About Us / Research
Leading New Frontiers in Foster Care Research
Research is the backbone of effective mental health care. A Home Within engages with research partners to measure the impact of our programs, and to advance the field of mental health care – all with the purpose of better serving foster youth for years to come.
A Home Within’s Impact Evaluation
In partnership with USF’s Foster Care Research Group
Research partner, Dr. Saralyn Ruff and National Program Director, Grace Manger discuss the latest research at A Home Within:
For over two decades, the Foster Care Research Group (FCRG) has been dedicated to studying the impact of long-term, no-cost mental health support through A Home Within. This work began in 2002 with therapist interviews, uncovering the profound benefits of consistent care for children, teens, and adults.
Building on this foundation, FCRG expanded its research in 2019 to gather direct, long-term feedback from clients—an effort that continues today. In March of 2024, we launched an exciting new study comparing A Home Within’s individual therapy model with peer support groups, helping us refine best practices and deepen our impact.
All of our research is conducted with the larger goal of reducing barriers so more foster youth can receive mental health services.
We welcome collaboration and conversation! Reach out to learn more, share your insights, or explore ways to work together.
Saralyn Ruff
University of San Francisco
Interested in Learning More or Contributing to Research?
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List of Publications
The following publications and presentations are developed from the research made possible by the generosity of the Baker Street Foundation.
Featured Article:
A Qualitative Investigation of Foster Youth Mental Health Outcomes: Measuring What Matters
Authored by Saralyn Ruff, Deanna Linville, Carolina Ramirez, Nick Vasquez, Corie Schwabenland
This recently published paper in the Journal of Child and Family Studies explores the impact of therapeutic support for current and former foster youth, and underscores the importance of relationship-based mental health care.
Publications:
Ruff, S. C., Linville, D., Ramirez, C., Vasquez, N., & Schwabenland, C. (2025). Foster youth mental health outcomes: Measuring what matters. Journal of Child and Family Studies.
Ruff, S. C., Linville, D., & Hawkins, Q. (2024). A qualitative investigation of the relationships between child welfare stakeholders and research. Global Social Welfare.
Linville, D., Ruff, S. C., Morgan, K., & Zilberstein, K. (2024). The nuances of therapeutic relationships with foster youth. Journal of Marriage and Family Therapy.
Linville, D., Ruff, S. C., & Zilberstein, K. (2024). Skills and knowledge therapists need to work with foster youth: According to key Stakeholders in child welfare. Journal of Marriage and Family Therapy.
Linville, D., & Ruff, S. C. (2024). Overlapping ideas for mentorship and psychotherapy for current and former foster youth. Invited chapter for publication in The Handbook of Professional Youth Mentoring (Springer Nature).
Ruff, S., Linville, D., & Vasquez, N. (2023). “Resilience,” as Defined by Foster Youth and Key Stakeholders. Journal of Public Child Welfare, 1-31.
Ruff, S. C., Linville, D., Clausen, J. M., & J. Kjellstrand, J. (2022). Preliminary effects of A Home Within psychotherapy with former and current foster youth. Children and Youth Services Review.
Ruff, S. C., Jones, C. L., & Clausen, J. M. (2019). A descriptive analysis of long-term treatment with adolescent-aged foster youth. Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma, 12(3), 331–340.
Ruff, S. C., Aguilar, R., & Clausen, J. M. (2016). An exploratory study of mental health interventions with infants and young children in foster care. Journal of Family Social Work, 19, 184-198.
Clausen, J. M., Aguilar, R. M., & Ludwig, M. E. (2012). Fostering healthy attachment between substance dependent parents and their infant children. Journal of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, 11(4), 376–386.
Clausen, J. M., Ruff, S. C., von Wiederhold, W., & Heineman, T. V. (2012). For as long as it takes: Relationship-based play therapy for children in foster care. Psychoanalytic Social Work, 19(1-2), 43–53.
Interview:
Abrams, Z. (2023, March 1). Psychologists work to support children and parents in the child welfare system, but more is needed. Monitor on Psychology, 54(2).
Presentations:
Ruff, S. C. & Linville, D. (2023). Research on Child Welfare: A discussion of clinical implications. Continued education event presented to A Home Within clinicians.
Vasquez, N., Linville, D., Ruff, S., & Eddy, J. (2022). “Resilience” as defined by people in child welfare. American Psychological Association Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
Vasquez, N., Linville, D., Ruff, S., & Eddy, J. (2022). “My voice matters too:” Foster youth perspectives on improving therapeutic outcomes. American Psychological Association Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
Vasquez, N., Linville, D., Ruff, S., & Eddy, J. (2022). “Resilience” as defined by people in child welfare. Western Psychological Association Annual Conference, Portland, OR.
Note: Voted Best Poster Abstract
Vasquez, N., Linville, D., Ruff, S., & Eddy, J. (2022). “My voice matters too:” Foster youth perspectives on improving therapeutic outcomes. Western Psychological Association Annual Conference, Portland, OR.
Vasquez, N. & Ruff, S. (Under Review). A qualitative investigation of the relationships between child welfare stakeholders and research. Society for Social Work and Research 29th Annual Conference.
Vasquez, N. & Ruff, S. (Under Review). Seeking Services: A Summary of Mental Health Need As Reported By Foster Youth. Society for Social Work and Research 29th Annual Conference.
Vasquez, N. & Ruff, S. (Under Review). Seeking Services: A Summary of Mental Health Need As Reported By Foster Youth. International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.
At a Glance
24 years partnering with Foster Care Research Group
Over 20 publications
Randomized control trial launched 2024