The competency base of social workers with regard to attachment theory in foster care supervision: a pilot study

Abstract

Attachment theory has re-emerged in recent years as a critical factor in understanding and determining the quality of relationships between the primary caregiver and the child. Social workers were asked what they know and how they apply attachment theory in foster care supervision. The results suggest that, although the social workers knew that the quality of the relationship between the foster parents and the child is predictive of the success of the placement, they do not have a sufficient grounding in attachment theory to be able to provide effective intervention regarding attachment-based concerns within the foster care context.