Abstract
Background: The Continuum of Care Reform (CCR) policy changes in California aimed to better serve foster youth who spend time in congregate care. CCR calls for individualized, intensive services to foster youth in order to move them into family settings quickly, rather than allowing them to linger in congregate care indefinitely. The purpose of this study was to examine current measures to improve the quality of care for foster youth and to broaden the understanding of what further changes might be helpful in order to increase positive outcomes for youth in congregate care. Methods: Through in-depth interviews with 12 professional stakeholders, this qualitative study examined perceptions about the recent CCR policy changes. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed thereafter. AtlasTi online software was utilized to organize and code the collected data in a thematic analysis. Results: The findings from the study included problems with the old group home model, addressing problems through policy, challenges and frustrations with the transition process and unintended consequences of the policy changes, along with hopes and possible solutions to some of the challenges moving forward. Conclusion and Implications: The findings of this study could inform social workers of the current gaps that exist between policy and practice regarding changes to congregate care policy. While the vision of ensuring that every child is able to live in a family setting may be ideal, results suggest that it may be currently unattainable. More research will be required in order to find better ways to support foster youth who spend time in congregate care.