Date of Conferral

2-23-2024

Date of Award

February 2024

Degree

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A)

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Victoria Landu-Adams

Abstract

Policy decision makers have restricted the use of residential behavioral health services for youth involved in child welfare and juvenile justice systems, threatening their existence. Family Home Program (FHP), an evidence-based residential model, is an example of a program at risk of extinction because of negative characterization. While in-home, community-based, and foster care levels of child welfare services are assessed for conformity with federal outcomes using the federal Child and Family Services Review (CFSR), residential care does not receive this review. The purpose of this study was to bridge the evaluation gap between in-home and community-based child welfare programs and the FHP residential model. Utilizing an input-process-outcome conceptual framework, the relationship between the program participants, implementation of program components, and program outcomes was assessed. The primary research question focused on assessing FHP performance using the CFSR for equitable comparison to other levels of care. Secondary data from 311 FHP participants were collected. A Kruskal-Wallas H statistical test was used to analyze variances between male and female outcome frequencies to assess for differences. Two variables indicated statistically significant gender differences, both within permanency outcome measures, implying an opportunity to improve gender equity in implementation. Results indicated FHP attains safety, permanency, and well-being for participants at of rate of at least 90% per performance measure. Implications for positive social change include policy and funding decisions that support model sustainability, and continued availability of FHP for youth in need of this level of care.

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