Foster Care Child Resiliency Study
Amy Vargo, Louis de la Parte FMHI, Mary Armstrong, Louis de la Parte FMHI and Frederica Barrow, Social Work, working with the Salvation Army of Pinellas County-Sallie House.
Description:
This project will partner the USF Department of Child and Family Studies at FMHI, the USF School of Social Work and the Salvation Army of Pinellas County-Sallie House in order to examine the protective factors and levels of resiliency among young children (0-8) and early adolescents (9-12) awaiting foster care placement and/or family reunification.
The study will employ in-depth interviews, formal assessments and data analysis to determine: 1) similarities and differences in children’s experiences and reactions to trauma; 2) how demographic, behavioral, attitudinal, family and service system factors related to levels of child resiliency, 3) what resources or social capital that biological families have to offer children if reunification is achieved, and 4) what minimizes the impact of loss in resilient children. The Salvation Army of Pinellas County will assist with access, review research protocols and help interpret study results. The findings from this study have policy ramifications for mental health and child welfare reforms in Florida, since entry into the child welfare system provides an opportunity for secondary prevention in dealing with child mental health problems.
Contact Person: Amy Vargo
Funding for Academic Year: 2004-05