Change in foster parent knowledge, skills and confidence associated with support from a peer “trauma coach”

Diana Rinker, Diane Lanni and Heather Forkey - Pediatrics

Background: Foster parents are in an ideal position to build resilience and manage trauma symptoms in the children they care for. Learning about trauma and using effective parenting strategies can mitigate the devastating impact of trauma on the youth. Peer support incorporating psychoeducation and skill building for the caregiver has been demonstrated to promote more accurate interpretation of children’s behavior in some settings.

Objective: To identify changes in knowledge, skills and efficacy of foster caregivers who received trauma coach services.