Professor published in "Juvenile and Family Court Journal"
Corey Shdaimah, PhD, the Daniel Thursz Distinguished Professor of Social Justice, has a new article published in Juvenile and Family Court Journal with co-authors Dr. Alicia Summers (Data Savy Consulting) and PhD student Eunsong Park.
This mixed-methods study examined the implementation of a 12-item questionnaire, the Emancipation Checklist (EC), designed to help child welfare judicial decision-makers identify and monitor older youth achievement of milestones toward adulthood. Drawing on case file reviews, focus groups with professional stakeholders and young adults, and court observations, the study found that stakeholders, including youths in foster care, viewed the EC as helpful in catalyzing conversation and follow-up. Inconsistent use and documentation and ambiguity of some questions impeded its value. The study provides recommendations for clear and consistent use, follow-up, and further research to examine the impact of the EC on readiness for adulthood.
Shdaimah, C., Summers, A.. and Park, E. (2021), Using Emancipation Checklists with Youths Aging Out of Foster Care: An Example from Prince George’s County. Juv Fam Court J, 72: 59-79. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfcj.12199