TY - JOUR TI - Implementation and evaluation of a psychoeducational program for parents recently reunified with their children DO - https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/T3X34X8S PY - 2010 AB - This dissertation focuses on the process of designing, implementing and evaluating a parenting program for single parents with a history of mental illness who have been separated from their children, within the context of a residence at a human services agency in an urban setting. Maher’s program planning and evaluation framework and a case study approach were used to facilitate the process. Principles of attachment theory informed the curriculum created for the program. This dissertation was conducted with an intention to contribute to the attachment literature and to expand knowledge about the needs of parents with a history of mental illness who have lost custody of their children. Maher’s program planning and evaluation framework consists of four phases: clarification, design, implementation and evaluation. During the Clarification Phase, an assessment of the parents’ needs and the relevant context was conducted. The needs assessment revealed that parents at the residence had significant past histories of trauma and poor parenting that negatively affected their skills as parents. Additionally, it was determined that many parents struggled to connect emotionally with their children and to provide appropriate discipline. A program design was then created based on the needs identified in the Clarification Phase. The program was entitled the Attachment Based Parenting Program and consisted of a psychoeducation group designed to teach parents skills to improve attachment with their children and to provide appropriate discipline. A description of the program and its implementation is further detailed in this dissertation. The program was implemented over the course of 12 weeks in the Fall of 2008 and involved 10 parents. Following the program implementation, an evaluation was conducted. Results of the evaluation revealed that the program provided some value to the participants: (a) parents were able to process their own history; (b) parents were able to better understand ways in which prior traumas affected their ability to connect with their children; and (c) parents learned new skills to improve their connection to their children. Constraints of the dissertation are noted and recommendations are provided for future design and implementation of the program. KW - Clinical Psychology KW - Single parents--Mental health KW - Parent and child KW - Mentally ill parents--Case studies LA - eng ER -