The implementation of solution-focused therapy to increase foster care placement stability

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) in promoting foster care placement stability in an urban residential treatment facility. Thirty one adolescents with a history of multiple placements were compared to their first and second years in the facility. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was the preferred treatment method in year one; SFBT was the preferred treatment method in year two. Co-developer of solution-focused brief therapy trained the staff for a week followed by three-day trainings at three and six months. The number of disruptions in the teens' year prior to staff training was compared to the number in the subsequent year. The mean number of disruptions decreased from M = 6.29 (SD = 3.6) to M = 1.45 (SD = .68), p < 001. It was concluded that solution-focused brief therapy has potential to promote foster care placement stability with adolescents.