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The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research

Published in:

01-04-2015

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, PhD, Laurie E. Powers, PhD, Lee Ann Phillips, MSW, May Nelson, MSW, Jessica McKenna, Nichole Winges-Yanez, MSW, Linda Blanchette, Adrienne Croskey, Lawrence D. Dalton, MA, Amy Salazar, PhD, Paul Swank, PhD

Published in: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research | Issue 2/2015

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.

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Title: 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, PhD
Laurie E. Powers, PhD
Lee Ann Phillips, MSW
May Nelson, MSW
Jessica McKenna
Nichole Winges-Yanez, MSW
Linda Blanchette
Adrienne Croskey
Lawrence D. Dalton, MA
Amy Salazar, PhD
Paul Swank, PhD
Publication date: 01-04-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 1094-3412
Electronic ISSN: 2168-6793
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-014-9451-6

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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

Abstract

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