A Trial of Connecting to Prevent Drug Abuse and Risky Behavior in Foster Teens
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Relationship, Family (Foster)
- Sponsor
- University of Washington
- Enrollment
- 220
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Delay in drug use initiation
- Last Updated
- 6 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
This study evaluates the efficacy of a self-directed parenting program called Connecting in reducing risk of substance use and other risky behaviors in young foster teens (ages 11-15). Half of the participants will receive services as usual from the foster system, while half will participate in the Connecting program. Connecting is a 10-week, self-directed parenting workbook with two digital video discs (DVDs). Families receive weekly telephone support as they complete the program.
Investigators
Kevin Haggerty
Director, Social Development Research Group
University of Washington
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Foster youth ages 11-15 years
- •In current placement 60+ days
- •In relative/suitable adult care, in licensed relative/suitable adult care, in licensed foster care, in dependency guardianship
- •Caregiver and teen speak English well enough to use the program manual and respond to survey questions
Exclusion Criteria
- •The teen has regularly used drugs or alcohol in the last 30 days
- •The teen has been involved in the criminal justice system
- •The placement is not viewed as stable
- •The caregiver is not committed to a long-term placement
- •The teen will not likely be in the placement for at least 6 months
- •Group home placements and behavioral rehabilitative services placements
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Delay in drug use initiation
Time Frame: 2 year follow up
Monitoring the Future (Johnston et al., 2002). Communities that Care Youth Survey (CTC) (Hawkins \& Catalano, 2004).
Non-violent delinquent behavior frequency
Time Frame: 2 year follow up
Seattle Social Development Project (SSDP) (Hawkins et al., 1999). Raising Healthy Children (Catalano et al., 2005).
Delay in initiation of sexual activity
Time Frame: 2 year follow up
National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (Center for Human Research, 2003). Sexual Risk and Behavior Attitudes and Self Efficacy Scale (Basen Enquist et al., 1996). Communities that Care Youth Survey (Hawkins \& Catalano, 2004).
Substance use frequency
Time Frame: 2 year follow up
Monitoring the Future (Johnston et al., 2002). Communities that Care Youth Survey (Hawkins \& Catalano, 2004).
Violent delinquent behavior frequency
Time Frame: 2 year follow up
Seattle Social Development Project (Hawkins et al., 1999).
Secondary Outcomes
- Residential placement stability(2 year follow up)
- Youth attitudes favorable toward substance use(1 and 2 year follow up)
- Growth in caregiver/youth bonding(1 and 2 year follow up)
- Youth attitudes about HIV related risks(1 and 2 year follow up)