Evaluation of an attachment theory based parenting programme for adoptive parents and foster carers

Abstract

The review examined the efficacy of parenting group programmes for foster and adoptive parents at improving the attachment relationships of fostered / adopted children. The reviewed evaluations of the programmes’ efficacy were mostly of a low methodological quality. The quality of the evidence base is currently considered too limited to make conclusions regarding the programmes’ efficacy.

An evaluation of the efficacy of the ‘Fostering Attachments’ programme for foster and adoptive parents is reported. Twenty-five carers / parents were allocated to one of two groups which attended the programme, one of which remained on a waiting-list for six months before the programme. Participants were assessed pre-, post-, and eight months following invention and over the waiting-list period.

Outcome variables included: children’s emotional and behavioural difficulties and relational security; placement stability; carers’ stress levels, mind-mindedness, sense of self-efficacy, competence and confidence in their parenting.

Carers’ sense of competence and confidence improved immediately and eight months following intervention. Sense of self-efficacy improved eight months following, but not immediately post-intervention. In conclusion, the intervention appears affective at improving carers’ sense of competence and confidence, but not at improving the other outcome variables considered. Confidence in this conclusion is moderated by the methodological limitations.