Presentation Description
Van Nguyen1
James Bonnamy1, Beata Starkowski2, Adella Bhaskara2,3, Apoorva Bisht2, Niels Buus1,4 and Gabrielle Brand1
1 School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Australia
2 Lighthouse Foundation, Victoria, Australia
3 The University of Adelaide, School of Psychology, Australia
4 Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Denmark
James Bonnamy1, Beata Starkowski2, Adella Bhaskara2,3, Apoorva Bisht2, Niels Buus1,4 and Gabrielle Brand1
1 School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Australia
2 Lighthouse Foundation, Victoria, Australia
3 The University of Adelaide, School of Psychology, Australia
4 Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Denmark
Background
The number of children and young people in foster care is growing in many countries including Australia. The impacts of out-of-home situations are profound including disadvantaged health and educational outcomes to young people. Foster caring can be challenging because children and young people often come into the foster care system traumatised.
The number of children and young people in foster care is growing in many countries including Australia. The impacts of out-of-home situations are profound including disadvantaged health and educational outcomes to young people. Foster caring can be challenging because children and young people often come into the foster care system traumatised.
A training program was developed using Depth-of-Field co-design method involving educators/researchers, program coordinators of a Victorian foster care foundation, young people with experience in foster care, foster carers and supporters. Underpinned by Attachment Theory, trauma-informed principles and the foundation’s model of care, the training aimed to support foster carers in navigating fragmented systems while nurturing deep connection and building trusting relationships with children and young people. This research evaluates the impact of the training on foster carers’ and their family well-being.
Summary of work
A mixed-methods design was applied using pre-and-post surveys and longitudinal diaries from training attendees. The surveys included two validated scales and questions to establish understanding of foster carers’ demographics, experience and prior training. The diaries entailed guided reflection on training application.
Results
Quantitative data will shed light on participant demographics and changes in foster carers’ and their families' well-being post training. The qualitative data will provide in-depth understanding of training application and its effectiveness in the context of family foster care.
Discussion
This research recognises the importance of foster care, the support needed by foster carers, and the evidence-based training program to ensure the well-being of foster carers and their families.
Conclusions
This evaluation informs the evidence about effectiveness of the co-designed community-based training program to support foster carers of children and young people in their homes.
Implications for further research
Further research is warranted to explore if this training is suitable for use in other community contexts and social services.
References (maximum three)
Font SA, Gershoff ET. Foster care: how we can, and should, do more for maltreated children. Soc Policy Rep 2020; 33:1–40.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Child protection Australia 2019-2020. 2021.
Brand, Gabrielle, et al. A research approach for co-designing education with healthcare consumers. Medical Education 55.5 (2021): 574-581.