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Understanding Foster Youth Outcomes: Is Propensity Scoring Better Than Traditional Methods?

Boston College

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: stephberzin{at}gmail.com.

	Abstract

Objectives: This study seeks to examine the relationship between foster care and outcomes using multiple comparison methods to account for factors that put foster youth at risk independent of care. Methods: Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, matching, propensity scoring, and comparisons to the general population are used to examine whether results differ depending on the matching strategy. Results: Propensity scoring produces a better model and more closely matched groups than traditional matching. No group differences emerge in outcomes using propensity scoring; however, differences emerge in other schemes. Conclusions: When examining outcomes for foster youth, it is important to consider multiple matching strategies, as this may affect results. Propensity scoring may be one approach to inform child welfare practice.

First published on February 24, 2009
Research on Social Work Practice 2009, doi:10.1177/1049731509331873


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