Incorporating Self-Determination into Substance Abuse Prevention Programming for Youth Transitiong from Foster Care to Adulthood

Substance abuse prevention services are important to have accessible for youth transitioning out of foster care and into adulthood. Yet, much of the time, these services are not accessed when they could or should be, due to concerns that they don't best fit the needs of the youth. This study utilized focus groups to examine how including elements of self-determination may make prevention services more engaging for youth with foster care experience entering adulthood. Results indicate that supporting autonomy, competence, and relatedness can be beneficial in meeting the needs of youth.