A mixed-methods evaluative study of the life model of residential care for trauma-affected children and youth

ABSTRACT

We examined the Life Model of residential care for trauma-affected foster youth with life-skill deficits. Staff interviews described implementation. The Community-Oriented Programs Environment Scale, completed by youth and staff, assessed the care environment. The Child Assessment of Needs and Strengths, the Life Assessment, and discharge data were available for 42 youth. Results from the COPES indicated moderate-high scores on relationship, personal growth, and system maintenance. Paired-samples t-tests showed improvements in functioning, behavioral/emotional needs, and strengths. RMANOVAs of the Life Assessment showed youth experienced growth in spirituality/culture, education, vocation, and overall development. Most youth discharged to family-based placements or independent living.

KEYWORDS:

• Residential group care
• child welfare
• foster care
• trauma
• high-risk youth

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Florida State University Council on Research and Creativity Planning Grant.

Notes on contributors

Shamra Boel-Studt

Dr. Boel-Studt is an Associate Professor in the College of Social Work and Director of the Institute for Quality Children’s Services at Florida State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Coe College and both a MSW and PhD in Social Work from the University of Iowa. Her research focuses on the quality and effectiveness of services for children and youth served in out-of-home care settings. Dr. Boel-Studt has extensive experience collaborating with public and private agencies to promote quality services across child service systems. Her major contributions include developing and validating the Quality Standards Assessment for children’s out-of-home care. She serves as Principal Investigator, leading the development of Florida’s legislatively mandated statewide accountability system for residential care. She is also collaborating with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the University of Texas Health at San Antonio to lead the development of a comprehensive quality improvement and training platform as part of the Residential Treatment Center Project that aims to treat children with acute behavioral health needs while supporting family preservation.

Megan Deichen Hansen

Megan Deichen Hansen, MSW, PhD is Research Faculty at Florida State University’s College of Medicine. Dr. Deichen Hansen specializes in the research, implementation, and evaluation of models of care optimization for medically underserved populations.

Taylor Dowdy-Hazlett

Taylor Dowdy-Hazlett, PhD, MSSW is an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work. Dr. Dowdy-Hazlett has over 10 years of experience in practice, research, and evaluation in child welfare. Her research focuses on improving positive youth outcomes for youth in out-of-home care.