The Fostering Changes programme

Fostering Changes: a randomised controlled trial of a group-based intervention for foster carers in England

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN58581840

Enrollment

Registered

2011-10-13

Start date

2010-04-20

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2018-02-19

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Conduct disorder

Interventions

1. The intervention group: The Fostering Changes programme equips foster carers with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage a wide range of problems including challenging behaviour. Attending

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Foster carers of any age, who are registered with a Local Authority and who currently have a child in placement who is aged between 2 and 12 years of age, who is likely to stay in that placement for the duration of the Fostering Changes Programme (three months) 2. Fluency in English is a necessity 3. The Fostering Changes programme is relevant for children of all abilities, including those with learning problems and those with autism

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: Foster carers whose fostered child (aged between 2 and 12) is likely to be transferred to another placement during the period of the training (i.e. 12 weeks)

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Foster carer's quality of relationship with child, looked-after child's challenging behaviour. 1. Foster parent's relationship with foster child: 1.1. The Quality of Relationships Questionnaire (QUARQ) (clinical in-house measure) (measured at T1 and T2) 2. Young people's challenging behaviour 2.1. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (measured at T1 and T2) Timepoints: T1: Baseline interview directly before treatment T2: 3 months post-randomisation	—

Measure

Time frame

Foster carer's quality of relationship with child, looked-after child's challenging behaviour. 1. Foster parent's relationship with foster child: 1.1. The Quality of Relationships Questionnaire (QUARQ) (clinical in-house measure) (measured at T1 and T2) 2. Young people's challenging behaviour 2.1. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (measured at T1 and T2) Timepoints: T1: Baseline interview directly before treatment T2: 3 months post-randomisation

—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Foster carer's parenting style, confidence in ability to bring about positive change (self-efficacy), strategies for coping with challenging behaviour, looked-after child's adjustment, health economics: 1. Foster parent's parenting style, relationship with child and coping strategies 1.1. The Alabama Parenting Questionnaire Short Form (Scott, Briskman, & Dadds 2011) (measured at T1 & T2) 1.2. Carer confidence (Agency) Questionnaire (CC) (measured at T1 and T2) 1.3. Carer's coping strategies (CCS) (measured at T1 and T2) 2. Foster child's social, emotional and behavioural adjustment 2.1. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (Goodman 1997) (measured at T1 and T2) 3. Service Use and demographics: Client Service Receipt Inventory (Carer Interview) (measured at T1 and T2) Timepoints: T1: Baseline interview directly before treatment T2: 3 months post-randomisation	—

Measure

Time frame

Foster carer's parenting style, confidence in ability to bring about positive change (self-efficacy), strategies for coping with challenging behaviour, looked-after child's adjustment, health economics: 1. Foster parent's parenting style, relationship with child and coping strategies 1.1. The Alabama Parenting Questionnaire Short Form (Scott, Briskman, & Dadds 2011) (measured at T1 & T2) 1.2. Carer confidence (Agency) Questionnaire (CC) (measured at T1 and T2) 1.3. Carer's coping strategies (CCS) (measured at T1 and T2) 2. Foster child's social, emotional and behavioural adjustment 2.1. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (Goodman 1997) (measured at T1 and T2) 3. Service Use and demographics: Client Service Receipt Inventory (Carer Interview) (measured at T1 and T2) Timepoints: T1: Baseline interview directly before treatment T2: 3 months post-randomisation

—

Countries

United Kingdom

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026