Postadoption and Guardianship: An Evaluation of the Adoption Preservation, Assessment, and Linkage Program. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liao, Minli; Testa, Mark
• Is Part Of: Research on social work practice. Volume 26:Number 6(2016:Nov.)
• Page Start: 675
• Page End: 685
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: postadoption -- implementation integrity -- quasi-experiment -- instrumental variables -- placement discontinuity; Social service -- Periodicals; 361.3205
• DOI: 10.1177/1049731514564600
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-7315

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of the Adoption Preservation, Assessment, and Linkage (APAL) postpermanency program. Method: A quasi-experimental, posttest-only design was used to estimate the program's effects on youth discharged from foster care to adoption or legal guardianship. A random sample was surveyed (female = 44.7%; African American = 94%) and tracked with administrative data. The primary analysis estimated the program's effect of being assigned to the intervention, whereas a supplementary analysis estimated the effects of actually receiving the services. Results: The APAL program was associated with higher levels of caregiver commitment, fewer youth behavior problems, and lower odds of placement discontinuity. Conclusion: Offering postpermanency outreach services to families might help reinforce caregiver commitment and promote children's well-being.