WIP 54 - Foster and Kinship Caregiver Insights on the Development of a Group Well Child Care Model for Children in Substitute Care: A Qualitative Analysis

Poster Number: WIP 54
Publication Number: WIP 54.1003

Background: Foster and kinship caregivers face unique challenges when caring for children in substitute care. Studies have shown that children in foster/kinship care have better health outcomes when their caregivers are provided with continued support and education. The Group Well Child Care (GWCC) model is a promising new approach to trauma-informed, primary care that could help meet the particular needs of this population. Unique strengths of GWCC include increased retention of anticipatory guidance, increased attendance at scheduled well-child visits, and promotion of resilience and a sense of community. Little is known regarding the feasibility and/or utility of the GWCC model for children and families in foster/kinship care.

Objective: Supported by a CATCH grant from the American Academy of Pediatrics, this study involves conducting focus groups with foster and kinship parents to explore the feasibility, utility, and development of a GWCC model tailored to this patient-caregiver population. Through this model, we aim to improve delivery of anticipatory guidance, to provide more education on child development and parenting, and to create a social support system for our families to lean upon.

Design/Methods: This study has qualified for a Non-Regulated Research exemption through our institutional IRB.
Four focus groups with 5 participants each will be completed by January 2024 via Zoom. Participants will include foster parents and kinship caregivers recruited in partnership with community partners and child-placing agencies who support foster/kinship families. Questions will center around initial impressions, perceived benefits and challenges of the new model, and the specifics of the development of the GWCC model for this population in a pediatric medical home for children and families with experience in the child welfare system. Qualitative analysis via thematic coding will identify essential themes in the development of the GWCC model. Results will be prepared by late March 2024 and formal presentation of results to community stakeholders will be done in May 2024.