Research That Matters (January 17 - 20, 2008)

Purpose: A theoretical framework of agenda-setting was used to examine one state's efforts to develop state policy regarding youth transitioning from foster care to independent adulthood. The agenda-setting framework of Kingdon (1997) suggests that the combined influence of appropriate problem definition matched to policy solution within a supportive political environment will create a window of opportunity for policy-making. The research questions included: 1) How does Kingdom's model of agenda-setting explain policy-making regarding youth transition in one state? 2) What additional factors also impacted policy-making on this issue?

Method: Semi-structured in-person interviews were conducted with 35 stakeholders with expertise in foster care and/or youth transition, to identify the variety of efforts and barriers to further policy development regarding youth transitioning from foster care. Questions focused on: understanding of the problem, perceptions of appropriate solutions, perceived contributions/barriers of various organizations, efforts to involve youth in policy development, the current and changing political environment, etc. Written notes were taken during interviews and later transcribed for coding and analysis. The theoretical framework provided the categories for analysis. Additionally, policy documents and administrative data were used to provide contextual analysis.

Findings: Stakeholders described a variety of different problem definitions regarding the issue of youth transition from care. The most consistent description of the problem was “lack of permanency” or “lack of connection”. This was consistent with enumerated solutions that focused on services as the core policy response. More concrete supports (access to mental health, housing, health insurance) were secondary. Political factors appeared to be the most prominent element of the model affecting policy development. These included: a sustained multi-year advocacy agenda, state elections that brought in a new administration more focused on human services, agency leadership focusing on this issues, development of advocacy groups promoting the youth voice, prominence of private agencies as a political force, and potential funding availability. Three key limitations to gaining the policy agenda were identified: 1) High profile challenges to the state child welfare agency were perceived to have potentially closed the window for policy development. 2) Little attempt was made to use data for problem description and potential policy solutions. 3) Challenging budget environment for the state.

Implications: Federal legislation regarding foster youth transition has provided funding to states to develop support for foster youth in the transition to adulthood. States have policy options in a number of areas (e.g., eligibility criteria, types of services/supports provided). Very little is known about the policy context in which state policy decisions are made on this topic. Findings from this study arm social workers with strategies (e.g., appropriate coalitions, potential uses of data, collaborating with youth organizations) to engage in effective advocacy and policy/program development at the state level.