This report shares early findings from an evaluation of the LifeSet program in New Jersey. LifeSet provides young adults leaving foster care with intensive community-based support and guidance to help them make a successful transition to adulthood. This report describes young adults randomized in the study with an initial analysis of baseline equivalence using child welfare administrative data. We also present early findings on the treatment group's enrollment in LifeSet. Finally, we summarize information about LifeSet's implementation gathered through interviews and focus groups.
Authors
Katrina Brewsaugh, Mark Courtney, Michael Pergamit, Annelise Loveless
- Pages
- 4
- Published in
- United States of America
Table of Contents
- Katrina Brewsaugh Mark Courtney Michael Pergamit 1
- Annelise Loveless 1
- READ REPORT 1
- Survey responses suggest young adults in the study experience challenges but also have strengths to build on. 1
- TOPICS STORIES DATA TOOLS BLOGS 1
- EVENTS 1
- MENU 1
- Of young adults who completed the survey almost one-third indicated at least one instance of housing instability at baseline. 2
- Among young adults who did not have a high school diploma more than half were currently enrolled in education or training at the time they completed the survey. 2
- Fifty-seven percent of survey respondents reported working at a full- or part-time job. 2
- The randomization process in New Jersey resulted in treatment and control groups that had similar characteristics at baseline. 2
- Age at randomization was the only characteristic of statistical nonequivalence. 2
- The treatment and control groups were statistically equivalent on all measures of child welfare history. 2
- For young adults randomized to the treatment group two-thirds enrolled in LifeSet. 2
- There were no signicant differences in enrollment rates across implementing organizations. 2
- Young adults who enrolled in LifeSet were slightly older and spent less time placed with kin than young adults who did not enroll. 2
- Young adults who enrolled in LifeSet were about two months older at the time of randomization than young adults who chose not to enroll. 2
- Enrolled young adults spent an average of ve months placed with kin compared with an average of nine months for nonenrolled young adults. 2
- LifeSet differs from usual services in several key ways. 2
- Staff felt that LifeSets scope and exibility program goals higher frequency of communication with young adults and well-dened model were key features that distinguish it from services as usual. 2
- Staff used multiple methods to recruit and enroll eligible young adults in the LifeSet program. 2
- A common recruitment tactic was focusing on how LifeSet is unique and not a duplication of other services the young adults may have received. 2
- LifeSet is being delivered as Youth Villages intended with some minor modications during the COVID-19 pandemic. 3
- RESEARCH AREAS 3
- TAGS 3
- POLICY CENTERS 3
- STATES 3
- The Child Welfare Evidence Strengthening Team CWEST 3
- Four Ways to Better Support Young Adults Transitioning out of Foster Care 4
- Conducting a Randomized Controlled Trial RCT in Child Welfare 4
- ABOUT HOW WE WORK RESEARCHER PRINCIPLES 4
- CAREERS SUPPORT US NEWSLETTERS SEARCH 4
- POLICY CENTERS 4
