Do services work? Exploring the relationship between service provision and the education and employment outcomes for youth transitioning out of foster care

Objectives. The Employment Programs and Life Opportunities for Youth (EmPLOY) project was designed to facilitate the transition to adulthood for youth in and alumni of foster care in six cities with large foster care populations by identifying what service provision lead to positive employment and education outcomes.

Methods. Longitudinal data were collected quarterly from a convenience sample of 788 youth in and alumni of foster care receiving services from one of the six transition centers. Youth ranged between the ages of 16 and 24 and received at least one service quarterly. Types of services fall into four categories; physical/mental health, education, career preparation, and other. Logistic regression will be used to identify what service dose predicts positive educational, employment, and stable living arrangements in youth. Optimized conditions for all outcomes will also be computed to showcase the full range of probable change in a youth by outcome.

Results. Results will be completed prior to conference.

Conclusions. If the right services are provided at the right frequency, it gives youth in alumni of care the best chance of being of sound mind as they transition to adulthood and become productive members of society. Findings from EmPLOY will have broader implications for what services programs should emphasize by identifying service provision that predicts positive education and employment outcomes in transitioning youth, and informing stakeholders such as program developers, practitioners, and policy-makers throughout the education, workforce development and Child Welfare systems.