The Role of Homework Completion During Adolescence on Education and Income Levels in Emerging Adulthood: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial With Females in Out-Of-Home Care

This study examined income and educational outcomes of an evidence-based intervention for adolescents with a history in the juvenile justice (JJ) system using a randomized controlled trial design. The mediational effect of homework completion was also examined. The study used longitudinal data from 164 females who were recruited in adolescence ( M age = 15.32 years, SD = 1.16) based on severe and chronic involvement with the JJ system and placement in out-of-home care, and followed into emerging adulthood ( M age = 25.82, SD = 3.69). The intervention did not directly predict educational or income levels, but there were significant indirect paths through homework completion. Women in the intervention condition reported better educational attainment (β = .09, p = .05) and higher income (β = .11, p < .01) through daily homework completion in adolescence. Findings offer a positive framework for enhancing long-term outcomes for girls with a history of JJ system involvement.