Screening, Stabilization and Transition Program (STAT) Research has been integrated throughout the Screening, Stabilization and Transition Program (STAT): provide feedback on program effectiveness,  add much needed knowledge to and disseminate findings that deepen the understanding of foster youth. The current research protocol focuses on several areas: (1) describing and tracking the types of services provided and used, (2) using data collected from both STAT assessments and the Alameda County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) database to better describe (in terms of demographics, risk factors, diagnosis) the mental health of children as they enter into foster care, and (3) describing and understanding the needs of children who frequently change placement.  Clinicians complete a mental health risk assessment form that is used to collect information on relevant diagnosis, trauma history, problem behavior and other risk factors like substance abuse.  This measure is used to better describe the children who enter into foster care and their needs.  The STAT program evaluation analyzes and describes the rates and types of services provided to children.  This includes an assessment of the outcome and impact of the STAT program by examining the links to the larger DCFS data services.  Linking to the child welfare database provides an opportunity to track placement history both predating and following STAT’s involvement with children.  Based on the findings and analysis, improvements to the program can be made and recommendations given to Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services (ACBHCS) and the DCFS for specialized services or programs tailored to meet the foster youth’s needs. For more information on the STAT research program, please contact Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith, STAT Evaluator, at (510) 269-9060 or by email at abriscoesmith@westcoastcc.org. Click here for more information on STAT. The WestCoast’s Assessment Program, including several supervisors and clinicians, was highlighted in a recent symposium at the Society for Personality Assessment’s annual meeting in Chicago, IL on March 6, 2009 – Therapeutic Collaborative Assessment with Children: A Community Psychology Model for Intervention and Training. Chair: Barbara L. Mercer, WestCoast Children’s Clinic, Oakland, CA Discussant: Stephen E. Finn, Center for Therapeutic Assessment, Austin, TX Psychological Variables of Children in a Community Clinic Barbara L. Mercer, PhD “Why Did She Put Nail Polish in My Drink?” Brooke Guerrero, PsyD Jessica Lipkind, PsyD Audrey Rosenberg, PsyD Participant or Observer: Training Assessors to Work with Feelings Marianne Haydel, PsyD Erin Rosenblatt, PsyD