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A Positive Youth Development Approach to Improving Mental Health Outcomes for Maltreated Children in Foster Care: Replication and Extension of an RCT of the Fostering Healthy Futures Program
Author(s) -
Taussig Heather N.,
Weiler Lindsey M.,
Garrido Edward F.,
Rhodes Tara,
Boat Ashley,
Fadell Melody
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
american journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.113
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1573-2770
pISSN - 0091-0562
DOI - 10.1002/ajcp.12385
Subject(s) - mental health , foster care , futures contract , psychology , attendance , intervention (counseling) , positive youth development , randomized controlled trial , clinical psychology , health psychology , medicine , psychiatry , developmental psychology , public health , nursing , surgery , financial economics , economics , economic growth
Highlights Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF) is a preventive intervention for preadolescent youth in foster care. 95% of those offered FHF started the program, 92% completed it, and there was over 85% attendance. FHF reduced mental health symptoms, especially trauma, and mental health service utilization. Effects were consistent across almost all subgroups, suggesting FHF benefits diverse children. Positive youth development programming is acceptable and can be beneficial for vulnerable children.