VIPP-FC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A feasibility study and pilot trial of a modified video-feedback intervention for children and foster carers to improve mental health outcomes of children with reactive attachment problems
IRAS ID
215947
Contact name
Pasco Fearon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2017/05/39 , UCL Data Protection Registration
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Background: Children in foster care have typically had a very difficult start in life and for these children it is often difficult to trust new adults, such as new carers. Some children in foster care have such severe problems in this area that they may qualify for a diagnosis called Reactive Attachment Disorder. The difficulties experienced by such children can limit the benefits they might otherwise get from foster care; it also places them at risk of longer-term behavioural and emotional problems. There is currently no evidence-based intervention available for treating children in foster care with these kinds of difficulties.
Aim: In this study we aim to conduct all of the preparatory steps necessary to pave the way for a full–scale trial of a Video feedback Intervention to Promote Positive Parenting (or 'VIPP') for children in foster care with reactive attachment disorder difficulties.
Design: In our research we will work with the developers, foster carers, leading experts and experienced practitioners, to further modify VIPP-Foster Care to ensure that it appropriately addresses the needs of children displaying reactive attachment problems. We will work with local authorities and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to develop a system for identifying young children in foster care in need of this intervention, train a small team of practitioners to deliver it, and conduct a small (pilot - 40 cases) study to gather information about the best way to provide VIPP-FC for children with reactive attachment problems in foster care.
Outcomes: By rigorously studying and documenting the challenges and solutions at each stage of the process, we will obtain detailed information about how best to conduct a larger (full-scale) study to test how effective VIPP-FC is for resolving reactive attachment problems in children in foster care.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0987
Date of REC Opinion
10 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion