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.
The Ken Young Family Professor for Healthy Children, College of Health and Human Development
Director Child Maltreatment Solutions Network

Sarah A. Font, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminology, Washington University in St. Louis