A longitudinal study examining the effect of carer-child relationship quality on child’s emotional and behavioural difficulties while in care

Early relationships between a caregiver and their child set the foundations for many aspects of the child's development. Exposure to abuse or neglect can negatively impact the security and stability within these early relationships. The aim of this project was to characterise the association between carer-child relationship quality and child's mental health over a period of 2.5 years. We used data collected between 2011 and 2022 as part of the Best Services Trial (BeST^?). The sample consisted of 220 children entering foster/kinship care who were between 0.08 (0.96 months) and 5.58 years at first data collection visit. Relationship quality was assessed using Parent-Infant Relationship Global Assessment Scale (PIR-GAS), and child emotional and behavioural difficulties was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and The Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment (ITSEA). Data was examined from two time points, a few weeks after entering foster/kinship care and after 2.5 years. The quality of the carer-child relationship did not predict emotional and behavioural outcomes for the child at a later time point. Nonetheless, we found that overall, children had significantly better relationships with their carers at the 2.5 year follow up than at baseline. This highlights a need for specific tailored interventions for care-experienced children, to support their emotional and behavioural needs and improve long term outcomes.