Date of Award

Spring 2021

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Human Development and Family Science

First Advisor

Dr. Paul Johns

Abstract

With several children entering the foster care system yearly, and due to their past experiences, foster children are at a higher risk to have emotional, mental health, and behavioral needs. Although research about behavior and trauma are constantly emerging, there is a need for specific education on these topics. Within the foster care system, stressors are constantly affecting children whether it is biological or environmental. The stressors that are presented to the children directly influence the foster parents. Thus, creating a greater risk for foster parents who are uneducated in these specific fields. Additionally, it was found that the environment in which a child is from can impact their behavior. For instance, if the family of origin allowed a behavior, then the child might think that behavior is acceptable everywhere. A great point of concern in foster families was their feelings of being unequipped to deal with behaviors. When researching the high burn out rate amongst the foster parents, many parents admitted that felt as if they needed more preparation for behavioral and trauma-based care. Foster parents who were given more extensive education and more coping strategies found that they were more prepared to serve. Due to this, a program needs to be created that addresses behavior and trauma. That is the reason that this program was created. There was a clear need that needed to be met.

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