Evaluating the patterns, impact, and supports for parental capacity at FamilyForward
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Introduction: Trauma-affected children can experience challenges in their everyday life because of their trauma (Gregorowski & Seedat, 2013). Caregivers who have adequate parental capacity can help these children foster resilience while caregivers who experience parental burnout are associated with severe consequences for them and their families (Banyard et al., 2001; Dzieli?ska et al., 2024; Gil, 2010; Lanjekar et al., 2022). Objective: The purpose of this project was to assess the patterns, impact, and supports for parental capacity at FamilyForward to identify future action steps the organization should take to build parental capacity. Methods: A qualitative program evaluation was completed using a thematic analysis of three focus groups involving 11 participants from different programs at FamilyForward, an outpatient pediatric mental health center in St. Louis, MO. Participants were recruited via emailing program directors and asking for one to two volunteers to represent their program in the focus groups. Results: Six themes were identified including: (1) caregiver background's impact on capacity, (2) clinical implications, (3) staff education and gaps, (4) professional strategies, (5) barriers to professional strategies, and (6) desired FamilyForward resources. Discussion: Themes described different aspects of parental burnout and capacity at FamilyForward. Creating a work group that is targeted to improve these areas may enhance how FamilyForward is able to address parental capacity and better support caregivers. Conclusion: Strategic improvements in several areas identified by this evaluation will help FamilyForward optimize their approach to addressing parental capacity.
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