Assessing Support Network Stability With Transition-Age Foster Youth: Measuring Change Over time
Sponsor
Preparation of this article was supported in part by funding from the National Institutes of Health Award Number UL1GM118964, administered by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.
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.
Locate the Document
DOI
10.1177/1049731516678662
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/22794
Citation Details
Blakeslee, J. E., & Keller, T. E. (2016). Assessing Support Network Stability With Transition-Age Foster Youth: Measuring Change Over Time. Research on Social Work Practice, 1049731516678662.
Description
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