Predictors of Use and Outcomes of Youth and Family Centers

This study analyzed data from Dallas Public Schools and Dallas Youth and Family Centers (YFCs) to explore variables associated with referrals to and utilization of Youth and Family Centers. Data from students enrolled in third, eighth or tenth grade during the 1996-1997, 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 school years were analyzed to determine the reasons for YFC referral and utilization, and to compare standardized test scores and attendance. Of the 6956 students in third, eighth and tenth grades initially referred to YFCs during those three school years, 5173 (74.3%) made at least one YFC visit. The 5173 students made an average of 2.69 visits and accessed an average of 1.18 services per year. Medical visits accounted for 42.5% of YFC visits, and mental health visits accounted for 46% of YFC visits. Results of logistic regression analyses indicate a significant difference for utilization upon referral and continued use of the YFC when the constant is compared to a set of predictor variables. For both analyses, the predictor variables were Chapter I status, LEP status, reason for referral, gender, special education status, ethnicity, distance from home school to referral YFC, food stamp eligibility and referral source. While outcome data regarding attendance and scores on standardized tests was limited to records available, results suggest that mean reading scores for eighth graders were significantly higher during Year 1 for the group that accessed YFC services. School attendance was better for eighth graders who made continued use of a YFC. Use of medical services by third graders was associated with a gain in attendance rather than a slight loss for the third graders who did not access medical services upon referral. Results of this study were limited by missing data for several records. The competitive atmosphere of health care service delivery and the practical need to know about service delivery at the sites should make data management a priority.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2001

Author dc:creator

• Scharff, Karen

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ramos, Vincent
• Bavon, Al
• Lambert, Paul
• Martin, Sander, 1939-
• Harrell, Ernest

• Family services.
• Youth -- Services for.
• Children -- Services for.
• Child health services.
• attendance
• service utilization
• Youth and Family Centers
• health care
• predictors

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Scharff, Karen
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 50655545
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc2781/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc2781

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc2781