The program is part of a statewide initiative involving two university-based programs - the Positive Behavior Change Program at USF and the Behavior Analysis Program at the University of Florida. It is the first statewide initiative in the country based on applied behavior analysis to offer systematic assistance to those who provide care to children in the foster care system.
According to DCF, the average monthly foster care population in Florida is between 9,500 and 10,000 children. Most children come into foster care because of neglect, abandonment, or abuse. As a result of their experiences, many children in the foster care system may exhibit behaviors that are challenging to their caregivers. In turn, those behaviors may then result in multiple home and school placements, or placements in more restrictive settings.
"We are excited to participate in this vitally important initiative and we are optimistic that the methods of behavior analysis will prove beneficial for the children and caregivers in the child protection system who desperately need assistance," stated Dr. Glen Dunlap, principal investigator for the project.
The program, using teams of behavior analysts, will provide training and technical assistance to foster parents, family members, teachers, or other caregivers. Such an approach emphasizes prevention and skill building. It involves the identification of a child's problem behaviors, the variables influencing the child's behavior, and the development of interventions to increase appropriate and decrease inappropriate behaviors. The project is designed to reduce challenging behaviors, expand the social and academic skills of children, and therefore, provide them with greater stability in their home placements.
"We are honored to have this opportunity to participate in the application of family-friendly behavior analytic approaches to increase the quality and effectiveness of the child welfare system in serving some of the most challenging children," stated Dr. Hewitt "Rusty" Clark, co-principal investigator for the program. "We will be working collaboratively with foster care personnel in six districts to implement and research improved strategies for serving these children and their families."
The districts in the USF program include the areas surrounding Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Ft. Pierce, and Fort Lauderdale.
More about the Positive Behavior Change Program at the Institute.
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