Evaluation of the KEEP Standard training for foster carers: A quasi-experimental approach

Foster placement break-downs can have a range of adverse effects on children, foster carers, social workers and the wider system around the child. In order to improve placement stability, foster carers require not only... [ view full abstract ]

Foster placement break-downs can have a range of adverse effects on children, foster carers, social workers and the wider system around the child. In order to improve placement stability, foster carers require not only support, but also knowledge and skills to positively manage difficult behaviour and give the foster child as well as themselves the best experience of fostering as possible.
This paper will present new research findings about the KEEP Standard training for foster and kinship carers. KEEP was developed by Dr Patricia Chamberlain and colleagues at the Oregon Social Learning Center in the USA and a randomised controlled trial of KEEP in the USA has demonstrated positive outcomes. The programme is currently being independently evaluated for the first time in England by Ipsos MORI in collaboration with Prof. David Berridge at the University of Bristol as part of the Department for Education (DfE) Innovation Programme.

Ten local authorities across England where the training was delivered between September 2015 and February 2016 participated in the evaluation. A mixed-methods approach was taken with a focus on a quasi-experimental methodology of propensity score matching at baseline and follow-up, enhanced by qualitative interviews with carers before and after receiving the training. Quantitative data gathered included the standardised and validated scales of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Parenting Scale (PS) and Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS). Data were collected from intervention group carers through KEEP intake forms administered by training facilitators, and from control group carers through paper and online versions of the intake form. For each scale, pre-and post difference scores will be calculated and mean change scores compared. Data are currently being collated and will be ready for presentation in September 2016.

Drawing on all data sources this presentation will discuss the implications of providing the KEEP Standard training, especially with regard to changes in SDQ, PS and WEMWBS before and after the training, compared with foster carers who did not receive the training. The findings from this evaluation will provide important evidence on the effectiveness of the KEEP training in the English context and will be of interest to training provision for foster carers more widely.