Understanding Foster Youth Outcomes

Abstract

Objectives: This study seeks to examine the relationship between foster care and outcomes using multiple comparison methods to account for factors that put foster youth at risk independent of care. Methods: Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, matching, propensity scoring, and comparisons to the general population are used to examine whether results differ depending on the matching strategy. Results: Propensity scoring produces a better model and more closely matched groups than traditional matching. No group differences emerge in outcomes using propensity scoring; however, differences emerge in other schemes. Conclusions: When examining outcomes for foster youth, it is important to consider multiple matching strategies, as this may affect results. Propensity scoring may be one approach to inform child welfare practice.