Contact: Phil Fisher, PhD., Oregon Social Learning Center, (541) 485-2711
EUGENE, OR — The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Science News recently featured information about a Eugene-based parenting program on its Web site. The program, developed at the Oregon Social Learning Center (OSLC), is aimed at positively affecting young foster children through supporting positive foster parenting skills. OSLC researchers looked at stress hormone levels of children whose foster families were involved in this program.
“We know that stress at a young age negatively affects brain development,” said Phil Fisher, Ph.D., a scientist at Oregon Social Learning Center and the developer of the program featured in the NIMH coverage. “What we also are learning now is that if we help foster parents provide stable and nurturing homes for young foster children, brain functioning can be improved,” Fisher explained.
Fisher said that he was pleased with the national recognition of his work primarily because it means that more attention will be placed on the power of good parenting in foster care, and in families in general. “The more we can get the word out about relatively simple strategies that can significantly improve any child’s chance for success later in life, the better,” said Fisher. The study focused on foster children aged three- to six-years old who had a history of severe early-childhood neglect.
For more information about the study, go to NIMH’s Web site, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2007/behavioral-program-may-stabilize-stress-hormone-patterns-in-foster-children.shtml