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.  

For more information on the DREAMR project, visit http://dreamrproject.org.