The Impact of Abuse and Trauma on the Developing Child: An Evaluation of a Training Programme for Foster Carers and Supervising Social Workers

Jeanette Allen and Panos Vostanis describe the set-up and preliminary evaluation of a seven-week training programme for foster carers and supervising social workers based on attachment theory. It has long been recognised that parenting children with complex and challenging needs in a family setting is extremely demanding, with research indicating that foster carers' lack of confidence in managing such demands is a significant factor in placement breakdown. This study suggests that attachment theory provides a useful model to help carers understand and respond to the complex difficulties presented by children with a history of abuse and trauma, and that the provision of a conceptual framework may be a significant factor in improving foster carers' confidence to manage the difficulties presented by the children in their care. The clinical implications of this evaluation are discussed.