Therapeutic Interventions for Foster Children: A Systematic Research Synthesis

Abstract

Approximately 30% of children in foster care have severe emotional, behavioral, or developmental problems. A systematic research synthesis of empirical studies was conducted in an attempt to identify and classify therapeutic interventions for foster children. Utilizing a treatment protocol classification system, empirical studies were classified according to their theoretical, clinical, and empirical support. A total of 18 studies were reviewed, including a compare and contrast of methodological strengths and shortcomings. In all, 6 out of the 18 interventions may be considered well-supported and efficacious, 3 interventions were determined to be supported and probably efficacious, and 9 were supported and acceptable. Interventions recognizing the unique experience of foster children and foster family dynamics were found to be lacking in the current literature.