Clinical update: A small service evaluation of a Solihull Approach foster carer training group pilot study.

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A pilot service evaluation of a foster carer training group programme for ‘Understanding your foster child’s behaviour-supporting foster carer/child relationships’ was conducted in a community setting. A total of 16 foster carers completed the programme, delivered over 12 sessions. Several scales were employed: short form Parental Stress Index, Carer Questionnaire and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Following qualitative and quantitative analysis, there was a significant decrease in the carer’s ratings of their child’s hyperactivity and attentional disorders and a trend towards a decrease in the behavioural difficulties of their child, as rated by the carer. These positive behavioural changes suggest this is a promising programme. Implications for the Solihull Approach are discussed, alongside future recommendations.