Tuning in to Teens (TINT) with adoptive parents and guardians in the US: the replication phase of intervention research

Abstract

Ensuring the wellbeing and stability of children with foster care experiences is critical. Between 5% and 20% of children experience post-permanency instability, a reentry into foster care after adoption or guardianship; adolescents are at increased risk for post-permanency instability. Few interventions that aim to reduce post-permanency instability have been rigorously tested. This study adapted and tested Tuning in to Teens (TINT), previously tested in Australia as a prevention program with parents of adolescents. TINT teaches caregivers skills in emotion coaching (responding with empathy, support, and guidance when young people express emotions) while helping them to reduce their dismissive or harsh parenting responses and regulate their own emotions. This study found that TINT was effective at reducing the degree to which parents and guardians are struggling, especially for those who expressed difficulty with managing their child’s behaviors. Implications for practice, policy, and future research are discussed.