A Multi-Outcome Evaluation of an Independent Living Program

This study evaluated an Independent Living (IL) program targeting foster youths in Florida. The IL group composed of 49 young adults, and the comparison group of 18 young adults was utilized. Data were collected via a mailed survey and case record reviews. Results suggest that IL program participation is associated with better educational, employment, income, housing, early parenting-prevention, transportation, anger control, criminal-prevention, and self-evaluation outcomes. However, IL participation is not associated with better social support, perceived parenting competence, substance abuse-prevention, sexual risk-prevention outcomes, increased knowledge in money management skills, job seeking and job maintenance skills, interpersonal skills, or lower depression. Implications are discussed for program design and future research. Savas Georgiades is an Assistant Professor at the St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA.