Kind IN Gezond Systeem (KINGS)

KINGS (Kind IN Gezond Systeem, a Dutch acronym for ‘Child in Healthy System) is an intensive family treatment program, developed for children with severe behavioral problems and their parents. The children and their parents have been victims of major interpersonal events, such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, neglect and bullying (physical and/or emotional). KINGS focuses on trauma processing in the child and the parents, and on increasing parenting skills. 

With this study, we are trying to better understand how the KINGS treatment program works and what the outcomes of treatment are. This will allow us to improve the program so that other families can be served even better in the future.

It is investigated whether KINGS is effective in reducing trauma symptoms in parents and children, behavioural problems in the child, experienced pressure of upbringing, and in improving the quality of family and parenting conditions. More specifically, we will also examine what exactly works in KINGS: which components of the treatment model determine its effectiveness? And: which families benefit most from KINGS and why? In order to answer these questions, sub-studies will be set up that focus on (1) the target group of KINGS, (2) care activities and considerations, (3) the effectiveness of KINGS, and (4) the experiences of parents and children with KINGS. Case files are studied and parents and children (aged 8 years and older) complete questionnaires (from six months before to six months after KINGS) and share their experiences in interviews. 

Lysbert Zeinstra is a remedial educationalist and educationalist and will be awarded a PhD for this research. In addition to Femy Wanders from Accare, Prof. Dr. Annemiek Harder from Erasmus University Rotterdam (Department of Orthopedagogy and Family Education) and Dr. Jana Knot-Dickscheit and Dr. Anne-Marie Huyghen from the University of Groningen (Basic Unit Orthopedagogy) are also involved in this investigation.