Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) Study
Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) Study
The primary aim of the proposed study is to investigate the effects of child-focused permanency services, managed through Pennsylvania’s SWAN, on adoption, permanency, and post-permanency outcomes. Child-focused services to be investigated include child preparation, child-specific recruitment, placement, and post-permanency services. Using statewide foster care records, we will be developing a matched comparison group of youth who have not received SWAN supports. The study will leverage a range of existing data sources to examine outcomes within the child welfare system and into other child and young-adult systems.
Research Team

Christian M. Connell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies
Director: Child Maltreatment Solutions Network

Sarah A. Font, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminology