British Journal of Social Work: 'Implementing a therapeutic team parenting approach to fostering: the experiences of one independent foster care agency'.

Staines, Jo ; Farmer, Elaine ; Selwyn, Julie 等

Eighteen per cent of foster placements in England and over 25 per cent in Wales are provided by independent fostering agencies (IFAs). Although IFAs are common, there is little research to show how children progress in these placements and which services have the most benefit. This article presents findings from a study, commissioned by an IFA, which examined the support services offered to foster carers and the young people in their care. In particular, it discusses the use of a team parenting approach which creates a therapeutic environment for looked after children and young people in a family/community setting. While there were some issues regarding the comprehensive assessments and the provision of therapy, foster carers were positive about the support provided both to themselves and directly to the young people within the team parenting approach. However, communication and collaboration between the IFA and the local authority were problematic, particularly in relation to funding decisions. This limited the effectiveness of the team parenting approach in this example.

41:2, March 2011, pp 314-32