Holding a foster child's mind in mind: study protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial of mentalization-based therapy (MBT) for foster families.

Background: Children in foster care are psychologically vulnerable and show more social, developmental, and behavioral problems than those living with their family of origin. Many foster parents struggle to care for these children, some of whom have experienced severe adversity. Research and theory suggest that developing a strong and supportive foster parent-child relationship is essential for foster children to become more well-adjusted and experience a decrease in behavioral problems and emotional maladjustment.