Abstract
An adaptation of the Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills, henceforth described as a performance-based living skills assessment, was administered to youth formerly in care. This presentation discusses their perspectives and the subsequent assessment revisions to meet their needs.
Primary Author and Speaker: Emily Farber
Additional Authors and Speakers: Brooke Tubbs, Amy Armstrong-Heimsoth
Contributing Authors: Stefanie Ortega, Brittany Small, Mi Vu, Grant Shinagawa, Meagan Durazo, Angel Brito, Tommi Hintnaus, Destiny Berry
Young adults transitioning from foster care (YTC) face a myriad of challenges and inequity throughout their lives. Despite the federal government allocating 187 million dollars on state-led transition programming for YTC in fiscal year 2023 alone, research overwhelmingly demonstrates a lack of improved independent living outcomes. To exacerbate YTC’s disparities, a validated, performance-based life skills assessment (PBLSA) for YTC does not exist; self-report questionnaires and interviews are often the extent of an evaluation. To address this void, a PBLSA was designed and revised via a multi-phased, mixed-method research process. For this phase, 30 YTC, aged 18-26, were recruited via convenience sampling from local foster care agencies; they completed the 4th version of the PBLSA and provided their perspectives on it during individual interviews. Six coders utilized an inductive coding process to identify common interview themes and categorized and quantified closed-ended interview questions. Qualitative data highlighted gaps in transition preparedness, the power of self-reflection, and the value of the assessment. One YTC stated, ‘I feel like they should use this assessment to determine what a person needs because everyone’s different and everybody’s needs are different.’ Of the 30 YTC, 93.1% reported the PBLSA measured important life skills, 93.3% indicated it identified strengths and areas for improvement, and 83.3% believed it accurately reflected the living skills they struggled with. Ultimately, the data achieved thematic consistency, data saturation, and affirmed the content validity of the PBLSA. Once the normative data is collected on the 5th revision, occupational therapists will use the assessment to: identify YTC’s strengths and areas of improvement; develop more comprehensive intervention plans; facilitate increased participation and success in transition programs; and advocate for our role in foster care transition programs in the United States.
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