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

Elizabeth Jane Greeno, Berenice Rushovich, Sarah Catherine Williams, Joshua Brusca, Kantahyanee Murray - International Social Work

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.