Reducing the Digital Divide for Children in Foster Care: First-Year Evaluation of the Building Skills-Building Futures Program

Objective: This article describes the first-year evaluation outcomes of a program developed to increase information technology access and skills among foster children and families within the context of a long-term foster care environment. Method: A sample of 34 foster families who received computers, Internet connection, and supportive services was compared with 30 foster families not in the program using survey methods and a posttest only design. Results: The results indicated after a year in the program, foster families increased their frequency of computer use, confidence in using computers and the Internet, and frequency of e-mail with social workers. Parents and foster children perceived the program to be useful in improving children’s technology skills, homework, grades, and interest in technology-related careers. Conclusion: The program appears to be successful in spite of lack of full implementation of the program model. Implications for future digital divide programs are discussed.