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Improving mental health for adopted and foster children through therapy

Relationships in Good Hands Trial: Clinical and Cost-effectiveness of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy for Abused and Neglected Young Children With Maltreatment-associated Problems and Their Parents

Not applicable Interventional University of Glasgow · NCT04187911

This study is testing whether a special therapy called Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy can help improve the mental health of adopted and foster children aged 5-12 who have faced abuse or neglect.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Glasgow Academic / other
Locations16 sites (Lanark, Scotland and 15 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04187911 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project explores the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) for improving the mental health of children aged 5-12 who have been adopted or fostered and are experiencing maltreatment-associated psychiatric problems. The study aims to identify better collaboration methods between social care and health services to support these families. It involves a three-phase development and exploratory trial to assess the feasibility of DDP compared to standard services. The research addresses a critical gap in treatment options for children facing complex mental health challenges due to abuse and neglect.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adoptive or permanent foster parents with children aged 5-12 years exhibiting symptoms of maltreatment-associated psychiatric problems.

Not a fit: Families deemed not ready for DDP or children currently receiving other psychotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly enhance the mental health and overall well-being of adopted and foster children.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on DDP specifically, other studies have shown promise in addressing similar mental health issues in maltreated children, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

• Adoptive or permanent foster parents with children aged 5-12 years with symptoms of MAPP or co-occurring mental health conditions and non-psychotherapeutic treatments

Exclusion Criteria:

* Families, otherwise eligible, deemed by therapists as not ready for DDP (usually where therapists have concerns about the ability of carers/parents to create a safe/ nurturing enough environment within which DDP can operate)
* Children currently having another psychotherapy

Where this trial is running

Lanark, Scotland and 15 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Mental HealthPsychiatric ProblemsChild NeglectMaltreatmentAdoptionChild Behaviour ProblemDDPFeasibility
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.