Predictors of Participation in a Voluntary Parenting Program for Foster Caregivers of Teens

Objective: This study examines implementation and predictors of caregiver participation in Connecting, a self-directed prevention program to reduce substance use and other behavioral health outcomes among teens in foster care. The program was adapted for foster family settings from an evidence-based universal program. Method: Data are from 110 foster caregivers of youths ages 11 to 15 randomly assigned to the intervention. We describe implementation efforts, level of engagement, and satisfaction. Thirteen predictors of program initiation and completion across multiple domains (e.g., family stressors, relationship quality) were tested using logistic regressions. Results: Among foster families, 89% initiated and 52% engaged in 60% or more of the curriculum activities (completed). Reasons for noncompletion were lack of time, competing needs of other family members, and major stressful events. Program satisfaction was high. Twelve predictors were unrelated to program initiation or completion. Caregivers who smoked cigarettes were less likely to complete the program. Conclusions: Self-administered family-focused interventions reduce many of the barriers to program participation for foster families. Strategies to improve uptake might include reducing the amount of time needed, delivering the program in stages rather than all at once, and better integrating program activities into other family activities.