Metrics details. Children in out-of-home care constitute a vulnerable population often experiencing mental health challenges related to early adversity and placement disruptions. This study protocol follows a mixed-methods randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of the COS-P program for foster carers in France. A total of 70 foster carers will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group receiving COS-P in addition to Treatment as Usual or the waitlist control group receiving Treatment as Usual only.
Quantitative measures, including the Caregiving Composite Questionnaire, Parenting Stress Index, and the Marschak Interaction Method, will be administered at baseline and at follow-up. Qualitative data will be collected through focus groups with foster carers and COS-P facilitators, and through self-confrontation interviews with a subset of foster carers.
The study will also explore potential moderators of treatment outcome, and shed light on the subjective experiences of participants. Peer Review reports. A robust body of international research underscores the heightened vulnerability of children in out-of-home care. Bronsard et al. In a study focusing on the mental health of adolescents in residential care, Bronsard et al. Furthermore, within the French context, the public authorities reported a high prevalence of disabilities among children in care, noting a sevenfold increase compared to the general population.
Of particular concern is the predominance of psychological and mental disabilities associated with behavioral disorders [ 9 , 10 ]. Understanding the complex pathways that contribute to the vulnerability of children in foster care is crucial.
Most of these children have endured significant adversity, including maltreatment and disruptions in their caregiving environments [ 11 ].
