Field Evaluation of an Online Foster Parent Training System

Abstract

The authors developed and evaluated an online foster parent training system designed specifically for low-bandwidth Internet connections and individuals with limited Internet/computer experience. After preliminary onsite evaluations, a 2-week field test was conducted to evaluate the following dimensions: foster parents' pre- to post-test scores on two training modules; user satisfaction ratings; foster parent dropout rate; and amount of communication between participants and researchers. Foster parents made statistically significant pre-/post-test gains in both content areas (Pre-test M1 = 46.6%, Post-test M1 = 86.4; Pre-test M2 = 46.6%, Post-test M2 = 92.6%), both foster parents and social workers gave the system high ratings on all satisfaction survey items, and the foster parent dropout rate was 27%. Future research and implications for the foster care system are discussed.