This R01 (PA-01-311) study will conduct a randomized controlled trial of Connecting, a self-directed, family-focused, substance abuse and risky sexual behavior prevention program for foster teens and their caregivers. The program was adapted under an R34 (NIDA #1R34DA029722), for use within the child welfare system, from Staying Connected with Your Teen (SCT), a family-based, self-directed prevention program that has shown long-term (2-year) effects in reducing initiation into drug use and sexual activity, and has reduced the frequency of violent behaviors, especially among low-income African American teens (Haggerty et al., 2007). Pilot data demonstrate less family conflict, clearer family expectations for behavior, less favorable attitudes for drug use, and a reduction in some risky problem behaviors in foster families in the program condition compared to wait-list controls, with small to moderate effect sizes (e.g., family conflict; teen report OR=.61, stealing OR=.31, property damage OR=.31). Conducting an RCT is the next logical step to determine program efficacy. We propose testing the program with 260 foster youth-caregiver dyads across Washington State. This 5-year efficacy study will 1) use a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of the program on key proximal and distal family outcomes for foster care families; 2) collect cost data and complete a cost- benefit analysis, should we find benefits to providing this preventive program; and 3) collaborate with child welfare partners during the final year of the study to maximize the potential of low-impact integration of this evidence-based program into the system should it be found to be efficacious. This proposal unites two University of Washington School of Social Work entities, the Social Development Research Group, which has developed and tested the efficacy of a number of prevention programs, and Partners for Our Children, a research group designed to conduct new thinking, resources, and expertise to improve the child welfare system, focusing its research on child welfare transformation. One innovative feature of this proposal is our strong collaboration with the Washington State Children's Administration and the Alliance for Child Welfare Excellence, which will allow systems integration and dissemination should the program be efficacious. Porter and Kramer (1999) have identified the diffusion of evidence-based programs as the single most important contribution that government agencies can make to society. This study will explore the efficacy of disseminating a self-directed substance abuse and risky sexual behavior prevention program through the child welfare system, and will generate valuable knowledge about barriers and enablers to effective implementation.
This study will provide valuable knowledge about the efficacy of a family-based substance abuse and risky behavior prevention program conducted with foster families. Few experimental studies focus on this vulnerable population; we will also address barriers and enablers within the child welfare system and work to establish an effective dissemination strategy if the program is efficacious.
| Salazar, Amy M; McCowan, Kristin J; Cole, Janice J et al. (2018) Developing Relationship-Building Tools for Foster Families Caring for Teens who are LGBTQ2S. Child Welfare 96:75-97 |
| Haggerty, Kevin P; Barkan, Susan E; Skinner, Martie et al. (2016) Feasibility of Connecting, a Substance-Abuse Prevention Program for Foster Teens and their Caregivers. J Soc Social Work Res 7:639-659 |
