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.
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.
authors.affiliation: Pathways to Positive Futures Research and Training Center, Portland State University, PO Box 751, Portland, OR, 97207-0751, USA, geenens@pdx.edu.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Geenen
authors.forename: Laurie E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Powers
authors.forename: Lee Ann
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: May
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McKenna
authors.forename: Nichole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Winges-Yanez
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Blanchette
authors.forename: Adrienne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Croskey
authors.forename: Lawrence D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Dalton
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salazar
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Swank
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D005581:Foster Home Care; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008603:Mental Health; D011209:Power, Psychological; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support