This study used a quasi-experimental method to examine the efficacy of a contingency management (CM) program upon the promotion of independent living among homeless youth enrolled in a transitional living program. Outcome data was collected from clients (N = 37) upon entry and exit from the transitional living program offered through a Midwestern youth homeless shelter. Those outcomes assessed included clinicians\u27 ratings of their clients\u27 Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), and clients\u27 scores on both the Quality of Life (QL) and Decision-Making/Empowerment (MD/E) subscales, as measured by the Ohio Mental Health Consumer Outcomes System (Ohio Department of Mental Health, 2009). Comparisons of changes in outcome measures between (1) those who were exposed to the CM program who also graduated from the transitional living program (CM-C); (2) those exposed to the CM program who did not graduate from the transitional living program (CM-Inc.); and (3) those who were never exposed to the CM program and did not graduate from the transitional living program (NCM - Inc.) revealed significant interactions for clinicians\u27 GAF ratings and clients\u27 MD/E scores. These results indicate that programs for homeless youth based on the principals of CM may promote this successful transition into independent living. However, the study\u27s use of a quasi-experimental design prevents causal inference
