This study evaluated the effects of the Adoption Preservation, Assessment, and Linkage (APAL) postpermanency program.
Method:
A quasi-experimental, posttest-only design was used to estimate the program’s effects on youth discharged from foster care to adoption or legal guardianship. A random sample was surveyed (female = 44.7%; African American = 94%) and tracked with administrative data. The primary analysis estimated the program’s effect of being assigned to the intervention, whereas a supplementary analysis estimated the effects of actually receiving the services.
Results:
The APAL program was associated with higher levels of caregiver commitment, fewer youth behavior problems, and lower odds of placement discontinuity.
Conclusion:
Offering postpermanency outreach services to families might help reinforce caregiver commitment and promote children’s well-being.
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