Evaluation of the Provision of Foster Carer Training Across Wales Kate Ogilvie

Introduction Joined The Centre for Evidence Based Early Intervention September 2018 Co-funded by KESS2 and the Children’s Early Intervention Trust (CEIT). Looking at the training provided to Foster Carers Across Wales Supervisors: Professor Judy Hutchings, Professor Jane Noyes

6,407 4,715 31st March 2018 Children Placed in Local Authority Care Increase of 464 from 2017 4,715 Placed in Foster Care (74%) Increase of 305 from 2017

Damaged and Vulnerable Children Adverse life events (Golding 2008) Poorer physical health (Halfon et al. 1995) Higher prevalence of learning and language difficulties (Crawford 2006) Mental health problems (Tarren-Sweeney 2008) Behavioural problems (Oosterman et al 2007)

Foster Carers Local Authorities unable to meet demand within their own resources (Sellick 2007 & 2011) Difficulties in Recruitment and Retention (Randle 2017) Children's problems above and beyond foster carers experience and expertise (Clarke 2010) Stress has a negative effect on normal parenting styles (Vanschoonlandt 2013) Need for training and knowledge

Research Findings Foster Carers who are well trained and supported are more likely to express satisfaction with their role and to continue fostering (Denby 1999). More secure placements Fewer breakdowns Better outcomes for the children and young people Currently no recommended training path for Foster Carers within Wales

Our Research Objects What is included in the training that foster carers are offered On what basis are decisions made regarding what training is commissioned for whom To what extent training is evidence based or evidence informed How it is evaluated

Method 22 Local Authorities 28 Independent Foster Care Agencies Quantitative survey Additional open ended question Conducted via telephone interviews Use data and information from 2018/19

Early Days Ethics Approval Stakeholders identified Permissions being sought from Agencies Interview dates booked

……..we’re on our way..

References Clarke, H. 2010. Bursting at the Seams; Impact on Fostering Services of the Rise of Children Going into Care 2009– 2010. The fostering network. Accessed May 16, 2012. http://www.fostering.net/resources/reports/bursting-seams- impact-fostering-services-risechildren-going-care-2009-2010 Crawford, R. (2006). Health as a meaningful social practice. Health, 10(4), 401–420. Denby, R. W., Rindfleisch, N., & Bean, G. (1999). Predictors of foster parent’s satisfaction and intent to continue to foster. Child Abuse & Neglect, 23, 287–303 Golding, K. (2008). Nurturing Attachments; Supporting Children who are Fostered or Adopted. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Halfon N, Mendonca A, Berkowitz G. (1995) Health Status of Children in Foster Care: The Experience of the Centre for the Vulnerable Child. Arch Paediatric Adolescence Medical. 1995;149(4):386–392. Oosterman, M., Schuengel, C., Slot, W., Bullens, R. & Doreleijers, T. (2007) Disruptions in foster care: a review and meta‐analysis. Children and Youth Services Review, 29, 53–76. Randle,M., Ernst,D., Leisch,F. & Sara Dolnica, S. (2017) What makes foster carers think about quitting? Recommendations for improved retention of foster carers. Child and Family Social Work 22, pp 1175–1186 Rodger, S., Cummings, A., & Leschied, A. W. (2006). Who is caring for our most vulnerable children? The motivation to foster in child welfare. Child Abuse and Neglect, 30, 1129–1142. Sellick, C. 2007. “Towards a Mixed Economy of Foster Care Provision.” Social Work and Social Science Review 13 (1): 25-40 Sellick, C. 2011. “Commissioning Permanent Fostering Placements from External Providers: An Exploration of Current Policy and Practice.” British Journal of Social Work 41(3): 449–466. Tarren-Sweeney M. (2008) The mental health of children in out-of home care. Current Opinion Psychiatry. 21(4): 345- 349. Vanschoonlandt, F., Vanderfaeillie, J. Van Holen, F. De Maeyer, S. & Robberechts, M. (2013) Parenting stress and parenting behavior among foster mothers of foster children with externalizing problems. Children and Youth Services Review 35, 1742–1750

Diolch Thank you