Pilot Testing an Intervention to Enhance Coping and Increase Mental Health Help-seeking Among Transition-age Youth in Foster Care

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a program called Stronger Youth Networks and Coping (SYNC) to help young people transitioning from foster care improve their mental health and use of services. This study focuses on foster youth aged 16 to 20 who face behavioral health risks such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. SYNC aims to increase coping skills, emotional regulation, and willingness to seek help, addressing challenges like limited support and negative views on mental health care. The study compares two groups: one receiving the SYNC intervention plus usual child welfare services, and the other receiving typical services alone. The SYNC program consists of eight weekly 90-minute online group sessions led by a facilitator and a peer with foster care experience. Usual services include federally funded transition planning and life skills training. The study will first test SYNC with two small groups, then conduct a randomized trial with 80 participants to evaluate its impact on coping, help-seeking attitudes, and mental health symptoms. Participants will join remotely and complete assessments before and after the intervention, and again six months later. Researchers will measure changes in coping flexibility, help-seeking intentions, emotional regulation, and mental health service use. The program's materials and procedures will be refined for future larger trials. The total participation duration includes the 8-week intervention and follow-up assessments at post-intervention and six months later.

Intervention to Enhance Coping and Help-seeking Among Youth in Foster Care