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Evaluation of Foster Carer Training in Wales

This study examines the training provided to foster carers in Wales, considering its content, decision-making process, evidence base, and evaluation. The research aims to improve training and support for foster carers to enhance placements and outcomes.

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Evaluation of Foster Carer Training in Wales

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  1. Evaluation of the Provision of Foster Carer Training Across Wales Kate Ogilvie

  2. Introduction • Joined The Centre for Evidence Based Early Intervention September 2018 • Co-funded by KESS2 and the Children’s Early Intervention Trust (CEIT). • Looking at the training provided to Foster Carers Across Wales • Supervisors: Professor Judy Hutchings, Professor Jane Noyes

  3. 31st March 2018 6,407 Children Placed in Local Authority Care Increase of 464 from 2017 4,715 Placed in Foster Care (74%) Increase of 305 from 2017

  4. Damaged and Vulnerable Children • Adverse life events (Golding 2008) • Poorer physical health (Halfon et al. 1995) • Higher prevalence of learning and language difficulties (Crawford 2006) • Mental health problems (Tarren-Sweeney 2008) • Behavioural problems (Oosterman et al 2007)

  5. Foster Carers • Local Authorities unable to meet demand within their own resources (Sellick 2007 & 2011) • Difficulties in Recruitment and Retention (Randle 2017) • Children's problems above and beyond foster carers experience and expertise (Clarke 2010) • Stress has a negative effect on normal parenting styles (Vanschoonlandt 2013) • Need for training and knowledge

  6. Research Findings • Foster Carers who are well trained and supported are more likely to express satisfaction with their role and to continue fostering (Denby 1999). • More secure placements • Fewer breakdowns • Better outcomes for the children and young people • Currently no recommended training path for Foster Carers within Wales

  7. Our Research Objects • What is included in the training that foster carers are offered • On what basis are decisions made regarding what training is commissioned for whom • To what extent training is evidence based or evidence informed • How it is evaluated

  8. Method • 22 Local Authorities • 28 Independent Foster Care Agencies • Quantitative survey • Additional open ended question • Conducted via telephone interviews • Use data and information from 2018/19

  9. Early Days • Ethics Approval • Stakeholders identified • Permissions being sought from Agencies • Interview dates booked

  10. ……..we’re on our way..

  11. References • Clarke, H. 2010. Bursting at the Seams; Impact on Fostering Services of the Rise of Children Going into Care 2009–2010. The fostering network. Accessed May 16, 2012. http://www.fostering.net/resources/reports/bursting-seams-impact-fostering-services-risechildren-going-care-2009-2010 • Crawford, R. (2006). Health as a meaningful social practice. Health, 10(4), 401–420. • Denby, R. W., Rindfleisch, N., & Bean, G. (1999). Predictors of foster parent’s satisfaction and intent to continue to foster. Child Abuse & Neglect, 23, 287–303 • Golding, K. (2008). Nurturing Attachments; Supporting Children who are Fostered or Adopted. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. • Halfon N, Mendonca A, Berkowitz G. (1995) Health Status of Children in Foster Care: The Experience of the Centre for the Vulnerable Child. Arch Paediatric Adolescence Medical. 1995;149(4):386–392. • Oosterman, M., Schuengel, C., Slot, W., Bullens, R. & Doreleijers, T. (2007) Disruptions in foster care: a review and meta‐analysis. Children and Youth Services Review, 29, 53–76. • Randle,M., Ernst,D., Leisch,F. & Sara Dolnica, S. (2017) What makes foster carers think about quitting? Recommendations for improved retention of foster carers. Child and Family Social Work 22, pp 1175–1186 • Rodger, S., Cummings, A., & Leschied, A. W. (2006). Who is caring for our most vulnerable children? The motivation to foster in child welfare. Child Abuse and Neglect, 30, 1129–1142. • Sellick, C. 2007. “Towards a Mixed Economy of Foster Care Provision.” Social Work and Social Science Review 13 (1): 25-40 • Sellick, C. 2011. “Commissioning Permanent Fostering Placements from External Providers: An Exploration of Current Policy and Practice.” British Journal of Social Work 41(3): 449–466. • Tarren-Sweeney M. (2008) The mental health of children in out-of home care. Current Opinion Psychiatry. 21(4): 345-349. • Vanschoonlandt, F., Vanderfaeillie, J. Van Holen, F. De Maeyer, S. & Robberechts, M. (2013) Parenting stress and parenting behavior among foster mothers of foster children with externalizing problems. Children and Youth Services Review 35, 1742–1750

  12. Diolch Thank you

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