Understanding healthcare needs of Black children in foster care
Official title: Centering the Needs of Black Children in Foster Care: Healthcare Utilization and Coordinated Medical Homes
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-11037215 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how Black youth in foster care use healthcare services, especially since they often face challenges getting regular check-ups and tend to go to the emergency room more often; it aims to find out what affects their access to care and whether having a coordinated medical home helps them get better health outcomes compared to those who don’t have that support, all while making sure the young people involved have a say in the research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $51,662 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HS030302-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037215 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black children and adolescents currently in foster care who have experienced healthcare services.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of the foster care system or those who do not identify as Black may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the healthcare utilization patterns of Black youth in foster care, who often face unique challenges in accessing preventative care and are more likely to rely on emergency services. By analyzing 11 years of linked child welfare and electronic health records data, the study aims to uncover the factors that contribute to racial disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of coordinated medical homes in improving health for these youth compared to those receiving fragmented care. The involvement of a Research Participant Advisory Council ensures that the voices of young people in foster care are included in the research process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare strategies and policies that better address the needs of Black youth in foster care.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into healthcare disparities, this specific approach focusing on Black youth in foster care and coordinated medical homes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams - Butler, Abigail — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Williams - Butler, Abigail
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.