Assessing Support Network Stability With Transition-Age Foster Youth: Measuring Change Over time

Published In

Research on Social Work Practice

Document Type

Citation

Publication Date

10-2018

Abstract

Objective: This study uses the Support Network Assessment for Practice (SNAP) approach to measure the support provided to young people transitioning from foster care.

Methods: The SNAP was administered on two occasions, approximately 7 months apart, to a cohort of transition-age foster youth (n = 27). Analyses investigated measurement reliability and sensitivity to change for network-level characteristics as well as baseline factors associated with relationship stability.

Results: Most network-level indicators had strong test–retest correlations, and differences in mean scores over time also were detected, suggesting measurement sensitivity to change. Respondents were able to explain most observed changes in their networks, further suggesting reliable measurement. Stable relationships were those reported as stronger and providing more multifaceted support and those with family members and/or parent figures.

Discussion: The SNAP approach could be used to facilitate planning around support needs for youth transitioning out of foster care and to evaluate efforts to enhance support networks.

Description

Copyright The Author(s) 2018 Reprints and permission: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav

DOI

10.1177/1049731516678662

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/22794

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