Better Futures: a Randomized Field Test of a Model for Supporting Young People in Foster Care with Mental Health Challenges to Participate in Higher Education

Authors

Sarah Geenen, Portland State University
Laurie E. Powers, Portland State UniversityFollow
Lee Ann Phillips, Portland State University
May Nelson, Portland Public SchoolsFollow
Jessica McKenna, Portland State University
Nichole Winges-Yanez, Portland State UniversityFollow
Linda Blanchette, Portland Community College
Adrienne Croskey, Portland State UniversityFollow
Lawrence D. Dalton, Oregon Department of Human ServicesFollow
Amy Salazar, University of Washington - Seattle CampusFollow
Paul Swank, Innovative Thinking, Inc.Follow

Sponsor

This activity is supported by a grant funded by both the National Institute of Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, and the Center for Mental Health Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States Department of Health and Human Services (NIDILRR grant 90RT5030).

Published In

Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research

Document Type

Post-Print

Publication Date

4-2015

Subjects

Foster children -- Mental health, Mentally ill children -- Foster home care, Crisis intervention (Mental health services), Higher education -- United States

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to conduct a preliminary efficacy evaluation of the Better Futures model, which is focused on improving the postsecondary preparation and participation of youth in foster care with mental health challenges. Sixty-seven youth were randomized to either a control group that received typical services or an intervention group, which involved participation in a Summer Institute, individual peer coaching, and mentoring workshops. Findings indicate significant gains for the intervention group on measures of postsecondary participation, postsecondary and transition preparation, hope, self-determination, and mental health empowerment, as compared to the control group. Youth in the intervention group also showed positive trends in the areas of mental health recovery, quality of life, and high school completion. Implications for future research and practice are discussed, while emphasizing the capacities of youth in foster care with mental health conditions to successfully prepare for and participate fully in high education.

Description

This manuscript was published online December 12, 2014 in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research. The final publication is available at Springer via https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-014-9451-6

DOI

10.1007/s11414-014-9451-6

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/30538

Citation Details

Published as: Geenen, S., Powers, L.E., Phillips, L.A. et al. J Behav Health Serv Res (2015) 42: 150.