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Experimental evaluation of transitional living services for system-involved youth: Implications for policy and practice

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  • Courtney, Mark E.
  • Valentine, Erin J.
  • Skemer, Melanie

Abstract

Research conducted over the past two decades has shown that young people transitioning to adulthood from custodial care systems, such as the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, are at particularly high risk of experiencing poor outcomes. Despite considerable government investment in supporting the transition to adulthood for these youth, the evidence base to inform those investments remains limited. The study reported here uses a random-assignment evaluation design to assess the impact of the YVLifeSet program on young adults transitioning to adulthood from the child welfare and juvenile justice systems in the state of Tennessee. The evaluation identified positive impacts of the program on employment and earnings, housing instability, economic hardship, and health and safety. However, the program had no impact on measures of education, social support, criminal behavior and justice system involvement. The study findings provide guidance for future research and program development and raise questions about the appropriateness of traditional models of case management for transition-age youth.

Suggested Citation

  • Courtney, Mark E. & Valentine, Erin J. & Skemer, Melanie, 2019. "Experimental evaluation of transitional living services for system-involved youth: Implications for policy and practice," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 96(C), pages 396-408.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:96:y:2019:i:c:p:396-408
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.11.031
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Collins, Mary Elizabeth, 2004. "Enhancing services to youths leaving foster care: Analysis of recent legislation and its potential impact," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 26(11), pages 1051-1065, November.
    2. Waldinger, Gloria & Furman, Walter M., 1994. "Two models of preparing foster youths for emancipation," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 16(3-4), pages 201-212.
    3. Zajac, Kristyn & Sheidow, Ashli J. & Davis, Maryann, 2015. "Juvenile justice, mental health, and the transition to adulthood: A review of service system involvement and unmet needs in the U.S," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 139-148.
    4. Powers, Laurie E. & Geenen, Sarah & Powers, Jennifer & Pommier-Satya, Summer & Turner, Alison & Dalton, Lawrence D. & Drummond, Diann & Swank, Paul, 2012. "My Life: Effects of a longitudinal, randomized study of self-determination enhancement on the transition outcomes of youth in foster care and special education," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 34(11), pages 2179-2187.
    5. Montgomery, Paul & Donkoh, Charles & Underhill, Kristen, 2006. "Independent living programs for young people leaving the care system: The state of the evidence," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(12), pages 1435-1448, December.
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    Cited by:

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    4. Hobbs, Sue D. & Bederian-Gardner, Daniel & Ogle, Christin M. & Bakanosky, Sarah & Narr, Rachel & Goodman, Gail S., 2021. "Foster youth and at-risk non-foster youth: A propensity score and structural equation modeling analysis," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).
    5. Havlicek, Judy, 2023. "“Don’t Give Up”: Persevering for a better life through community college among students with foster care experience," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    6. Cesar, Gabriel T & Decker, Scott H., 2020. "“CPS Sucks, but… I think I’m better off in the system:” Family, social support, & arts-based mentorship in child protective services," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    7. Kelly, Berni & Webb, Paul & Davidson, Gavin & Pinkerton, John & McShane, Theresa, 2022. "Raising the profile of care leavers with mental health and/or intellectual disabilities: A contribution from Northern Ireland," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).
    8. Leathers, Sonya J. & Holtschneider, Casey & Ludington, Melissa & Ross, Ellen V. & Barnett, James L., 2023. "Mentoring, employment assistance, and enhanced staff outreach for older youth in care: Outcomes from a randomized controlled trial," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).

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