This Article Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 1049731507314000v1 18/5/410    most recent References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in Web of Science Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Crosland, K. A. Articles by Giddings, T. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

The Effects of Staff Training on the Types of Interactions Observed at Two Group Homes for Foster Care Children

University of South Florida, kcrosland{at}fmhi.usf.edu

Glen Dunlap

University of South Florida

Wayne Sager

University of South Florida

Bryon Neff

University of South Florida

Catherine Wilcox

University of South Florida

Alfredo Blanco

University of South Florida

Tamela Giddings

University of South Florida

Objectives: An extensive literature base exists for behavioral parent training; however, few studies have focused on training direct care staff at group home and residential facilities for children. This study was conducted to determine whether a behavioral staff training program consisting of classroom training and in-home feedback would improve staff interactions with children at two group foster care homes. Method: Staff at both homes were trained, and direct observation measures were obtained on positive and negative interactions and lack of interactions. A multiple-baseline design across homes was used to assess staff interaction behavior. Results: Increases in both positive interactions and tool use were observed in the treatment phase, as were decreases in negative interactions for both group homes. Conclusions: The results suggest that training direct care staff, including social workers, to use behavioral strategies change patterns of interaction, resulting in a greater likelihood of improved relationships between staff and children.

Key Words: staff training • behavioral caregiver training • child welfare • Behavior Analysis Services Program

This version was published on September 1, 2008

Research on Social Work Practice, Vol. 18, No. 5, 410-420 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1049731507314000


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?