Qualitative process evaluation of the Fostering Changes program for foster carers as part of the Confidence in Care randomized controlled trial

Channon, Susan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5394-1483, Coulman, Elinor, Moody, Gwenllian ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2000-4944, Brookes-Howell, Lucy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8263-7130, Cannings-John, Rebecca ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5235-6517, Lau, Mandy, Rees, Alyson ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2363-4965, Segrott, Jeremy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6215-0870, Scourfield, Jonathan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6218-8158 and Robling, Michael ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1004-036X 2020. Qualitative process evaluation of the Fostering Changes program for foster carers as part of the Confidence in Care randomized controlled trial. Child Abuse and Neglect 109 , 104768. 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104768

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Abstract

Background Fostering Changes is an in-service training program for foster carers designed to enhance carer skills, coping strategies and carer-child relationships. The training program has been evaluated in a randomised controlled trial comparing Fostering Changes to usual care. Objective To conduct a qualitative process evaluation drawing on stakeholder perspectives to describe the logic model of Fostering Changes, identify potential mechanisms of impact of the program and enhance understanding of the trial results. Participants and setting Participants were stakeholders in the Fostering Changes program delivered in Wales, UK including foster carers invited to attend the program (18 attendees, eight non-attendees), two program developers, five trainers, 12 social workers who attended or recruited to the program. Methods Total population sampling with qualitative data collection methods. Qualitative data were subject to thematic analysis. Results A logic model summarising the program resources, activities and anticipated outcomes was generated. Implementation themes were quality of training, setting and group composition. Mechanisms of impact were identified with themes falling into two categories, group process and skills development. Potential barriers to effectiveness included a poor fit between the carer needs and the program in relation to levels of challenge being faced, age-appropriate content and responsiveness. Contextual factors were also relevant, including the existing relationship between foster carers and the agency and the perceived value of training.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education) Medicine Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE) Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer)
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0145-2134
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	20 October 2020
Date of Acceptance:	30 September 2020
Last Modified:	28 Aug 2023 22:12
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/135751

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