SIG 4: PREVENTION RESEARCH WITH OUT OF HOME YOUTH-FOSTER CARE & JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM INVOLVED YOUTH

The purpose of this special interest group is to provide an opportunity for SPR attendees to network and discuss issues related to the unique needs of system involved youth when conducting prevention research on adolescents and young adults.  System involved youth are not only navigating the developmental tasks of adolescence and young adulthood but also dealing with issues related to being removed from their family of origin.  Creating effective research-based prevention strategies within the foster care and juvenile justice systems is challenging but necessary to prevent additional social and behavioral health issues that impact youth’s well-being.  Topics to be discussed will include: characteristics and needs of system involved youth; timing of interventions aimed at this unique population; what types of prevention interventions and prevention targets currently exist; and, how interventions and evaluations that participants are currently conducting can be targeted to this population.  This SIG will provide a valuable professional resource for researchers, clinicians, and policy makers who have an interest in preventing further negative outcomes in this vulnerable population.