A study of therapeutic parenting in British Columbia
Date
1980
Authors
Sinclair, R. Stewart
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Abstract
Therapeutic parenting is a relatively new approach in the parenting and treatment of emotionally disturbed youngsters, with little being published on the subject.
The purpose of this study is to examine therapeutic parenting through the perceptions of people who are, or have been, therapeutic parents in the Victoria region.
The methods used in this study were twofold. First; an illustrative composite case example describing an experience as a therapeutic parent and second; the perceptions of other therapeutic parents, as revealed from their answers to a mailed questionnaire.
The Therapeutic Parenting Program in British Columbia appears to be one of the forerunners in utilizing special foster parents as primary treatment agents for emotionally disturbed children, however the program appears to have certain inherent weaknesses according to the perceptions of the therapeutic parents investigated in this study and according to reports of related programs throughout North America and parts of Europe.
It is concluded that certain modifications should be considered if British Columbia is to maintain a supply of people willing to commit themselves to being professional therapeutic parents. These modifications include; a more effective relief system, a standard philosophy of development and treatment, ongoing training in treatment methods being made available, recreational and schooling aids being made more available and financial security of therapeutic parents being assured. It was also concluded that a thorough evaluation of the program and its various components was necessary.