This study evaluated the effects of the Adoption Preservation, Assessment, and Linkage (APAL) postpermanency program.

A quasi-experimental, posttest-only design was used to estimate the program’s effects on youth discharged from foster care to adoption or legal guardianship. A random sample was surveyed (female = 44.7%; African American = 94%) and tracked with administrative data. The primary analysis estimated the program’s effect of being assigned to the intervention, whereas a supplementary analysis estimated the effects of actually receiving the services.

The APAL program was associated with higher levels of caregiver commitment, fewer youth behavior problems, and lower odds of placement discontinuity.

Offering postpermanency outreach services to families might help reinforce caregiver commitment and promote children’s well-being.