An Analysis of the Risk-Predictive Factors of Substance Use and Mental Health Among Youth In-Care

• In Event: Roundtable: Youth, Substance Abuse, and Interventions

Abstract

The goal of this study is to provide current and detailed information on the risk and predictive factors of substance use and mental health among a sample of older youth preparing to emancipate from the child welfare system. A number of significant policies have been passed over the past few years that may have impacted the health and well-being among youth in-care. A second objective of this study is to identify factors that promote resiliency among these youth. There are a diverse range of factors beyond the individual level that must be considered when investigating resiliency among this population. This research will draw on data from the 2022 Ontario Looking After Children project (OnLAC), which covers a number of outcomes for each youth in areas such as health, education, identity, family and social relationships, emotional and behavioral development, and independent living skills. The OnLAC dataset also contains a number of variables which can be used to test a number of theoretical frameworks that will guide this research study. These theories include social control theory, general strain theory, and social dislocation theory which argues the fundamental cause of substance use and abuse is rooted in societal arrangements.

Authors

• Greggory Cullen, Mount Royal University

• Harpreet Aulakh, Mount Royal University

• David Walters, University of Guelph

• Anthony Jehn, St. Thomas University

• Nick Cristiano, Trent University