Exploring Language Development Support for Foster Children: A Scoping Review of Interventions for Foster Care...

Area of Science:

• Child Development
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Foster Care Research

Background:

• Children in foster care face higher risks of language delays and disorders.
• Foster parents are crucial in early language development prevention.
• Early intervention is key for children in foster care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore empirical studies on foster parent training programs for children under 5.
• To identify intervention strategies and targeted outcomes in existing programs.
• To assess the focus on language development within these training programs.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review utilizing PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searched multiple databases for relevant empirical studies.
• Coded studies for training methods, intervention strategies, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• 24 studies were identified and reviewed.
• Interventions primarily focused on parent-child relationships and behavior, not language.
• Few programs offered practice opportunities for parents.
• Only two studies reported language-focused outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Existing foster parent training programs seldom target early language development.
• There is a significant need for research on language interventions for foster parents.
• Speech-language pathologists can play a vital role in preventing language delays in foster children.