@article{0e3bf35fddf548c4a0a062fb59decaff,
title = "Implementing smartphone technology to support relational competence in foster youth: a service provider perspective",
abstract = "The field of child welfare continues to search for effective ways to mitigate risks foster youth often encounter. Research discoveries about the importance of attachments and relational competence for foster youth support greater well-being. However, little is known about the use of smartphone technology and companion software in foster care as a method in promoting relational competence. This qualitative implementation study sought to explore the perceptions of child welfare providers and other stakeholders regarding how smartphone technology facilitated the ability of foster youth to become more connected with trusted adults. Research results reveal challenges associated with child welfare officials{\textquoteright} purposeful issuance and utilisation of smartphones. Stakeholders and providers viewed these challenges as learning opportunities. Three critical themes uncovered—relationship building, youth empowerment, and normalcy—provide direction for how smartphone technology might be more efficiently tapped relative to future child welfare initiatives.",
keywords = "Foster care, child welfare, relational competence, smartphone technology, technology",
author = "Efren Gomez and Alford, {Keith A.} and Denby, {Ramona W.} and Amanda Klein-Cox",
note = "Funding Information: This analysis joins two earlier studies that measured the perceptions of foster youths (Denby et al., ) and caregivers (Alford et al., ) regarding the manner in which relational competence was influenced by the use of a specially designed application installed on smartphones. This study was part of a larger, multifaceted project aimed at building relational competence in current or former foster youth ages 12–21. The five-year federal demonstration project, (title withheld for de-identification purposes) funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children{\textquoteright}s Bureau, took place in Las Vegas, Nevada from 2011–16, serving 53 families and 182 youth. The young people were assigned a youth specialist who worked with them for a year, one-to-one, including weekly in-person engagement and several electronic contacts throughout the week. Youth, some currently in a foster care placement and some formerly, each received a smartphone as part of this project. A wide variety of child welfare professionals, researchers, and stakeholders lent their expertise to this project. The lead agency for the project was the Clark County Department of Family Services, and the Department worked closely with a number of other organisations in planning, implementation, and evaluation. These organisations included: The Lincy Institute, who led the research and evaluation components of the project; the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, whose volunteers served as mentors for the youth participants; S.A.F.Y of Nevada, who trained and supported caregiver participants; Olive Crest Nevada, who took over the hiring and management of the youth specialists; the S.P.I.R.I.T project, who developed the smartphone technology examined in this study; and other service providers. The study{\textquoteright}s research team consisted of senior-level researchers, student research assistants, and a research project coordinator. Current and former foster youth leaders also played a critical role in the implementation and evaluation of the project. See for a detailed display of the project stakeholders. Funding Information: This study and the DREAMR project are funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children?s Bureau. We thank Alicia Crowther for her assistance with data analysis and report writing. In addition, we would like to express our gratitude to all members of the DREAMR project and its advisory board for their important contributions to this study. Finally, a special thank you is extended to our team, Emily Ingalls, Sarah Izaguirre, Dashun Jackson, and Anntesha Chesterton for their assistance with data collection and to Brett Grimm for her assistance. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2020 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.",
year = "2021",
doi = "10.1080/02650533.2020.1843145",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "35",
pages = "381--402",
journal = "Journal of Social Work Practice",
issn = "0265-0533",
publisher = "Routledge",
number = "4",
}