Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | “Building Connection”: Expressive Arts Therapy for Parents and Their Children in Foster Care |
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| Contribution code | D3.092 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Aims: Foster care placement is a significant experience for both children and their parents. Contact moments are crucial for maintaining and restoring the attachment relationship between child and parent. However, few interventions are available to support these moments. GGZ Drenthe Family Psychiatry (Netherlands) developed the "Building Connection" intervention to help optimize the attachment relation between parents and children during these contact moments. This family-oriented systemic intervention integrates expressive arts therapy with Sherborne and is implemented over 4–8 sessions, combining various creative modalities to foster connection and healing. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate its effectiveness. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted. Thirteen parents completed the Behavioral Signs of Disturbed Attachment in Young Children (Boris & Zeanah, 2005) questionnaire before and after the intervention. Additionally, a focus group with five parents was performed. Results and Conclusions: Post-intervention results showed significant improvements in "asking for help," "cooperation," and "comforting." Parents reported that "Building Connection" increased their awareness of their behavior and its impact on their child. They found the sessions to be more connecting and beneficial repairing the relationship compared to standard contact moments. Parents advocated that this intervention should be offered to all parents immediately after the foster care placement of their child and suggested an extension of the number of sessions. |