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Knowledge of and Attitudes Towards Behavioral Health Services Among Older Youth in the Foster Care System

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Abstract

This study examined knowledge of and attitudes toward services among 268 17-year olds with psychiatric diagnoses preparing to exit foster care. A structured interview assessed knowledge of services with vignette scenarios and attitudes with a standardized scale. Descriptive statistics described the extent of knowledge and attitudes among this population and regression analyses examined predictors of these dimensions of literacy. Most youth suggested a help source, but responses often lacked specificity. Gender and depression were the strongest predictors of knowledge and attitudes, respectively. Knowing which aspects of literacy are low, and for whom, can inform education efforts to improve access to care in adulthood.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Silver School of Social Work, New York University, 1 Washington Square North, New York, NY, 10003, USA

    Michelle R. Munson

  2. Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, Campus Box 1196, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA

    Sarah Carter Narendorf & J. Curtis McMillen

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  1. Michelle R. Munson
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  2. Sarah Carter Narendorf
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  3. J. Curtis McMillen
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Correspondence to Michelle R. Munson.

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Munson, M.R., Narendorf, S.C. & McMillen, J.C. Knowledge of and Attitudes Towards Behavioral Health Services Among Older Youth in the Foster Care System. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 28, 97–112 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-010-0223-8

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