Foster Parent Support Pilot Study: Final Report

The 2010 Foster Parent Support Pilot (FPSP) study was designed as the first step in a process to determine whether the Mockingbird Family Model (MFM) could be an efficacious foster care model. The study was terminated due to a low rate of foster parent participation, revealing a significant program barrier prior to the implementation of a much more costly, full scale evaluation. Early evidence revealed that the MFM worked well when certain foster parent needs were met. Those needs included: 1) more direct support or mentoring; 2) more knowledge of and access to resources and services; 3) enhanced communication with caseworkers; and 4) support and guidance with the foster children’s biological families.