Contact Us
a green street sign hanging from the side of a building

Support, Hope, and Healing for Youth in Foster Care

Discover how L.Y.G.H.T. makes a meaningful difference in the lives of youth in foster care.

L.Y.G.H.T. OUTCOMES

Founded in 2017, L.Y.G.H.T. has consistently proved to enhance youth well-being for the past 10 years.
“We teenagers need a safe place to talk about how we feel.”

L.Y.G.H.T. participant

I have learned that there are others who truly care, respect, and listen to what you have to say.”

L.Y.G.H.T. participant

Research Evidence

 Research over the past decade shows that L.Y.G.H.T. increases social support, fosters hope, and enhances self-worth. Browse the articles below to learn more about our findings.

The Inspiration for L.Y.G.H.T.

Mitchell, M. B. (2017). “No one acknowledged my loss and hurt”: Non-death loss, grief, and trauma in foster care.  Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 35(1), 1–9.

Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) #1

Mitchell, M. B., Schuurman, D. L., Shapiro, C. J., Sattler, S., Sorensen, C., & Martinez, J. (2022). The L.Y.G.H.T. program: An evaluation of a peer grief support intervention for youth in foster care. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 41(1) 15- 32.

Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) #2

Mitchell, M. B., Schuurman, D. L., Beam, M. R., & Martinez, J. (2025). “We need a safe place to talk about how we feel”: A randomized controlled trial of a peer grief support intervention for youth in foster care. OMEGA-Journal of Death and Dying. Advance online publication.
Full-Text Article