Qualitative Analysis of Caregiver Experiences with a Child-Focused Intervention: Trauma-Informed Parenting Skills for Resource Parents (TIPS 4 RP)

Foster care systems in the United States are overwhelmed by demands for care of children who have experienced significant histories of complex trauma. Caregivers to these children are increasingly in need of intervention to support them with their efforts to promote stability and trauma-recovery for children and adolescents impacted by maltreatment. This qualitative feasibility and acceptability study is a follow-up to a quantitative pilot study that utilizes framework analysis to examine 24 caregiver responses to a trauma-focused intervention model, Trauma Informed Parenting Skills for Resource Parents (TIPS 4 RP). This intervention is for resource parents of children with moderate to severe trauma experiences. Study findings build upon pilot data to establish the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the TIPS 4 RP intervention, yet identified a number of difficulties with adherence to the data collection process and opportunities for improvement in the emphasis of program components. Recommendations for implementation modifications are provided.