Dr Louise Rodaway, Principal Clinical Psychologist/Programme Supervisor

Nationally led but locally implemented programme aimed at improving outcomes for children in our care aged between 7 and 11 years Adopts a Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care Programme developed by the Oregon Social Learning Centre (OSLC), USA 30 years of practice/research OSLC – developed several models –prevention (3-6 years) –middle childhood (7-11) –adolescents (11-16)

Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care for Middle Childhood (ages 7-11), MTFC-C. Evidence based approach which enables a small number of children with complex needs to be placed in short term treatment placements (9-12 months) where they and their parents/carers can learn the skills needed to live permanently as families 5 international randomised trials of effectiveness –Ongoing trials in USA, Sweden, the Netherlands Current English trial of the MTFC-Adolescent model –Other models will be evaluated in England

DCSF rationale for MTFCE An opportunity to improve outcomes for Children In Our Care by: Increasing the range of foster care provision locally Piloting the 3 evidence-based foster care programmes Providing the direct training and support to staff and carers to develop new skills and services Reducing the cost of placements in the long-term

National context

27 programmes over 21 sites

National context Adolescent (13)Prevention (6)Middle Childhood (8) Solihull Dudley Oxfordshire North Yorkshire DorsetManchester Blackburn with Darwen GatesheadWest SussexBarking & Dagenham Fulham Cambridge Kent Cumbria SalfordHackney Reading Trafford Southampton Tower Hamlets Wandsworth

The Fostering Partnership ( MTFC-C) Specialist, highly intensive and multidisciplinary short-term treatment placements Highly positive, attentive and stimulating environment The goals of the programme are to: –Increase helpful behaviours and decrease challenging behaviour –Provide close supervision and structure –Specify clear, consistent rules, limits & consequences –Teach new skills for forming successful relationships with peers and adults in a variety of settings –Enhance parenting skills in fostering –Decrease conflict in the family identified for permanent placement

How do MTFC hope to work towards goals? Focus on: –the here and now –skill building/strengthening helpful social behaviour rather than understanding historical factors Utilise Psychological Theories (Social Learning Theory & Behaviouralism) and their associated practices to strengthen helpful social behaviours

Social Learning Theory Reinforcing positive /helpful behaviour Positive attention Positive praise Positive tangible rewards Positive time Modelling Positive imitation Stipulates that learning often takes place in a social context through observation, imitation and modelling

Social Learning Theory Managing challenging behaviour Clear consistent rules, limits and consequences redirectionDistraction Removal of attention Removal of rewards /privileges ChoresTime Out

Multisystemic/wrap-around support package The MTFCE team works coherently to increase the skills of the young person : In the foster home School In the community and with peers With their birth family or the carers in subsequent long term placements

Team MTFC-C Foster Carers Programme Supervisor Foster Parent Recruiter/Trainer Education Worker ‘Parent Daily Report’ Caller/Programme Administrator Programme Manager Skills Coaches Family Therapist (Aftercare) Consultant Psychiatrist

Support for child Specialist foster placement Individualised behavioural programme Support from multidisciplinary skilled team: –Personal skills coach Fun social activities –Supportive school environment Education worker –Work with aftercare family Follow up

Support for Foster Carers One foster child in placement Training in the OSLC social learning model plus general training Individual behavioural programmes devised by Programme Supervisor Unique multidisciplinary wrap-around 24/7 support for foster carers Weekly group support meetings Professional fees Regular respite and holidays

Support for Aftercare Family Individualised behavioural programme Family Therapist –Weekly meetings Contact support –24/7 on-call support Ongoing support

Support for agencies Consultation & Liaison School –Educational advisor – key liaison link –Regular liaison, support, training and supervision regarding model –Individualised behavioural programme

What do young people say about MTFCE? Before I was really naughty at home and now I’m really good I see my family a lot more now I can handle things more now Living with the (foster parents) was the first time that I felt safe…

MTFCE Foster Carers on support Just at the end of a telephone, all day, you have loads of support…it’s all there, at the end of a telephone. There have been situations that I’ve been in where if [team] hadn’t have been there would be very difficult When we saw the help you get and the structure you have it seemed really good

Key aspects to success What are the key aspects of MTFC that have led to successful outcomes? Close supervision Consistent non harsh discipline Close, mentoring adult relationship Reducing contact with antisocial peers

Referral routes Consultation meetings Resource management panel

The Fostering Partnership The Limes 175a Blackburn Road Darwen BB3 1HL

Thank you