Parent–Child Interaction Therapy: Findings from an exploratory qualitative study with practitioners and foster parents

Abstract

This exploratory study examines practitioners’ and foster parents’ perceptions on use of Parent–Child Interaction Therapy in child welfare. Focus groups were completed with Parent–Child Interaction Therapy practitioners and foster parents. Thematic analysis was employed, and four main themes were analyzed. First, practitioners and foster parents identified implementation barriers. Second, practitioners and foster parents identified factors that facilitate implementation. While practitioners perceived benefits from on-going consultation, foster parents favored treatment flexibility and a strong therapeutic alliance with practitioners. Third, practitioners and foster parents found that the integration of trauma principles into Parent–Child Interaction Therapy helped to meet the needs of the child welfare population. Finally, the translation of Parent–Child Interaction Therapy into child welfare may be facilitated by model adaptations, such as brief treatments, and integrating Parent–Child Interaction Therapy into pre-service foster parent trainings. Findings are discussed within the context of the relevant literature, and recommendations for future areas of study are proposed.