Table 2 Research methods by research question

Would randomization to less restrictive care be allowed?

Tracked care manager and family support team decisions in database.

Could foster parents be recruited to serve youth stepping down from residential treatment?

Kept track of foster parents who completed training in the TFC-OY model and who had youth placed in their home.

How would foster parents and staff tolerate the intervention?

Qualitative interviews with foster parents 2 months into placement and at service termination. Qualitative interviews with staff at end of program.

What would stakeholders think of the innovations in the treatment model?

Qualitative interviews with stakeholders at end of intervention.

How would youth respond to the intervention clinically?

Structured interviews with TFC-OY youth at baseline and 6, 12 and 18 months later tracked mental health symptoms, hospitalizations, incarcerations, employment and educational milestones. Qualitative interviews with youth, staff and care managers asked about clinical successes and failures.

Were program changes needed?

Qualitative interviews with stakeholders at end of intervention.