Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

McAllister, Carolyn

Abstract

This research proposal would identify the gaps in foster parent training and how caregiver maltreatment increases the risk of re-traumatization of foster children. While foster care is designed to promote safety, protection, and stability for children, existing literature continues to show that inadequate trauma-informed and evidence-based training may hinder caregivers' ability to respond to their complex needs, leading foster children to continue experiencing emotional and psychological harm. To further assess this concern, an exploratory qualitative study would be implemented utilizing a semi-structured interview that will include demographic questions then transition to open-ended questions format that will examine caregiver perceptions of the training and their daily application in caregiving. The study's findings would identify the gap in present training frameworks and highlight the need for improvement. The outcomes would contribute to trauma-informed practice in social work and/or improve the prevention of further exacerbation of trauma to foster care of children.

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