Better Futures: A validated model for increasing postsecondary preparation and participation of youth in foster care with mental health challenges

• Published in: Children and youth services review 2015-10, Vol.57, p.50-59
• Main Authors: Phillips, Lee Ann, Powers, Laurie E., Geenen, Sarah, Schmidt, Jessica, Winges-Yanez, Nichole, McNeely, Isha Charlie, Merritt, Lindsay, Williamson, Candis, Turner, Shannon, Zweben, Harry, Bodner, Celeste
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Foster care; Intervention research; Mental health; Peer delivered services; Postsecondary education; Randomized clinical trial
• ISSN: 0190-7409; 1873-7765
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2015.07.010

Higher education participation rates of young people in foster care are dramatically lower than their level of postsecondary education aspiration. Increasing attention to this disparity has stimulated policy and practice enhancements, however rigorously validated models for promoting postsecondary preparation and participation have not existed for young people in foster care, including those with mental health conditions. This article describes Better Futures, which is the first such model to be experimentally validated as effective for increasing the higher education participation and other related outcomes of young people in foster care with mental health challenges. Better Futures features a four day on-campus Summer Institute, coaching provided to youth by older peers who are in college and have shared experiences around foster care and/or mental health, and workshops that bring together youth, coaches and guest speakers for information sharing and mutual support. This article includes the theoretical and component features of the Better Futures model, findings related to intervention fidelity, participants' evaluation of the program, and discussion of implications for future model refinement and research. •An experimentally validated model for increasing the higher education participation of youth with mental health conditions in foster care.•Theoretical and component features of the Better Futures model are highlighted.•Findings are reviewed related to intervention fidelity and participants' evaluation of the model.•Implications for future model refinement and research are discussed.