges included separation from biological family, fragmented medical care, decision-making, variable quality, and transitioning out of MFC. Conclusion The advantages of MFC for CCI children can be potentially improved through intentional child welfare and health care system collaboration, protocols for hospital-to-MFC transitions, consistent medical homes, alternative medical decision-making policies, greater MFC availability, and broader biological family supports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Germany, almost 70 000 children are living in foster families (Statistisches Bundesamt, 2016). Many foster children show mental health problems as they were exposed to an accumulation of risk factors. Hence, foster parents are often faced with challenging parenting situations. The current study focuses on the predictors of foster parents’ stress and examines longitudinally whether parenting stress is associated with foster parents’ sensitivity. The sample consisted of 55 children (aged from 1 to 6 years) and their foster caregivers. Foster parents’ sensitivity was observed during home visits. Caregiver reports were used to assess parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index) as well as foster children’s externalizing behavior problems (Child Behavior Checklist). For main caregivers’ stress at the beginning of placement, regression analyses revealed both, foster children’s externalizing problems as well as partners’ stress as predictive. For main caregivers’ stress one year after, only initial parenting stress and partners’ stress were predictive. Foster parents’ sensitivity was correlated with their parenting stress one year after placement. Regression analyses revealed no longitudinal effects of initial parenting stress on overall sensitivity. However, supportive presence was predicted by initial supportive presence and by the interaction between parenting stress and children’s externalizing problems at placement. The findings highlight the role of the partner in experiencing parenting stress when taking care of a foster child. Furthermore, they emphasize that foster parents who care for children with behavior problems need adequate support that can buffer initial parenting stress and thereby promote sensitive caregiving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotional investment may be defined as a willingness to accept and become committed to a child, and being aware of influencing the child's development. Research in this field is limited, and has shown that commitment in particular is associated with foster children's socio-emotional functioning. Our aim was therefore to investigate 60 foster parents' acceptance, commitment and awareness of influence to their early placed foster children at 2 years, as well as to investigate the association between these three concepts and the foster children's social-emotional functioning (externalizing, internalizing, dysregulation and competence) at 2 (T1) and 3 (T2) years of age. The caregivers were interviewed with “This is My Baby”, and completed the questionnaire “Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment”. Results showed that on average the foster parents were rated quite high on emotional investment. Linear regressions, including one predictor and one outcome variable, revealed associations between emotional investment and foster children's socio-emotional functioning. Moreover, in regressions including all three predictors, commitment significantly negatively predicted externalizing behavior in the foster children at T1, while acceptance significantly negatively predicted dysregulation at T2. Lastly, among others for externalizing, the coefficient of commitment was significantly higher at T1 than at T2. Our results indicate a possible short-term influence of commitment on externalizing- and a possible long-term influence of acceptance on dysregulation behavior in foster children. We will therefore highlight the clinical importance of emotional investment in foster care, in order to help the young foster child towards a healthy social-emotional functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Being a foster parent is stressful. It becomes even more stressful when foster parents face major threats to their own families and to the foster children in their care, such as during war situations. This study focuses on foster parents' reactions to the war with Gaza in southern Israel that took place in 2014. The first goal of this study was to describe posttraumatic symptoms (PTS) and problems in functioning among foster parents following their exposure to the war. The second goal was to identify background and social support predictors of PTS and functioning problems among these parents. The third goal was to examine the role of formal and informal support received by the parents as a moderator of the association between exposure to war events and PTS and problems in functioning. Methods Participants were 354 Israeli foster parents who were exposed to the war. Participants completed structured instruments of exposure to war events, PTS, functioning, and social support. Results Exposure to war events was associated with PTS and related functioning problems. Education and religiosity were correlated with PTS and problems in functioning. Contrary to our hypothesis, more formal social support was associated with more PTS. Social support did not moderate the association between exposure to war events and PTS. Discussion The unexpected positive correlation between support and PTS was interpreted as either reflecting the fact that foster care agencies targeted foster parents who were most in need, or as a reflection of the inadequacy of the support they received. The findings indicate that foster parents need support during times of major stressful events such as natural disasters and wars, so that they will be able to help the children in their care. Specialized professional training for foster care workers needs to be implemented. Future longitudinal and mix-methods studies are suggested to help address the limitations of the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]