Ramona Denby-Brinson, Efren Gomez, and Keith A. Alford
Abstract: The social service sector conducted an implementation study of a smartphone service for foster youth involved in the federal demonstration project DREAMR. The research team conducted a series of focus groups and in-depth interviews with foster youth, foster parents and relative caregivers, and service providers in order to better understand the successes and challenges of the service. Additionally, a smartphone survey was administered to foster youth. The study results suggest positive aspects associated with the use of smartphones including and not limited to: relationship building, youth's increased sense of normalcy, and youth empowerment. Barriers encountered during service implementation relate to technological limitations and other problems that emerged from the lack of stakeholder engagement.