Enhancing parent-child attachment: A board game for families during foster care visitation.
详细信息
文摘
This study presents an intervention to address needs specific to families participating in reunification services while the child is placed in foster care. The Child Welfare Information Gateway (2011) reported that more than half of the children exiting foster care during the FY 2009 were reunified or returned to the home of removal. Visitation is the time for the child to connect with his or her parents,which can be complicated by emotions. The frequency of visitation is one of the strongest predictors of successful reunification and a child's healthy adaptation to foster care (Browne & Moloney,2002； Cantos,Gries,& Slis,2007). Although the consistency of visitation is a strong predictor for reunification,it has also been shown to yield internal conflict for the child (Cantos et al.,2007； Gries & Slis,2007,Leathers,2003). The complexity of the system and range of emotions,however,easily inhibit the family from making the most of their visiting time (Zell,2006). To address these complexities and improve visitation,a board game based on attachment theory,was designed to assist in providing a structured activity by which the family can engage to strengthen the parent-child relationship,improve communication skills,facilitate the child's self-identity,and encourage the child to develop future goals. The board game is specific for families with elementary aged children who are actively working toward reunification to use during times of visitation. It is hoped through the repeated use of the game that the child's security in attachment to the biological parent improves and prepares the family for reunification. Parent and children players have distinct roles modeling the development of a secure attachment. Question cards direct both the parent and child to answer or complete scenarios and activities that are designed to increase positive physical touch,increase communication,express emotions,increase laughter,and problem-solve potential scenarios that could be faced while in foster care. The board game's utility was reviewed by qualified experts based on education,license in their respective field,and years of experience. Experts affirmed the game's utility and potential to improve foster care visitation.