Youth Exiting Congregate Care

Download Report

Transcript Youth Exiting Congregate Care

Paul Gibson, LCSW Bay Area Academy

Course Objectives

1.

To review exit outcome and group home data on child welfare and juvenile probation youth in out of home care 2.

To discuss the emerging role of group homes under AB 12 3.

To review the role of child welfare and juvenile probation in working with young adults and group homes in extended care 4.

To review group homes services for young adults that prepares them for transition from congregate care 5.

To review the placement options and transition resources for youth and young adults exiting congregate care

2

Child Welfare Dynamic Report System California 2011 Exit Outcomes 2212 Total Child Welfare Youth Exited Care

1272 (57.5%) Completed a High School Diploma or GED

603 (27.3%) Obtained Employment

2012 (91%) Secured Housing

448 Total Probation Youth Exited Care

244 (54.5%) Completed High School Diploma or GED

99 (22.1%) Obtained Employment

398 (88.8%) Secured Housing

3

Child Welfare Dynamic Reporting System Youth Living in Congregate Care January 1, 2012

4

Child Welfare Dynamic Report System Group Home Characteristics

Child Welfare Youth

52% ages 16-18 were prescribed psychotropic medications compared to 21% of other youth in out of home care

24% ages 16-18 had an IEP compared to 16% of other youth in out of home care

95% ages 16-17 in care for at least 24 months had 3 or more previous placements

20% ages 17-18 reunified with family and 68% emancipated Juvenile Probation Youth

54% ages 16-17 in care for at least 24 months had 3 or more previous placements

48% ages 17-18 reunified with family and 24% emancipated

5

Child Welfare Youth in Group Homes

Group home placements are often used as a last resort when other types of out of home care have failed

Most youth have an extensive history of multiple placements with family members, foster homes and congregate care

Youth often have limited family and permanency options

Youth frequently have mental health, emotional and behavioral issues that interfere with achieving positive outcomes

Budget cuts have reduced residential treatment options resulting in more youth with mental health issues placed in group homes

Most youth have academic deficits, have not completed high school and have limited or no work experience

Some youth have had sudden changes in living situations that necessitated short term group home placement

6

Probation Youth in Group Homes

Group homes are the most frequently used type of out of home care

Youth are removed from their community due to their behavior

Family issues include lack of supervision, abuse and neglect, or criminal involvement

Budget cuts have reduced other placement options including ranches, camps and the youth authority

Youth often have mental health, substance use and behavioral issues that interfere with positive outcomes

Group homes provide better supervision and more services for probation youth than other out of home care

Probation youth often have more family permanency options

7

The Emerging Role of Group Homes

Education support with a focus on youth completing high school or obtaining their GED and learning college resources

Permanency support for youth with involvement of families and other significant adults to develop permanent connections

Behavioral interventions and skills building to help youth address emotional and behavioral issues impeding their progress

Intensive treatment services to help youth address past trauma, mental health, substance use, and unresolved family issues

Life skills development to support youth in learning self sufficiency, social skills, work readiness, and gaining work experience

Preparing youth for transition to a lower level of care including families, transitional housing, foster care and their communities

8

The Impact of AB 12/212 on Group Homes

Allows youth to remain in congregate care after turning 18 years of age as a Non-Minor Dependent (NMD) youth

Decision on group home placement for youth is a voluntary, youth driven, team based planning process

Continued group home placement needs to be in the best interest of the youth in order to complete high school or a GED

Once the young adult completes high school or turns age 19 they are expected to exit congregate care

Young adults with medical and mental health conditions can continue in short term placement in group homes after high school or age 19

Treatment strategies in extended group home placement should prepare them for a less restrictive and more family like setting

9

Potential Benefits of Group Home Care

Group homes can provide young adults with the safety, support and additional time needed to

Complete high school or their GED

Participate in interventions to change behaviors to facilitate moving to a lower level of care

Access mental health and substance abuse treatment

Develop family and permanency connections

Obtain a job and start saving money

Enroll in vocational training or post secondary education

Prepare for transitional housing

10

Group Discussion

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

What are the characteristics and challenges of young adults you have worked with in congregate care?

What service needs did they have in order to make a successful transition to adulthood?

What are the characteristics and service components of the group homes that you have worked with?

What are strengths and weaknesses of congregate care?

How can you work with young adults and group homes to achieve positive outcomes and successful transitions from congregate care?

11

Extended Care Partnerships

AB 12 extended care requires all of us to work together to achieve positive outcomes with young adults

These partnerships include the young adult, social worker or probation officer, group home placement, & adult community services

The SW or DPO maintains frequent contact with the youth in extended care to monitor their progress

The SW or DPO and group home work closely together to ensure the young adult transition goals are met

The SW or DPO & group home actively support the youth in developing permanent connections with family & other significant adults

The SW or DPO & group home work with adult community resources and engage them as partners

12

Engaging Young Adults

Extended care is a collaborative, youth-centered process that includes treating the youth as an adult

This involves a change in role from a person in authority making decisions for them to a support person providing them with guidance

Include young adults in the development of their independent living, service and treatment plans

Recognize and respect their adult status in making decisions about their education, health, mental health treatment and other services

Encourage the NMD to assume greater responsibility for participating in the activities of their independent living plan

Balance supporting the developmental needs of the young adult with providing them with a safety net for the experience of independence

Promote a relationship with young adults based on respect, positive regard and genuineness

Providing young adults with a supportive environment so they can enhance their life skills and experience positive outcomes as they leave care

13

Case Manager Responsibilities To Young Adult

Meet with the youth six months prior to age 18 to discuss option and benefits of extended care

Discuss placement options with youth including remaining in group home care

Complete SOC 161 – Six Month Certification of Extended Foster Care Participation

Complete SOC 162 – Mutual Agreement for Extended Care (except for 602 probation youth)

Complete updated Transition Independent Living Case Plan with youth including 6 month goals and activities

Complete updated Transition Independent Living Plan and Agreement with youth

Meet with the young adult at least monthly to monitor progress with 51% of meetings at their placement

14

Extended Care Participation Conditions

1.

Complete high school or a program leading to an equivalent credential 2.

Enroll in post secondary or vocational education 3.

Participate in a program/activity that removes barriers to employment 4.

Be employed for at least 80 hours a month 5.

Be unable to consistently do one of the other conditions due to a verifiable medical or mental health condition

15

Transition Independent Living Case Plan (TILCP)

The TILCP is a continuation of the same case plans that were developed prior to age 18 and is the AB 12 case plan

There is no longer a focus on family re-unification, parental rights termination, or establishing legal guardianships

The focus is on permanent connections and independence

Must include at least one of the participation condition for extended care eligibility

Continues efforts to identify and develop permanent connections with committed and caring adults and family members

Identifies goals and services to support youth in education, employment and development of independent living skills to be successful adults

16

Transition Independent Living Plan (TILP)

The TILP is part of the Transition Independent Living Case Plan and is developed with the youth or young adult

The purpose of the TILP is to identify the goals the young adult agrees to achieve over the next six months

The TILP includes at least one goal that meets a participation condition for extended care and a back up goal that meets a second condition

The TILP includes a goal to develop permanent connections with committed and caring adults

The TILP includes a goal to transition to a lower level of care

The TILP is reviewed with the young adult and the group home to identify the activities, responsible parties and timeline for completing each goal

17

Sample Transition Independent Living Plans For Youth in Group Homes

General Goal. Develop a permanency connection with a supportive adult.

Activity. Identify family members and other adults who can provide permanency support.

Activity. Meet with family members and other adults to discuss future support they can provide.

Condition 1 Goal. Complete the course requirements for high school graduation.

Activity. Meet with counselor to identify classes needed to graduate.

Activity. Identify and access supports needed for success.

Condition 2 Goal. Enroll in Post Secondary Education

Activity. Research post secondary education options including college and community college.

Activity. Apply for college, financial aid, and available services for foster youth.

18

Sample Transition Independent Living Plans For Youth in Group Homes

Condition 3 Goal. Remove Barriers to Employment

Activity. Participate in ILP work readiness.

Activity. Volunteer at a community program Condition 4 Goal. Obtain Paid Part Time Employment

Activity. Research and apply for supported employment opportunities (i.e. Summer Employment Programs, WIA Youth Programs).

Activity. Participate in ILP employment counseling.

Condition 5 Goal. Participate in Mental Health Treatment

Activity. Obtain information about your mental health diagnosis and treatment.

Activity. Attend individual therapy on a weekly basis.

19

Youth Transitioning From Congregate Care Prior to Age 18

Meet with youth at least six months prior to turning age 18 and discuss the benefits of extended care

When possible, efforts should be made to transition youth from group homes to less restrictive settings

Review housing options and discuss where they would want to be placed in extended care

Develop the TILCP and TILP with the youth to support transition from the group home by age 18

Have a transition planning meeting with the group home to work with them on activities to ensure successful transition

Wraparound services may be used to support addressing the goals and services of the TILCP including transition from group home

20

Developing a Transition Independent Living Plan with a Young Adult

21

Group Home Case Plans

Why the group home is the best placement to meet the needs of the young adult

How the placement will assist the young adult’s transition to independent living

Treatment strategies the group home will use to prepare the young adult for discharge to a less restrictive or family like setting

A target date for group home discharge

Periodic review of the placement to ensure it is the best option and review progress towards achieving independent living goals

22

Case Manager Responsibilities To the Group Home

Complete SOC 154 B Group Home Agreement for Non Minor Dependent (a new agreement is not needed for youth who remain in the same placement at age 18)

Provide the group home with knowledge of the background and needs of the youth including their Transitional Independent Living Plan

Assist the group home in developing a transition plan consistent with the TILP and support them in providing the services needed to achieve their goals

 

Provide a Medi-Cal card or other medical coverage for the youth Work with the group home to maintain permanency connections with youth family members, siblings and significant adults in their lives

Maintain ongoing contact with the group home and include them in transition planning meetings to support the young adult

Work with the group home and NMD on discharge planning towards a lower level of care or transitioning to adult services

23

Group Home Responsibilities

Develop an initial transition plan with the young adult consistent with their TILP (within 30 days for new placements)

Provide the young adult with care, supervision, treatment arrangements and services based on their TILP to ensure they achieve their goals

Notify the placing agency within 24 hours of significant changes in the young adult’s situation including their health, school, work or absence

Complete a Shared Living Agreement with the young adult

Support identifying and developing permanent connections with family members, siblings and significant adults

Participate in transition planning meetings with the SW or PO, young adult, permanency options and community providers as appropriate

Provide periodic updates of the transition plan progress every six months or more frequently as needed

24

Young Adult Responsibilities

Meet with my SW or DPO once a month and update them on progress towards my TILP and permanency goals

Work on completing the goals of my TILP and the participation condition for being in extended care

Comply with the terms of the Shared Living Agreement that I make with my group home placement

Inform my group home and case worker about any problems I am having in my placement and work with them to find solutions

Notify my case worker with 24 hours if I move to a new placement or out of my current placement for any reason

25

Shared Living Agreements

Group homes should review potential issues in housing non-minor dependent youth and minors together and develop specific policies to address them

The Shared Living Agreement (SLA) is considered a best practice for the group home to develop with non-minor dependent youth living with minors

Shared Living Agreements should respect the adult status of the youth including the following areas

Personal time

 

Health care decisions Food shopping and preparation

Computer access

Shared Living Agreements with youth should respect the policies for minors in program areas that include

Keeping medications secured

 

No smoking cigarettes Quiet after bedtimes

26

Shared Living Agreements

SLA Components 1.

Skills and Resources Wanted 2.

3.

Health and Safety Concerns Household Agreements 4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Household Chores and Responsibilities School / Work Attendance and Performance Financial Issues Drugs and Alcohol Conflict Resolution

3. Household Agreements

Schedules / Curfew

Noise

Language

Cigarette Smoking

Guests

Shared Space

TV/Computer/Video Games

Furnishing/Decorating

27

Community Care Licensing Regulations Non Minor Dependents in Group Homes

Complete a Pre-Placement Appraisal to ensure the safety of all residents, review health history, identify special needs and confirm the program can meet the needs of the youth

Ensure the youth receives needed health care services & assist them in developing skills needed to being self sufficient in obtaining health care

Ensure the youth has access to three meals per day & is involved in planning meals, food shopping, & preparing meals

Assist the youth in developing independent living skills & assist them in obtaining information on employment, career options, & attending college

The non-minor dependent youth can share a bedroom with a minor who is a sibling or who they were roommates with prior to turning age 18 or with another non-minor dependent

28

Community Care Licensing Regulations Non Minor Dependent Youth

Personal Rights

The NMD has the same personal rights as minors plus additional rights as legal adults

Have personal items including furnishings, supplies for their living space, and an automobile

Select, obtain or decline health care and related services

Have a personal telephone or computer for internet access

Leave or depart the program at any time

Participate in activities of their own choosing

Provide their own releases for confidential information

29

Group Home Transition Service Components

Education Support

Mental Health Treatment

Family and Permanency Connections

Employment and Vocational Training

Independent Living Skills

Transition Preparation

30

High School Completion

A primary reason for young adults to remain in group home care is to complete their high school education

 

Supporting youth in completing their secondary education Working with Special Education Departments to coordinate IEPs and transition planning and ensure youth obtain needed services

Working with Foster Youth Services to ensure youth get the additional support needed including tutoring and advocacy

 

Ensuring youth are enrolled and participate in adult education classes to obtain their GED if high school is not a viable option Ensuring youth are aware of their educational rights and their rights are honored

31

Post Secondary Education Support

Community Care Licensing requires group homes to assist young adults with the steps to attending college at their request.

Encouraging young adults to explore post secondary options including community colleges, universities, vocational and career technical education

Assisting young adults in completing college and financial aid applications, college enrollment and orientation, course planning, and payment of fees

Providing access to college resource programs including the Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI), Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS), and Guardian or Renaissance Scholars

32

Employment Support

 Youth need support to maintain employment or remove barriers to employment  Build positive relationships with youth, encouraging them to set and achieve relevant goals  Support youth with transportation and other resources to get to work or meet goals for removing barriers  Work with community organizations to connect youth to services, programs and supports  Help youth identify and access volunteer and internship opportunities 33

Medical and Mental Health Treatment

Providing young adults with interventions to support them in changing difficult or negative behaviors

Ensuring young adults have access to treatment to address medical needs and unresolved trauma, mental health and substance use issues

Assisting young adults who meet disability criteria with completing applications for Supplemental Security Insurance

Educating young adults about their diagnosis and medications while teaching them to advocate for themselves

Educating young adults about the differences between the adolescent and adult mental health systems

Ensuring young adults have access to continuity of care in health and mental health treatment through EPSDT and Medi-Cal

34

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) State Supplementary Payment (SSP)

       

SSI benefits are an important safety net for youth with serious disabilities SSI benefits are available to youth regardless of AFDC-FC eligibility (SSI and AFDC-FC benefits may be offset – youth will receive amount of whichever benefit is greatest) Every youth in care must be screened for SSI eligibility between the ages of 16.5 and 17.5 and applications must be made on behalf of youth determined likely eligible The goal is to have SSI in place by age 18 Non minor dependents can participate in extended care and receive SSI Young adults may be awaiting SSI approval while in extended group home care SSI may qualify youth for permanent housing and social security has programs to help youth work and pursue their education The placing agency must ensure that youth receiving SSI suspend payment and receive state funded AFDC-FC for one month each year to maintain SSI eligibility

35

Family and Permanency Connections

It is important to continue to have a philosophy that family and permanency is important

 

Help young adults form mutually supportive and stable attachments with adults and expand their concept of family Search for and strengthen relationships with family members and significant adults that have been disrupted

Encourage youth to identify adults in their lives who are allies including their friends, partners and their families

 

Adult mentors can be an important permanency option and have been effective in helping probation youth make positive changes in their lives Family therapy may be appropriate with some young adults and some parents who experience change and growth

Help young adults to understand, accept and manage their relationships with their family members

36

Wraparound Services

Wraparound services can help youth transition from group homes to a lower level of care

Wraparound services uses a team approach brings together friends, family, and other important individuals in the youth’s life

Services areas include transition planning; lack of supports; impaired functioning; and social, communication, and living skills

Wraparound services are intensive, individualized, strengths based and focused on supporting youth in identifying and developing permanent connections

Eligibility is for youth currently placed in a group home and transitioning to a lower level of care within 3 months of their discharge date

37

Employment and Vocational Training

Exit and outcome studies consistently show at least half of former foster youth are unemployed

Education and employment goals are not mutually exclusive and should both be part of transition planning

Supported employment provides youth with job readiness and retention skills, work experience and employer support

Group homes can support young adults in gaining work readiness skills and work experience before transitioning to lower levels of care

Community Care Licensing requires group homes to assist young adults in obtaining information about trade, vocational, or professional careers as well employment-related programs at their request

Some youth will benefit more from employment and vocational training than from pursuing post secondary education

38

Employment and Vocational Training

Community after school and summer youth employment programs provide work experience with a 2.0 GPA usually required

WIA (Workforce Investment Act) Youth Programs, One Stop Centers and EDD (Employment Development Department) programs provide work training and experience for youth

Workability programs and the Department of Rehabilitation provide employment services for youth with disabilities

ROCP (Regional Occupational Centers and Programs) and Adult education schools provide career technical education for young adults

Local employers and the business community can be engaged as partners to expand employment opportunities for young adults

39

Independent Living Skills

Group homes can provide young adults with a supportive environment to learn and practice independent living skills

Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessments can help young adults and group homes to identify specific areas and skills to focus on

Youth engaged in employment can learn skills related to job retention, budgeting, paying bills, and money management

Programs can teach daily living skills including grocery shopping, preparing meals, self care and transportation

Youth can also learn skills related to problem solving, decision making, stress and anger management, and living with others

These skills are essential for young adults to learn in transitioning to a lower level of care

40

Independent Living Programs

Services Include

Access to Transitional Housing Case Management Post Secondary Education Support Employment Services Life Skills Workshops Transportation and Financial Assistance

ILP services are available to both child welfare and juvenile probation youth in out of home care until age 21

Youth in extended care should be encouraged to participate in ILP

Participation in ILP meets Eligibility Condition 3 for extended care

41

Evidence Based and Promising Practices

General

Positive Youth Development

Motivational Interviewing

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Trauma

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Supportive Services

Wraparound

Mentoring

Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care

42

Evidence Based and Promising Practices

Transition

Supported Employment

Permanent Supportive Housing

Transition to Independence Process Model

Independent Living Programs (Unrated) Mental Health

Interpersonal Psychotherapy – Adults / Adolescents

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy

43

Transition Planning Meetings

Transition planning meetings include the young adult, SW or DPO, and group home provider

Transition meetings can also include family members, mental health providers, potential care providers, and other significant adults

They also meet the case manager requirement of meeting with youth at their place of residence more than half of the time

An initial transition meeting at the beginning of the six month extension can be used to develop and sign the Transition Independent Living Plan

TILP goals and activities can be reviewed with the young adult and group home to clarify the responsibilities of all parties

44

Transition Planning Meetings

A transition planning meeting is recommended at the mid point of the six month group home agreement

Progress in developing permanency connections with family members and other caring adults can be reviewed

Viable housing options for transitioning from group home care with the steps involved, assigned activities and community resources needed can be identified

Social workers and probation officers need to ensure that youth are on the waiting lists for supported transitional housing

The need for extending group home care after the six month period can be reviewed including reasons (i.e. medical or mental health) and time frame involved

This meeting can include preparing the 90 day transition plan for youth wanting to exit foster care

45

Young Adults Who Have Dual Service Status With Adult Providers

Adult service providers who have a dual status in working with youth should be included in the transition planning process

Adult dual service providers may include the regional centers, mental health services, vocational rehabilitation, special education and health care providers

The SW or DPO should ensure that youth are receiving case management services from adult dual service providers when appropriate

Transition to supportive housing available through regional centers, mental health, and others should also be considered if it ensures site specific services or increases permanency

46

Housing Options For Young Adults Transitioning From Congregate Care

Transition Housing Placement Program

Transition Housing Program Plus Foster Care

Family and Foster Care Options

Post Secondary Education Housing

Supervised Independent Living Setting

Transition Housing Program Plus

Transitional Living Programs

47

Transition Housing Placement Program (THPP)

 

Youth ages 16-18 are currently eligible There is a period of transition as THP-Plus FC comes online, and existing THPP providers can currently serve non-minor dependent youth beyond age 19 or beyond HS

THPP includes living in apartments with roommates, communal living situations in a house, or in family settings

Case management is required for all housing models

Communal living situations have staff supervision

Short term housing option for youth or young adults transitioning from congregate care

 48

Transition Housing Program Plus Foster Care

  

Currently being developed as AB 1712 Young adults in out of home care ages 18-21 are eligible Young adults will be under the supervision of their SW or DPO and meet with them monthly

THP-Plus Foster Care is a Title IV-E eligible placement and will be under the authority of Community Care Licensing

Housing will include both site based apartments and host family options

Case management and wrap around services will be available to support the young adult

It is important for THP Plus Foster Care to provide continuity of mental health treatment and other specialized services for many non-minor dependent youth exiting group homes

49

Family and Foster Care Options

Young adults can transition from group homes to living with family members, non-related family members (NREFM) or a non-related legal guardian

These providers can receive foster care payments directly or the young adult can also live with them as a roommate using SILP funding

Foster family homes, foster family agency (FFA) homes and small family homes can also be use as placements for young adults transitioning from congregate care

 

Shared Living Agreements can help young adults transition to living with family members, non-relative family members, and foster homes Non-minor dependent youth in these placements remain eligible for specialized care increment, dual agency rate, intensive treatment foster home rates (if applicable), etc.

50

Post Secondary Education Housing

There are extensive post secondary opportunities for young adults in extended care including community colleges, career and technical education, state universities and the University of California

Financial aid is available for young adults in extended care

Supervised Independent Living Plans (SILP) can include college dormitories and university or off site housing

All young adults must pass a Readiness Assessment to live independently

Physical health and safety inspections are waived for dormitories and university housing

Young adults can receive SILP aide ($776 a month) and can still receive financial aid for college

Young adults exiting group home care need extensive support while in college and post secondary education in order to complete a degree

51

Supervised Independent Living Plans

SILP is a placement for young adults developmentally ready to live independently

SILP is the least restrictive placement option under extended care and the young adult receives $776 per month for housing

Types of housing for SILP include apartments, renting a room and single residence occupancies (SROs)

The young adult must complete a Readiness Assessment with their case manager

The Readiness Assessment includes a viable financial plan, knowledge of budgeting and managing money, and the ability to handle daily living tasks and live independently

The case manager must also complete a Physical Inspection to ensure the health and safety of the living situation

52

SILP Challenges For Youth Exiting Congregate Care

Many young adults exiting group homes will require extensive support including case management, mental health, and other services

They have often had limited or no work, budgeting and money management experience

They will need extended supportive housing to develop skills in managing daily task and living independently

SILP would generally not be appropriate for young adults with high mental and physical health needs

Group homes and THP Plus Foster Care can support youth in preparing for SILPs by working with them on financial skills, daily living tasks, and independent living skills

53

Transition Housing Program Plus

Young adults ages 18-24 years of age are eligible

Young adults are not under child welfare and juvenile probation with dependency or delinquency status dismissed

There are no participation conditions

Most housing is in two bedroom apartments although placement with permanent, caring adult is possible

Services include case management, support with rent and food, medical and mental health services, access to employment and education services

Maximum participation is 24 months

Youth can participant in THP+ Foster Care and transfer to THP +

54

Transitional Living Programs

Provides housing and support services for homeless youth ages 16-21 to assist in making a successful transition to self-sufficiency

Youth and young adults need to have exited foster care

Services include life skills building, interpersonal skills building, education opportunities, job preparation and placement, and mental and physical health care

Provides up to 18 months of residential services (24 months for youth under age 18)

Funded by the Family and Youth Services Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

55

Extending Group Home Care

Once a young adult completes high school or turns age 19, they are prohibited from remaining in group homes unless

The young adult has a medical or mental health condition (eligibility requirement 5) that prevents them from consistently participating in eligibility requirements 1-4

Continuing in the group home is a short term placement

Treatment strategies should prepare the young adult for discharge to a less restrictive or family like setting

1.

The young adult must provide the SW or PO with either Written verification from a healthcare practitioner that they have a medical condition and cannot meet requirements 1-4 or 2.

Verification of the young adult’s disability benefit status

56

Community Resources

Condition 1: High School Completion

      

High School Support Services Special Education Services Foster Youth Service Coordinators Career Ladders Project College Bridge Programs ROCP (Regional Occupational Centers and Programs GED (General Educational Development) Testing Centers Condition 2: Post Secondary Education

   

California Community Colleges California State Universities University of California Institutions Accredited Western Association of Schools and Colleges

57

Community Resources

Condition 2: Post Secondary Education Support

         

EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services) FYSI (Foster Youth Success Initiative) FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student AID) The California Chaffee Grant Program DSPS (Disability Students Programs and Services) Renaissance Scholars Program Guardian Scholars Program Career and Technical Education Programs Adult Education Programs ROCP (Regional Occupational Centers and Programs)

58

Community Resources

Condition 3: Programs/Activities to Remove Barriers to Employment

       

Independent Living Programs One Stop Career Centers Work Readiness Programs/Activities Community Volunteer Centers Career Ladders Project Career Exploration Classes/Training/Programs Mental Health or Substance Abuse Treatment Community Colleges - Enrollment in One Credit or Non-Credit Course College or Vocational Program Course

59

Community Resources

Condition 4: Employment

         

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Programs US Department of Labor Employment and Training Job Corps Workability California Employment Development Department (EDD) One Stop Career Centers Independent Living Programs After School and Summer Employment Programs California Conservation Corp Ticket to Work (SSI Recipients)

60

Community Resources

Condition 5: Medical and Mental Health Conditions

             

California Hospitals and Medical Centers Medi-Cal Early Periodic Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment California Mental Health Services Transition Age Youth Mental Health Adult Community Behavioral and Mental Health Services U.S. Social Security Administration (SSI) California Department of Developmental Disabilities California Regional Centers California Centers for Independent Living California Department of Rehabilitation California Children’s Services Adult Residential Care (Board and Care) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Section 8

61

Housing and Community Resources Plan

62

The Keys to Successful Transitions From Group Homes

Work Together on Transition Planning

Ensure High School or GED Completion

Explore Access to Post Secondary Education

Develop Permanency Connections

Ensure Access to Mental Health Services

Encourage Participation in ILP Services

Support Completing Transition Independent Living Plan Goals

Develop Employment or SSI as Stable Source of Income

Prepare the Young Adult for Transitional Housing

63

Successful Transition Elements

PERMANENCY EDUCATION HOUSING EMPLOYMENT

64

Summing It Up

AB 12 gives us more time to work with young adults in group homes and help them address the challenges that they face

We need to ensure they have a comprehensive continuum of housing, mental health, education, employment and support services if they are going to succeed in life

We need to develop effective practice models and identify evidence based practices that work with transition aged youth

Social workers, probation officers, group homes, young adults and community providers need to work together and support each other to achieve the best possible outcomes

Young adults need to be treated like equal partners and be empowered to take responsibility for their future

65