attachment difficulties and emotional wellbeing challenges in children in care Mental and Behavioural Disorders
Conditions
Interventions
This study is a pilot controlled trial (RCT) with two parallel arms. Families will be allocated to either the intervention or the control group. Randomisation will be carried out by the fostering serv
Sponsors
BookTrust
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
1 Years to 100 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: For the adult: 1. Be a foster carer 2. Have a child in their care at the moment of the intervention, aged 1-6 3. Consented to take part For the child: 1. Be in foster care 2. Age 1-6 years 3. Deemed suitable for receiving the intervention by fostering agency
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Child in their care is younger than 1 year and or older than 6. 2. Child is expected to be in a short term placement (less than 6 months)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Child–carer relationship quality measured using the Child–Parent Relationship Scale at baseline (October 2025) and post-intervention (April 2026) | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Parental reflective functioning (mentalisation) measured using the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ) at baseline (October 2025) and post-intervention (April 2026) 2. Mind mindedness/speech sample, measured using a semi-structured interview at baseline (October 2025) and post-intervention (April 2026) 3. Reading frequency measured using a survey at baseline (October 2025) and post-intervention (April 2026) 4. Child socio-emotional wellbeing measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) — parent version at baseline and follow-up 5. Parental engagement with the programme measured via WhatsApp check-ins with carers at months 3 and 4 of the intervention | — |
Countries
England, United Kingdom
Contacts
Public ContactArwenna;Grace Davis;Jessop
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Outcome results
None listed