A Trial of Connecting to Promote Foster Teen Well-Being

University of Washington220 enrolled

Overview

This study evaluates the efficacy of a self-directed parenting program called Connecting in reducing risk of substance use and other risky behaviors in young foster teens (ages 11-15). Half of the participants will receive services as usual from the foster system, while half will participate in the Connecting program. Connecting is a 10-week, self-directed parenting workbook with two digital video discs (DVDs). Families receive weekly telephone support as they complete the program.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

220

Conditions

Relationship, Family (Foster)Substance Use Prevention

Interventions

ConnectingBEHAVIORAL

Connecting was adapted for use within the child welfare system from the Staying Connected With Your Teen program that has been demonstrated to prevent substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, and violence during adolescence.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 11 YearsMax age: 15 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Foster youth ages 11-15 years * In current placement 60+ days * In relative/suitable adult care, in licensed relative/suitable adult care, in licensed foster care, in dependency guardianship * Caregiver and teen speak English well enough to use the program manual and respond to survey questions Exclusion Criteria: * The teen has regularly used drugs or alcohol in the last 30 days * The teen has been involved in the criminal justice system * The placement is not viewed as stable * The caregiver is not committed to a long-term placement * The teen will not likely be in the placement for at least 6 months * Group home placements and behavioral rehabilitative services placements

Locations (1)

The Social Development Research Group, University of Washington

Seattle, Washington, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Delay in drug use initiation

Monitoring the Future (Johnston et al., 2002). Communities that Care Youth Survey (CTC) (Hawkins \& Catalano, 2004).

Time frame: 2 year follow up

Substance use frequency

Monitoring the Future (Johnston et al., 2002). Communities that Care Youth Survey (Hawkins \& Catalano, 2004).

Time frame: 2 year follow up

Non-violent delinquent behavior frequency

Seattle Social Development Project (SSDP) (Hawkins et al., 1999). Raising Healthy Children (Catalano et al., 2005).

Time frame: 2 year follow up

Violent delinquent behavior frequency

Seattle Social Development Project (Hawkins et al., 1999).

Time frame: 2 year follow up

Delay in initiation of sexual activity

National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (Center for Human Research, 2003). Sexual Risk and Behavior Attitudes and Self Efficacy Scale (Basen Enquist et al., 1996). Communities that Care Youth Survey (Hawkins \& Catalano, 2004).

Time frame: 2 year follow up

Secondary Outcomes

Residential placement stability

Child Welfare Administrative Data

Time frame: 2 year follow up

Growth in caregiver/youth bonding

Communities that Care Youth Survey (Hawkins \& Catalano, 2004). Armsden \& Greenberg (1987).

Time frame: 1 and 2 year follow up

Youth attitudes about HIV related risks

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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