Current Projects
Leaving Care in Massachusetts: Policy and Supports to Facilitate Transition to Adulthood
SSW Investigator(s):
Mary Collins, PhD, Cassandra Clay, MSW
Funding Source:
Youth Transition Task Force
Project Description:
This study is designed to examine the experience of foster
care youth who leave care at the age of 18. The study will gather data
on the quantity and quality of transitional services youth received or
utilized while in care; the outcomes achieved by youth within 1-2 years
of leaving custody; and the policy and program responses needed to improve
outcomes for these youths. Study components include: 1) a series of interviews
with youth and former caregivers regarding the transition experience;
2) analyses of administrative data to understand the scope of the problems
and circumstances of youths; and 3) interviews with key stakeholders
(policy makers, state agency personnel, program directors, etc.) to understand
the strengths and weaknesses of current responses to serving this population.
