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This study is part of a larger Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project engaging youth of color (YOC; aged 16-24 years) in a planning a multilevel health promotion campaign for a large safety net hospital. Analyses focus on youths' conceptualizations of antiracism, and their recommendations on how to facilitate an intentionally antiracist YPAR. We answer the following questions: (a) How do YOC engaged in a YPAR project conceptualize and define antiracism? and (b) How do youth and adult allies conceptualize an antiracist YPAR project and what strategies do they use and/or recommend to this end? We employed instrumental case study methods and thematic analyses to code project data sources. Findings indicate that youths' definitions of antiracism include elevating marginalized voices, actively resisting racism, incorporating an intersectional approach, and examining privilege, power, and positionality. YPAR members recommended strategies for creating an antiracist YPAR including prioritizing people of color in YPAR processes, creating space to acknowledge and process positionality and racialized dynamics, and engaging in ongoing education and dialogue. Moreover, both youth members and adult allies recognized that antiracist YPAR projects require time and resources to remain consistently antiracist, and such a goal can only be accomplished through a reiterative and reflexive process.

Youth who age out of foster care face a constellation of challenges associated with navigating the transition to adulthood and often do not have opportunities to express their perspectives. The purpose of this project was to partner with these youth to develop a trauma-informed photovoice program that can be freely utilized in child welfare programming. This youth participatory action research (yPAR) project engaged youth and young adults with child welfare experience in a long-term partnership to co-develop and pilot test a trauma-informed photovoice program called Photovoice for Change (P4C). P4C evolved into a three-meeting structure: (1) orientation and launch; (2) preparation for sharing; and (3) share back. Youth participants revealed photographs of "places and spaces" that impacted their lives, sharing their meaning with other youth and supportive adults in a group setting. The project concluded with a gallery showing, featuring a video highlighting the program participants' experiences. Trauma-informed photovoice may be an important program to embed within the child welfare system, as it can provide youth with an opportunity to: (a) strengthen within-group relationships and (b) express important aspects of their lives in a supportive and safe environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centering the perspectives of youth with lived experience (YWLE) in psychopathology is critical to engaging in impactful clinical research to improve youth mental health outcomes. Over the past decade there has been a greater push in clinical science to include community members, and especially community members with lived experience, in all aspects of the research process. The goal of this editorial is to highlight the need for and importance of integrating YWLE into every stage of clinical science research, from idea generation to interpretation and dissemination of research findings. We identify five key problems associated with pursuing research on adolescent mental health without involvement of YWLE and propose strategies to overcome barriers to youth engagement in clinical science research. We conclude with a call to action, providing guidance to clinical scientists, institutions, and funding agencies in conducting research on youth psychopathology with YWLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study explores the effectiveness of Project IMPACT, an intensive, in-home, skills-based positive parenting program designed to prevent out-of-home placement for parents with intellectual disabilities. Families participating in Project IMPACT were compared with families in a similar jurisdiction who participated in non-specialized family preservation services using treatment effects analysis. Findings indicate that Project IMPACT is highly effective at keeping families intact. Project IMPACT reduces family separation throughout childhood, the most benefits are seen in early childhood, when the risk of family separation is generally the greatest. Parents with intellectual disability can learn skills to keep children safe at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) is oftentimes cited as a method guided by social justice principles to uplift youth voice and pursue youth priorities in research. However, to uphold these principles, YPAR researchers must address how youth and adults alike negotiate power differentials to be equal partners in research and scholarship. We explore YPAR power sharing through a reflexive thematic analysis of in-depth, semi-structured interviews (n = 42) and focus groups (n = 2) conducted at three timepoints (baseline, mid-point, and exit) with youth (n = 8) and adult (n = 6) researchers engaged in a YPAR exploring health equity at a large, safety-net hospital. Our analyses suggest that both youth and adult researchers negotiate power dynamics in a YPAR at every stage of the project. YPAR researchers made four recommendations to negotiate power: 1) preserve time for relationship building, 2) structure group expectations, 3) require training for adults working with youth of color, and 4) designate youth-only spaces. This study provides an in-depth analysis of youth and adult reflections on power across a YPAR project. Our findings indicate that YPAR requires significant investment in resources, including time to reflect on and process power, transparent and structured expectations, and ongoing training to uphold principles of YPAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth engagement in municipal government has the potential to benefit both youth and the community. Yet, some forms of youth civic engagement may be related to social class and race resulting in benefits to select youth and communities, thus perpetuating a longer term trajectory of privilege or marginalization. Informed by theories of social capital and civic engagement, the present study examined how youth councils may reduce or reinforce social inequality among young people at the city level. Data collection included interviews with youth council members, interviews with adult allies, observations of youth council meetings, and a review of council documents. Thematic analysis identified four overarching themes related to social inequality: member representation, social networks, community engagement, and youth engagement in governmental decision making. Although the council was committed to diversity and authentic youth engagement, findings identified areas in need of further attention. One important area is recruiting diverse youth, including those who attend non-traditional school settings. Another key area is providing youth with ongoing training and support focused on effective strategies for community engagement. Finally, more emphasis should be placed on engaging socially disadvantaged youth in municipal government and assisting them in enhancing their social networks.

Post‐secondary educational outcomes for care‐experienced youth are poor. This has been a consistent finding across studies in many countries. Most studies do not distinguish between different types of post‐secondary educational pathways and outcomes, however. There has been limited attention to the potential for post‐secondary vocational education (PSVE) as a viable educational path that may lead to positive employment and social outcomes. In this paper we examine PSVE for care leavers by reviewing available data, examining policy context and utilising relevant theories. We offer next steps in policy, practice and theory development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family engagement is a critical component of child welfare practice. Studies report improved experiences and outcomes when families are involved in decision making. Robust engagement may also serve as a culturally responsive approach to improving outcomes for families. Although practice-level interventions have received attention in the literature, there is a dearth of research on program- and system-level family models. The present study contributes to the emerging literature by analyzing publicly available data to document U.S. state efforts to engage families. Findings describe the origin, membership, and activities of four macro-level practice models. Similarities and differences among states as well as implications for future research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This research examines the psychometric properties of the Perceptions of Child Welfare Scale (PCWS). This instrument is designed to assess child welfare workers' understanding of how society views their role and their work. Methods: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was utilized to analyze data on 538 child welfare workers. Results: The final model consisted of three latent variables with 14 indicators related to stigma, value, and respect (?[superscript 2] = 362.33, p = 0.00; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.09; 90% confidence interval [CI]: [0.08, 0.09]; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.96; Tucker-Lewis Index [TLI] = 0.95). Discussion: The way in which workers believe others view their work suggests an increasingly complex prototype for understanding workforce issues. Those wishing to examine societal factors related to child welfare workforce issues could use this validated instrument.

Research has demonstrated positive individual and community benefits from youth civic engagement. But not all youth have access to opportunities for engagement. Race and class have been identified as key factors that can influence opportunities. Other factors may also contribute to disproportionality in this important realm. System-involvement, for example, is an important factor requiring focused attention. This paper contributes to the research on youth civic engagement by examining opportunities and barriers for system-involved youth. An intersectional lens is used to highlight youths' system-involvement as a key variable and offers suggested strategies for better supporting the civic engagement of these youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth are currently participating in civic and social life, often using social media and organizing in ways unique to their generation. In this position paper we apply several theoretical frameworks to the specific case of youth civic engagement in the aftermath of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida to identify lessons about youth participation. The institutional adultism the Parkland students faced warrants a closer look at both the assets and challenges youth and adults face when entering youth-adult partnerships. We call for future research to continue unpacking the intersectional, contextual, and power-laden dynamics of youth civic engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents with intellectual disabilities (ID) are overrepresented in the child welfare system. Valid instruments are needed to assess parenting skills in this population. This research evaluates the psychometric properties of the Skills Assessment for Parents with Intellectual Disability (SAPID), an observational instrument completed to assess parents with ID with child welfare involvement. All clients enrolled in a prevention program for parents with ID were included in the sample (N = 133). Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to understand the validity of the SAPID. Predictive validity was assessed by examining change over time with two outcomes: out-of-home placement and program completion. The validated SAPID consisted of three latent constructs: daily life skills, parent–child interaction, and overall safety. Parenting skills across all domains significantly improved for families remaining intact and those completing the program. The validated SAPID should be considered for use in assessing parenting skills for those with ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This policy analysis examines the impact of COVID-19 policy guidance on the role of workers who provide outreach to transition-age care leavers. The comparison focuses on four countries (US, England, Canada, Australia) and addresses the question: How do policy changes impact street-level bureaucracy (SLB) discretion, activities, resources, and constraints? A review of policy guidance identifies similar actions across the four countries focused on: public health measures, extension and flexibility of services, prioritization of cases, and enhanced use of technology. Extension and flexibility of services were particularly noted. Cautions about the temporary nature of these changes are identified.Note: In the interests of space, street-level theory and the pandemic context underpinning the articles for this Special Issue are discussed in detail in the Introduction to the Issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is scant child welfare research on parenting interventions for parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This mixed-methods research examined client participation in an in-home parenting intervention, including client characteristics, which clients benefit most from participation, and key aspects of program participation. Method: The sample included participant program records, client satisfaction surveys, stakeholder interviews, and a staff focus group. The quantitative data were analyzed using growth curves and binary logistic regression. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Time spent in Project Improving Parenting Achievements Together was predictive of improvement in parenting skills and the home environment and reduction in the odds of out-of-home placement for children of parents with I/DD. The intensity of services, tailored education, community engagement, and client–worker relationship were the key aspects of program participation. Discussion: With proper supports, parents with I/DD can learn parenting skills, improve the home environment, and keep their family intact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past two decades, youth engagement in child welfare program and policy decision-making has gained prominence. Studies demonstrate benefits of youth participation however there is limited research to guide practice. This study examined the strategies used by the New England Youth Coalition, a multi-state foster care youth coalition, to engage youth currently and formerly in care in policy advocacy. Strategies include engaged leadership, youth–adult partnership model, ongoing training and professional development opportunities, multi-tiered mentoring model, meaningful policy projects, and creating a supportive social context. Implications for child welfare practice and future research are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participatory budgeting [PB] is a democratic process whereby community members determine how to spend governmental funds. Youth‐led PB is relatively new, occurring in select U.S. cities. During youth‐led PB, youth collect ideas, develop proposals, and advertise community improvement projects for which they, citywide, cast deciding votes. The study examined opportunities for the empowerment youth at each stage of a youth‐led PB project. Data collection included individual interviews with 31 youths and adult stakeholders, 3 focus groups with youths, and 7 observations of meetings. The data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research methods. Findings align well with the psychological empowerment literature and demonstrate several opportunities for empowerment throughout the PB project, including feeling in charge of the process, understanding and allocating resources, and influencing positive community change. Findings also demonstrate potential barriers to empowerment, including understanding bureaucratic decision making, and influencing policy. PB is relevant to furthering our understanding of the empowerment of youth. The youths who participated in the present study expressed feelings of competence, purpose, and an ability to use the skills learned to engage fellow youths in the PB process. Additional empirical research is needed to examine the dimensions of empowerment at each stage of the PB process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth involvement in community decision-making is considered a core principle of both youth advocacy and progressive governance. Yet, in many communities formal roles for youth remain limited. This paper presents data from a youth-led participatory budgeting process in Boston, Massachusetts (US). The City of Boston has institutionalized a formal process through which numerous youth can contribute ideas and vote on capital projects to receive city funding. A smaller group of youth are engaged in even greater depth. They are trained and work to facilitate submission of ideas, turn ideas into proposals, and encourage youth voting. We use data to identify concerns expressed by youth, their ideas for solutions, and the movement from ideas to funded projects. Implications for further development of participatory budgeting as a mechanism for youth civic engagement are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]