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Effects of a Foster Parent Training Intervention on Child Behavior, Caregiver Stress, and Parenting Style

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Abstract

Findings from Maryland KEEP, a replication of KEEP (keeping foster and kinship parents trained and supported), a foster and kinship parent training intervention are presented. The purposes of this study were to evaluate child behavior change, changes in caregiver parenting style, and permanency and placement stability at baseline and then after the KEEP intervention. The KEEP intervention was provided to 65 foster and kinship parents providing care for children ages 4–12. Children who participated in the study were referred due to behavior problems, as reported by foster parents: they all scored in the clinical range for externalizing behavior on the child behavior checklist (CBCL). Baseline and posttest analyses assessed for child behavior and parenting style changes. Permanency data, including placement moves and exits from child welfare were examined. Overall, foster and kinship parents reported significantly fewer child behavior problems at posttest; severity levels on the CBCL decreased from baseline to posttest and scores on the Parent Daily Report decreased from 7.25 at baseline to 3.0 at posttest. Placement stability significantly increased between baseline and post KEEP intervention. The results provide support for the effectiveness of KEEP for a child welfare population with a high level of behavior problems and for the effectiveness of KEEP as a training program for foster and kinship parents.

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Acknowledgments

Funded 2008–2010 through Maryland Department of Human Resources, Social Services Administration through a cooperative agreement from DHHS-ACY-ACYF-CB. Adoption Opportunities: Diligent Recruitment of Families for Children in the Foster Care System. “Implementation and Evaluation of Maryland KEEP” Funding Number: HHS-2008-ACF-ACYF-CO-0046.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Maryland School of Social Work, 525 West Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA

    Elizabeth J. Greeno, Bethany R. Lee, Mathew C. Uretsky, Jessica E. Moore, Richard P. Barth & Terry V. Shaw

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  1. Elizabeth J. Greeno
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  2. Bethany R. Lee
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  3. Mathew C. Uretsky
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  4. Jessica E. Moore
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  5. Richard P. Barth
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  6. Terry V. Shaw
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Correspondence to Elizabeth J. Greeno.

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Greeno, E.J., Lee, B.R., Uretsky, M.C. et al. Effects of a Foster Parent Training Intervention on Child Behavior, Caregiver Stress, and Parenting Style. J Child Fam Stud 25, 1991–2000 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-015-0357-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-015-0357-6

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