Findings from an evaluation of Family Finding: Experiences of Family Finders and older youth

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to assess the experiences of child welfare workers trained in Family Finding and to assess the experiences of the youth who participated in Family Finding. Findings from this study suggest the efficacy of Family Finding in establishing relational permanence for youth. Findings from qualitative analyses indicate that Family Finders modified the actual steps of the model. Both youth-recommended and Family Finders-recommended Family Finding services begin when children and youth enter child welfare. However, quantitative findings suggest there is not any significant difference in Family Finding outcomes for younger and older youth.

Building Connections Between Chosen Family and Kin: A Culturally Adapted Program for LGBTQ+ Children, Youth, and Their Families

“…In this study, CAFF specialists made an average of 63 contacts, connections almost double the required baseline amount. Of those contacts, an average of five people joined the young person’s chosen family network, a similar finding in previous research (see Greeno et al, 2019). This is an important finding to consider that this adaptation may require additional contacts to identify committed connections in an LGBTQ+ young person’s life.…”

“…In addition, the cornerstone of the model is a relentless persistence to search for connections. That search in most studies suggests a baseline of 20 to 40 connections (Greeno et al, 2019) as a minimum, so that, there are enough potential connections that would be able to move from an identified connection to a person who has joined the youth's network. In this study, CAFF specialists made an average of 63 contacts, connections almost double the required baseline amount.…”

“…Of the 84 contacts, youth were present for 44 contacts. In Greeno et al's (2019) study, Family Finders reported hesitation in involving youth in the process and that the determination to include them should be individualized to protect the youth from unmet expectations and negative reactions. Conversely, in this study, the site decided to engage youth at every stage of the process and centered their voice in decision-making as a core adaptation of the model.…”