A Trial of Connecting to Promote Foster Teen Well-Being

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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.

Official Title
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A Trial of Connecting to Prevent Drug Abuse and Risky Behavior in Foster Teens

Conditions
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Relationship, Family (Foster), Substance Use Prevention

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Connecting


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 11 Years
Maximum Age: 15 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Program group<br>This group receives the Connecting program with telephone support. It's anticipated the program will take up to 14 weeks to complete. | Behavioral: Connecting<br>* Connecting was adapted for use within the child welfare system from the Staying Connected With Your Teen program that has been demonstrated to prevent substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, and violence during adolescence.<br>* Other names: Staying Connected With Your Teen;|
| No Intervention: Comparison group<br>This group receives Children's Administration services as usual. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Delay in drug use initiation | Monitoring the Future (Johnston et al., 2002). Communities that Care Youth Survey (CTC) (Hawkins & Catalano, 2004). | 2 year follow up | 
| Substance use frequency | Monitoring the Future (Johnston et al., 2002). Communities that Care Youth Survey (Hawkins & Catalano, 2004). | 2 year follow up | 
| Non-violent delinquent behavior frequency | Seattle Social Development Project (SSDP) (Hawkins et al., 1999). Raising Healthy Children (Catalano et al., 2005). | 2 year follow up | 
| Violent delinquent behavior frequency | Seattle Social Development Project (Hawkins et al., 1999). | 2 year follow up | 
| Delay in initiation of sexual activity | 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). | 2 year follow up | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Residential placement stability | Child Welfare Administrative Data | 2 year follow up | 
| Growth in caregiver/youth bonding | Communities that Care Youth Survey (Hawkins & Catalano, 2004). Armsden & Greenberg (1987). | 1 and 2 year follow up | 
| Youth attitudes about HIV related risks | Sexual Risk and Behavior Attitudes and Self Efficacy Scale (Basen Enquist et al.,1996) | 1 and 2 year follow up | 
| Youth attitudes favorable toward substance use | Communities that Care Youth Survey (Hawkins & Catalano, 2004) | 1 and 2 year follow up | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Foster Families