Implementing attachment and biobehavioral catch-up in Norway: experiences from CWS parents, clinicians and leaders

There is a pressing need in the Nordic countries for evidence-based programmes for young children who have experienced early adversity. One such programme, Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) was implemented in seven Norwegian child welfare services (CWS). The aim of this study was to interview families, CWS workers and their leaders to explore their experiences in implementing ABC and to make recommendations for future use. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 parents, 11 parent coaches and eight CWS leaders. Data were analysed using the framework method. The findings showed that ABC's core elements such as in-vivo commenting and video feedback, were considered important for bringing about change. The intervention's strengths-based approach helped reduce parents' resistance towards coaches and strengthen the therapeutic relationship. There were diverging perspectives regarding the duration of the intervention, though most agreed on the need to make adaptations to suit the needs of individual families. Coaches viewed ABC as a welcoming addition to their service, due to the lack of interventions for infants in the CWS, although an expanded age limit would enable the recruitment of more families. Recommendations for future implementation include addressing recruitment and how to address issues outside the scope of ABC sessions. ABSTRAKT << Det er et stort behov i Norden for evidensbaserte programmer for barn som har opplevd motgang tidlig i livet. Et slikt program, Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) ble implementert i sju norske barneverntjenester. Malet med denne studien var a intervjue familier, veiledere og ledere i barnevernet om deres erfaringer med a implementere ABC, for dermed a komme med anbefalinger for fremtidig bruk. Semistrukturerte intervjuer ble gjennomfort med 10 foreldre, 11 veiledere og atte ledere. Data ble analysert ved hjelp av << the framework method >>. Funnene viste at ABCs kjerneelementer, som in vivo-kommentering og videotilbakemelding, ble vurdert som viktige for a fa til endring. Programmets styrkebaserte tiln AE rming bidro til a redusere foreldres motstand mot veilederne og a styrke den terapeutiske relasjonen. Det var ulike synspunkter rundt varigheten av programmet, selv om de fleste var enige om behovet for a gjore tilpasninger til individuelle familier. Veilederne opplevde ABC som et nyttig tillegg i sin tjeneste, spesielt pa grunn av mangelen pa evidensbaserte tiltak for sma barn i barnevernet. Likevel mente de ogsa at en utvidet aldersgrense ville gjore det mulig a rekruttere flere familier. Fremtidig implementering bor ta hensyn til utfordringer med rekruttering og hvordan man kan lose problemer som faller utenfor ABCs malomrade.>>

Automated summary

There is a pressing need for evidence-based programs for young children who have experienced early adversity in the Nordic countries. The Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) program was implemented in seven Norwegian child welfare services, and this study aimed to explore the experiences of families, CWS workers, and leaders in implementing ABC and provide recommendations for future use. The findings highlighted the importance of ABC's core elements and the strengths-based approach, while also suggesting the need for adaptations to suit individual families. Coaches viewed ABC as a valuable addition to their services, but also suggested an expanded age limit for recruitment. Future implementation should address recruitment challenges and issues beyond the scope of ABC sessions.