The following studies were not included in rating Solihull Approach Foster Carer Course on the Scientific Rating Scale...

Brown, S. (2014). Clinical update: A small service evaluation of a Solihull Approach Foster Carer Training group pilot study. Practice, 26(1), 37–52 https://doi.org/10.1080/09503153.2013.860094

The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a Solihull Approach pilot group for foster carers [now called Solihull Approach Foster Carer Course] on a variety of parental and child measures. Participants were individuals involved in the foster care system. Measures utilized include the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Parental Stress Index–Short Form (PSI-SF), and the Carer Questionnaire. Results indicate that there was a significant decrease in the carer’s ratings of their child’s hyperactivity and attentional disorders and a trend towards a decrease in the behavioral difficulties of their child, as rated by the carer. In addition, no significant change was made to the relationship between the child and foster carer. When reviewing the results, the majority of participants show an increase in their ratings of confidence in managing the child’s difficulties and the extent to which they understand their child’s difficulties. It appears that many of the participants felt confident in the existing relationship quality they had, which may result from the training they experience in order to become a foster parent or previous experiences with children who may have complex needs. Limitations include the lack of a comparison group, small sample size, limited demographic information on the youth, and lack of follow-up. Note: This article was not used in the rating process due to the lack of a control group.

Madigan, S., Paton, K., & Mackett, N. (2017). The Springfield Project service: Evaluation of a Solihull Approach course for foster carers. Adoption and Fostering, 41(3), 254–267. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308575917719373

The purpose of the study was to present the results of an evaluation of the outcomes from the introduction of the Solihull Approach Course for Foster Carers: Understanding your Foster Child’s Behaviour [now called Solihull Approach Foster Carer Course]. Participants were foster caregivers in Scotland. Measures utilized include the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Results indicate that Participants took from the course: increased understanding; being part of the group; staying calm and thinking before they act; feeling more confident; and looking after themselves and seeking containment. Limitations include the lack of a control group, insufficient power to detect effects, small sample size, and lack of follow-up. Note: This article was not used in the rating process due to the lack of a control group.

Harris-Waller, J., Bangerh, P., & Douglas, H. (2019). An evaluation of the Solihull Approach Foster Carer Course. Practice, 31(3) 219–229 https://doi.org/10.1080/09503153.2018.1499891

The purpose of the study was to present the results of an evaluation focusing on the effectiveness of the Solihull Approach foster carer training group programme ‘Understanding your foster child [now called Solihull Approach Foster Carer Course]. Participants were foster caregivers. Measures utilized include the Parental Stress Index Short Form (PSI-SF), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Carer Questionnaire, and the Children’s Expression of Feelings in Relationships (CEFR). Results indicate that after the group, there were significant increases in foster carers’ ratings of their understanding of their children’s difficulties; their understanding of why foster children behaved the way they did; their feeling of having the required skills to manage difficulties; alongside significant decreases in their ratings of foster children’s hyperactivity and attentional behavior difficulties. Limitations include the lack of a control group, small sample size, and lack of follow-up. Note: This article was not used in the rating process due to the lack of a control group.