Adaptation and Evaluation of the KEEP Model

The KEEP model focuses on optimizing the role of foster/kin parents as the agents of positive change for children and youth. Parent KEEP groups for children (ages 4-12) and KEEP-Safe groups for teens (ages 13-19) are delivered by two co-group leaders for 16 weeks. Sessions are 90 minutes each week. The same group of 8-10 foster/kin parents attends each week. Each KEEP group follows a manualized curriculum that emphasizes tailoring the content to the unique needs of the parents and youth in the group. The key parenting principles of the model include: (a) reinforce normative and prosocial behavior, (b) incentivize the behavior that parents want to promote, (c) build cooperation, (d) teach new behaviors, (e) use non-harsh effective limit setting, and (f) manage emotions while parenting.

Non-Affinity KEEP