Naming the unnameable
A service evaluation of a reflective practice group for foster carers
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6413869 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Laurie Preston (0000-0001-5790-0876, University of Hertfordshire, corresponding author), Heidi Trivasse (Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust), Steve Mill, Steve Mills (Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust), Sarah Jane Besser (0000-0003-3252-9665, Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust), Sarah-Jane Besser (Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust), Jacqui Scott (0000-0002-1036-6992, University of Hertfordshire) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 49 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 167-186 |
| Publication date | 2025-07-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Adoption & Fostering (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0308-5759 • E-ISSN: 1740-469X |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/03085759251335033 |
| OpenAlex | W6940998907 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 26 |
This study evaluated a reflective practice group designed to support foster carers and promote secure attachments with their foster children. Eight foster carers in South East England participated in the evaluation. A mixed-methods approach was employed: quantitative measures assessed reflective functioning, parental self-efficacy and parental stress pre- and post-intervention; qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five participants and analysed using thematic analysis. Results indicated improvements in one domain of reflective functioning. Qualitative findings highlighted themes such as the group providing a safe and therapeutic space, enhanced emotional wellbeing, and strengthened carer–child relationships. Overall, participants found the group beneficial and appropriate. The evaluation suggests that reflective practice groups may positively impact foster carers’ reflective capacities and caregiving experiences. Further research with a larger sample is recommended to substantiate these findings
Qualitative analysis · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Reflective Practice · Sample (material · Service (business · Thematic analysis · Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies · Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions · Plant Pathogens and Fungal Diseases
Putting Feelings Into Words
Development and Validation of a Self-Report Measure of Mentalizing
Putting Feelings Into Words
The parental reflective functioning questionnaire
Psychiatric disorder among British children looked after by local authorities
G*Power 3
Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in Adults
In Time and in Tune’ — The Fostering Attachments Group
Fostering Attachments in Looked after Children
The Reflective Fostering Programme
A qualitative analysis of goals set by foster carers seeking support for their child’s emotional well-being
Adopting Minds — a mentalization-based therapy for families in a post-adoption support service
Group Work for Foster Carers Caring for Children with Complex Problems
Using thematic analysis in psychology
The Parental Stress Scale
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |