Abstract
This paper presents the findings of an exploratory research study of foster care youth residing in group homes in a mid-Atlantic
state in the USA. The aims of the present study were to (1) describe youth characteristics, (2) explore whether baseline functioning
differed by gender or ethnicity, (3) explore predictors of cross-time differences in psychosocial functioning, and (4) explore
predictors of later functioning, specifically age, gender, and length of stay. Psychosocial functioning at two time points
(i.e., T1 = admission into group home; T2 = current or discharge) in 180 charts from 29 randomly selected group homes were
reviewed. Youth were on average 14.86 years of age, predominantly male (71 %; n = 128), and predominantly African American (79 %). Findings suggest that group home placement may benefit some youth but
not others, particularly girls and younger children with lower initial level of need. Findings underscore the potential complexity
of intervention impact in the context of unique youth, family, and environment factors.
state in the USA. The aims of the present study were to (1) describe youth characteristics, (2) explore whether baseline functioning
differed by gender or ethnicity, (3) explore predictors of cross-time differences in psychosocial functioning, and (4) explore
predictors of later functioning, specifically age, gender, and length of stay. Psychosocial functioning at two time points
(i.e., T1 = admission into group home; T2 = current or discharge) in 180 charts from 29 randomly selected group homes were
reviewed. Youth were on average 14.86 years of age, predominantly male (71 %; n = 128), and predominantly African American (79 %). Findings suggest that group home placement may benefit some youth but
not others, particularly girls and younger children with lower initial level of need. Findings underscore the potential complexity
of intervention impact in the context of unique youth, family, and environment factors.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-17
- DOI 10.1007/s11414-012-9282-2
- Authors
- Wai-Ying Chow, Columbia, MD 21045, USA
- Jennifer E. Mettrick, University of Maryland School of Social Work, 525 West Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Sharon H. Stephan, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 737 West Lombard Street, Fourth Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Christina A. Von Waldner, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 737 West Lombard Street, Fourth Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Journal The Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research
- Online ISSN 1556-3308
- Print ISSN 1094-3412