Foster Parents’ Experiences of Learning within a Supportive and Accessible Program: Connect for Kinship and Foster Parents

AbstractThis exploratory study evaluated the implementation and pandemic-inspired pivot to virtual delivery of an attachment-based, trauma-informed multi-session program, Connect for Kinship and Foster Parents (CKFP), from the perspective of caregivers of adolescents, across four sites within three provinces in Canada in 2020–2022. Data analysis identified three themes: 1. Experiencing community and connection, 2. Interactive, integrated, and informed learning, and 3. Accessibility and feasibility. While participating in CKFP, foster parents experienced connection with other caregivers and the facilitators and developed knowledge with respect to attachment and trauma, which aided in improved understanding of their teen. Caregivers also indicated that online delivery facilitated their participation. CKFP holds promise in addressing the need for specialized training for foster caregivers of adolescents.Keywords: attachment interventionsfoster parent trainingyouth-in-care AcknowledgementsThe authors would like to acknowledge our partnership with the Connect Clinical Team at the Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre who provided consultation and guidance on this project.Additional informationFundingThis work was supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund awarded to Marlene Moretti, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Youth Clinical Psychological Science, under Grant #1920-HQ-000110, and by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research under Grant # 1920-HQ-000110.