Effects of the ‘Circle of Security’ group parenting program (COS-P) with foster carers: An observational study

Abstract

The Circle of Security-Parent DVD program (COS-P) is a widely used parenting intervention that is gaining popularity globally as it is currently being delivered across several continents. Despite the uptake of COS-P, there is limited research on its effectiveness for specific groups. Here we present a multi-site evaluation of a group delivery of the eight-week COS-P program to foster carers (n = 54) of 6–12 year-old children in an urban community as facilitated by community-based providers from a specialist child and youth mental health services (n = 2). Three measures, the Parent Stress Index, the Parent Child Relationship Inventory, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, were used to assess functioning via a pre-post treatment design. Foster carers who participated in COS-P reported reductions in levels of emotional and behavioural difficulties for the children in their care. They also reported reductions in parent–child dysfunctional interactions and parental distress. Finally, program completion appeared to be associated with a reduction in foster carers’ perceptions of their foster child as being difficult to take care of, and with lower levels of overall stress related to their role as a foster carer. These findings, and their implications for service delivery and future research, are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD, Australia. Release Date: 20210225. Publication Type: Journal (0100), Peer Reviewed Journal (0110). Format Covered: Electronic. Document Type: Journal Article. Language: EnglishMajor Descriptor: Caregivers; Parent Child Relations; Stress; Group Intervention; Parenting. Minor Descriptor: Communities; Community Facilities; Emotional Security; Foster Care; Popularity. Classification: Community & Social Services (3373). Population: Human (10); Male (30); Female (40). Location: Australia. Age Group: Adulthood (18 yrs & older) (300); Young Adulthood (18-29 yrs) (320); Thirties (30-39 yrs) (340); Middle Age (40-64 yrs) (360). Tests & Measures: Parenting Stress Index–IV–Short Form; Parent-Child Relationship Inventory; Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire DOI: 10.1037/t00540-000. Methodology: Empirical Study; Quantitative Study. ArtID: 105082. Issue Publication Date: Aug, 2020. Publication History: First Posted Date: May 15, 2020; Accepted Date: May 9, 2020; Revised Date: May 9, 2020; First Submitted Date: Dec 17, 2019. Copyright Statement: All rights reserved. Elsevier Ltd. 2020. <br />