202779 Mental health and crime outcomes for youth transitioning out of the foster care system

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

JoAnn S. Lee, MSW/MPA , School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Mark E. Courtney, PhD , Partners for Our Children, University of Washington, School of Social Work, Seattle, WA
Title: Mental health and crime outcomes for youth transitioning out of the foster care system.

Background: Youth aging out of the foster care system report higher levels of mental health disorders and crime outcomes than their peers in the general population. These youths often share abuse and neglect histories, which are also linked to both mental health and crime outcomes. This study examines the relationship between mental health disorders and crime outcomes among youth aging out of the foster care system.

Objectives: 1) Explore the mental health and crime trajectories of youth aging out of the foster care system into independent living. 2) Explore the relationship between mental health disorders and crime outcomes for youth aging out of the foster care system into independent living at four time points.

Methods: The Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth is a longitudinal study following a random sample of foster youth (n = 732) exiting from care. Data on mental health disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress) and crime outcomes are collected for youth at four time points: ages 17, 19, 21 and 23. This study will explore mental health and crime relationships at each time period, and will use logistic regression to control for other related factors.

Conclusions: We will discuss the relationship between mental health disorders and crime outcomes for former foster youth during their transition to adulthood (ages 18-24).

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the mental health status of youth aging out of the foster care system. 2. List 3 crime outcomes for youth aging out of the foster care system. 3. Discuss the relationship between mental health status and crime outcomes for youth aging out of the foster care system.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the researcher on this project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Mentoring in Public Mental Health
See more of: Mental Health