The Efficacy of a Relational Treatment for Maltreated Children and their Families

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the effects of participation in a relational intervention program on child abuse potential, parenting stress and child behaviour in maltreated children and their foster parents. Methods: A convenience sample of participants ( N = 53) were randomly assigned to an immediate treatment or a wait‐list control condition and completed pre and post test measures. Results: Participant’s mean pretest scores were equivalent between groups. Post‐intervention, treatment participants had significantly lower scores on total child abuse potential, parenting stress, and child internalising and externalising behaviour than control subjects. Engagement in treatment was a significant predictor of positive change in reported child behaviour. Conclusions: This intervention was effective in decreasing symptoms in respondents who were at high‐risk for placement disruption.