Abstract
The Foster carer- Foster child Intervention (FFI) helps very young foster children to feel safe in their new foster-environment.
After placement young children often adapt to their new environment with avoidant behaviour. Evidence exist they do not feel safe,
for example because they do not ask for support when in need or in pain. Often foster carers do not seem to recognise this underlying feeling of loss
and fear. They think all is well, because the child doesnot protest. This misunderstanding may lead to miscommunication, which in turn may lead to
problems in the relationship and stress for the child. Chronic stress poses a risk for the development of the child and all kinds of ( emotional and physical)
problems in later life.
Hence it is very important to prevent these problems by focusing on a good start of the relationship between foster carer and foster child. This thesis
focuses on the evidence base of the FFI.
The research shows that foster carers react with more sensitivity, a better way of structuring and less intrusiveness after following the FFI. Also it is clear
that the foster children react with more responsiveness.
It is clear that the FFI helps in this way to build a safe relationship, that helps to prevent attachment problems. The intervention has been acknowledged
by the Dutch Youth Institute as theoretically well developed, and has been published in dutch as a handbook.
After placement young children often adapt to their new environment with avoidant behaviour. Evidence exist they do not feel safe,
for example because they do not ask for support when in need or in pain. Often foster carers do not seem to recognise this underlying feeling of loss
and fear. They think all is well, because the child doesnot protest. This misunderstanding may lead to miscommunication, which in turn may lead to
problems in the relationship and stress for the child. Chronic stress poses a risk for the development of the child and all kinds of ( emotional and physical)
problems in later life.
Hence it is very important to prevent these problems by focusing on a good start of the relationship between foster carer and foster child. This thesis
focuses on the evidence base of the FFI.
The research shows that foster carers react with more sensitivity, a better way of structuring and less intrusiveness after following the FFI. Also it is clear
that the foster children react with more responsiveness.
It is clear that the FFI helps in this way to build a safe relationship, that helps to prevent attachment problems. The intervention has been acknowledged
by the Dutch Youth Institute as theoretically well developed, and has been published in dutch as a handbook.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisors/Advisors |
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| Award date | 17-Dec-2015 |
| Place of Publication | [Groningen] |
| Publisher | |
| Print ISBNs | 978-90-367-8114-5 |
| Electronic ISBNs | 978-90-367-8113-8 |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 |