Abstract
Several questions were posed: (a) Can a formalized approach to comprehensive skill assessment measure the functional capabilities of foster adolescents and identify a sub-set of youth who can be considered at-risk, and (b) Can a systematic assessment approach be used by states to reform independent living policies? Four paper and pencil devices comprised the skills assessment battery. The instruments were: Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE), Tests for Everyday Living (TEL), Daniel Memorial Independent Living Assessment for Life Skills, and Effective Social Skills (ESS). In addition, a questionnaire was filled out by Service Providers and a placement history completed for study participants. The package was administered to foster youths-ages 16 through 19-who participated in special summer programs in New York City and upstate locations. A total of 206 youths were tested; 104 from NYC and 102 in the upstate sample. Depending on the skill tested, anywhere from one fifth to one third were in serious need of specialized services, independent living planning, follow-up, and/or aftercare. It is recommended that states engage in systematic skills assessment to document the competency levels of foster care youth and to stimulate reform of independent living policies and programs.
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