Availability of Aftercare for Youth Departing Group Homes

ABSTRACT

Aftercare has been suggested to improve the outcomes of youth who depart group homes. This project used a survey method to collect data from 38 agency leaders from across the United States on the aftercare supports they believed were available for youth departing group homes and returning to their homes/schools prior to high school graduation. The results revealed that 34% of agencies provided an aftercare service with a model, and 29% of agencies received external funding for aftercare. The findings are summarized and limitations and implications for future research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• aftercare
• evidence-based practices
• group homes

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Peggy McElgunn (Teaching-Family Association) and Kari Sisson (Association of Children’s Residential Centers) for their support of this project.

Funding

This research was supported by Grant number # H325D080034 from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs and Grant # R324A12060 from the U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences. The statements in this manuscript do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Department of Education.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by Grant number # H325D080034 from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs and Grant # R324A12060 from the U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences. The statements in this manuscript do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Department of Education.