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Youth and parent perceptions of aftercare supports at discharge from residential care
Author(s) -
Trout Alexandra L.,
Hoffman Steven,
HuscroftD'Angelo Jacqueline,
Epstein Michael H.,
Duppong Hurley Kristin,
Stevens Amy L.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
child and family social work
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1365-2206
pISSN - 1356-7500
DOI - 10.1111/cfs.12003
Subject(s) - preparedness , perception , mental health , psychology , nursing , medicine , psychiatry , political science , neuroscience , law
While much is known about youth struggles after reintegration into the home and community settings following stays in out‐of‐home care, little is known about appropriate supports for aftercare, or parent (see Note ) and youth perceptions during this critical transition period. This study seeks to begin to address these questions through surveys evaluating youth ( n = 48) and parent ( n = 48) perceptions of (i) transition planning, family preparedness and aftercare; (ii) youth preparedness for the transition period across major life domains (e.g. education, health care, relationships); and (iii) the importance of specific aftercare supports and services. Results indicate differences between youth and parents on perceptions of need for continued supports, likelihood of participation in aftercare programs; and youth preparedness for success in relationships, family and independent living domains. In contrast, similarities were found on youth and parent ratings regarding the importance of specific services and supports, with both groups indicating supports in education as most important and supports in mental health as least. Study limitations, future research and implications are provided.