The Foster Youth in Action's (FYA) Leadership and Advocacy Trainings Project (Formerly the National Foster Youth Action Network): A Multi-State Evaluation of Positive Youth Development Wave 2 Results and Findings
This study collected data from year round leadership and advocacy trainings offered to current and former foster youth in six states: California, Oregon, Washington, Nebraska, Indiana, and Massachusetts. These youth, between the ages of 14-25 years, were both participants and trainers in the intervention. The study evaluated the personal impact of participating in this intervention for individual youth. The intervention was delivered through training retreats that varied in length and topics, but are typically offered over 2 to 3 days with an average of 8 hours of instruction per weekend. The youth averaged 3 to 5 different trainings annually; providing an opportunity for longitudinal analysis. The hypothesis was that these trainings would increase the youths’ outcome scores on the following scales: 1) identity affiliation (IA); 2) identity search (IS); 3) civic activism (CA); 4) self-efficacy (SE); 5) community supports (CS); 6) supports and opportunities (SO); and 7) socio-emotional well-being (SEWB).
Method: A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design was used. The youth completed a survey that focused on demographics, personal impact, and training efficacy prior to, and at the end of the trainings. These data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and dependent sample t-tests to determine whether there was a difference in pre- and post-test scores. All measures were based on a 4-point Likert scale. All scales had Chronbach’s a > .86, indicating strong internal consistency. Of serious importance is the involvement of the youth in survey development, data collection, and dissemination activities.
Results: Wave 2 data were collected on 274 youth. Approximately, 60.2% were males (n=252). The youth identified as: Latino (21.9%), Caucasian (21.2%), African-American (20.4%), Bi-racial (15.7%), Other (9.5%), and Asian (2.6%) (n=251). The mean age was 17.46 years (n=234). The average number of months in care was 81.04 (n=251). The mean number of placements was 5.86 (n=245). All scales yielded statistical significance in comparing the pre-test and post-test scores. The results were as follows: IA (t = -3.552, df 223, p = .000); IS (t = -4.247, df 223, p = .000); CA (t = -5.488, df 220, p = .000); SE (t = -5.836, df 222, p = .000); SO (t = -2.810, df 208, p = .005); and SEWB (t = -2.552, df 204, p = .012).
Implications: This NFYAN training model is the only national program for transitioning foster youth that is youth led, based on youth organizing and development principles. The information analyzed after two waves of data strongly supports that there is a positive impact on youth through their participation in these trainings. This approach offers insight for future studies engaging current and former foster youth in practice, policy, and research activities.