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Published on: September 22, 2023

A promising parenting intervention in foster care

L Oriana Linares1, Daniela Montalto1, MinMin Li1

  • 1New York University Child Study Center.

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|March 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

This study shows that a joint parenting program significantly improved parenting skills and co-parenting for biological and foster parents. The intervention led to sustained positive parenting and fewer child behavior problems.

Area of Science:

  • Child and family psychology
  • Social work in child welfare
  • Intervention research

Background:

  • Parenting interventions are crucial for children in foster care.
  • Co-parenting dynamics significantly impact child outcomes.
  • Biological and foster parents require tailored support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess a 2-component intervention for biological and foster parent pairs.
  • To enhance parenting practices, co-parenting, and reduce child externalizing problems.
  • To evaluate the intervention's effectiveness in a foster care context.

Main Methods:

  • 128 biological and foster parent pairs participated.
  • Random assignment to a 12-week intervention or usual care.
  • Intervention included a parenting course and co-parenting component.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements in positive parenting and co-parenting observed.
  • Sustained gains in positive parenting and clear expectations at follow-up.
  • A trend towards reduced child externalizing problems in the intervention group.

Conclusions:

  • Joint parenting training is feasible and effective for foster care families.
  • The co-parenting construct is applicable and responsive to intervention in foster care.
  • The intervention shows promise for improving family functioning and child well-being.

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