PI: Alex Trout
Funding Source: U.S. Department of Education Institute of Educational Sciences R324A120260
Research Design: Randomized Clinical Trial, 2012-2018

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the On the Way Home (OTWH) model with 210 middle and high school students with or at-risk of disabilities reintegrating into the home and community school settings following a stay in out-of-home care.

Study Aims:
–Test the effects of OTWH on parent self-efficacy and empowerment, and on the school success of transitioning students with disabilities.
–Test the effects of OTWH on the school and placement stability and academic and behavioral functioning of students with disabilities, and mediation of those effects through intervention-induced changes in parent self-efficacy and empowerment, student school success, and therapeutic alliance.
–Assess the impact of participant characteristics and implementation of the OTWH intervention on the proximal (i.e., post-test) and distal (i.e., 9 month follow-up) outcomes of students with disabilities and their parents or caregivers.

Model Description: OTWH involves three evidence supported interventions: school engagement/drop-out prevention, individualized parent training, and homework support. All interventions are facilitated by a Family Consultants who is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week; and serves as the liaison between the home and school settings.