Does legal literacy mediate the relationship between compliance and family reunification in dependency cases and does self-efficacy moderate this relationship?

Author

Leah SiciliaFollow

Date of Award

Summer 8-1-2024

Document Type

Applied Project

Degree Name

Master of Science in Research Psychology (MS)

Department

Psychology

Supervisor

Dr. Lee Vaydich

Second Reader

Dr. Fossum

Keywords

dependency legal literacy parents

Abstract

A dependency case results in removal of a child from their parent whereas the parent is required to comply with court mandates to reunify with their child including participation in classes, therapy, and visitations yet parents frequently battle with mental health, addiction, and partial understanding of legal systems (Stephens et al. 2018; Cleveland & Quas 2020). Research shows that less than 50% of chil­dren who leave fos­ter care return to their par­ents therefore, reunification attempts need improvement (KIDS COUNT Data Center, n.d.). This proposed study will utilize an experimental design applying legal intervention videos to address a system wide lapse.

Recommended Citation

Sicilia, Leah, "Does legal literacy mediate the relationship between compliance and family reunification in dependency cases and does self-efficacy moderate this relationship?" (2024). Research Psychology Theses. 24.
https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/rpsy_etd/24