Behavioral skills training and support groups to improve the caretaking experiences of foster parents

• In a small pilot study, the Boys Town Common Sense Parenting curriculum was paired with a additionally structured behavioral support groups for foster parents. • Preliminary results from the pilot study found that parents who completed the program reported increased positive parenting practices. • Foster parents who participated in the training and structured behavioral support group rated both groups as highly acceptable. • Additional research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this parent training package with a larger sample of foster parents. The purpose of this study was to pilot the Boys Town Common Sense Parenting (CSP; Boys Town, 2015) curriculum followed by virtual behavioral support groups utilizing a structured peer group supervision model to improve the experiences of local foster parents and the youth in their care. Through the implementation of an evidence-based training and follow-up supports, this empirical study aimed to evaluate the utility and acceptability of the Boys Town CSP training and structured behavioral support groups for local foster parents and identify the pressing needs of local foster parents to inform ongoing therapeutic efforts. The results of this study provide preliminary support that the CSP training was appropriate and acceptable for foster parents. Additionally, findings from this study propose the importance of ongoing supports with the provision of continual access to knowledge, resources, and community-building initiatives to improve the overall experiences of families within the foster care system.