EPIC ‘Ohana, Inc. - Revised: 12/05/12

“Families are the foundation of our community, and their well-being is inextricably linked to the health and prosperity of the community, state, and nation. EPIC works to strengthen ‘ohana and enhance the welfare of children and youth through transformative processes that are respectful, collaborative, and solution-oriented.”

Think about a 17 year old… …you have worked with, or …family member or friend, or …yourself when you were that age.

What were they doing?

What were they planning for?

Who was there to support the 17 year old?

How involved were they in helping that young person plan for the future?

“Families are the foundation of our community, and their well-being is inextricably linked to the health and prosperity of the community, state, and nation. EPIC works to strengthen ‘ohana and enhance the welfare of children and youth through transformative processes that are respectful, collaborative, and solution-oriented.”

EPIC ‘Ohana, Inc. - Revised: 12/05/12

EPIC ‘Ohana, Inc. - Revised: 12/05/12

EPIC’s Programs

‘Ohana Conferencing (1996) E Makua Ana Youth Circle (2004) Family Finding (2007) ‘Ohana Connections (2007) Project First Care (2009) Hawai‘i Youth Opportunities Initiative (2009) Family Connections Grant CWS/EPIC (2009-2012) WRAP Services (2012) Men’s Circles (2013)

EPIC ‘Ohana, Inc. - Revised: 12/05/12

Who Is Eligible?

Youth ages 14-17 currently in foster care, legal guardianship or adoption A young adult up through age 26 who turned 18 in foster care, legal guardianship or adoption • Eligible for DHS Higher Education board payments

EPIC ‘Ohana, Inc. - Revised: 12/05/12

Youth Driven Means

Youth decides if they want a Youth Circle Youth decides who attends Youth decides how to open the circle Youth decides what are their goals Youth decides what they eat at the circle Youth decides their plan

EPIC ‘Ohana, Inc. - Revised: 12/05/12

Revised12/17/10

First Visit

Meet the youth face to face Get to know the youth Discuss the details and what to expect

Revised12/17/10

Gernani’s Youth Circle Supporters

10/30/06 Laura – Social Worker Terrance – GAL Elaine – Ed. Advocate Elizabeth – Provider Jon – Provider Alyssa – DOE Lorie – Group Home Juliana – Group Home Myrna – Mom 08/27/10 Kathy – Foster Mom Teresa – Provider 05/03/07 Laura – Social Worker Terrance – GAL Elaine – Ed. Advocate Jon – Provider John – Provider Lorie – Group Home Benita – Foster Mom Myrna – Mom 05/21/12 Kathy – Foster Mom Malia – Friend Delia – Supporter Gerald – Brother Gernani, Sr. – Father Adrian – Friend Idea – Friend Noy - Friend 08/12/08 Kathy – Foster Mom 03/22/13 Kathy – Foster Mom Malia – Friend Delia – Supporter Gerald – Brother Gernani, Sr. – Father Gio - Friend Adrian – Friend Noy – Friend Judith - Supporter 07/20/09 Kathy – Foster Mom 05/24/13 Kathy – Foster Mom Malia – Friend Delia – Supporter Gerald – Brother Noy - Friend Judith - Supporter

EPIC & CWS Youth Circle Process Referral Anyone can refer Auto-referrals First Visit Meet youth face to face Explain Youth Circles Gather information Begin planning Coordination Case information gathered Calls are made to SW Calls to participants YC scheduled

Youth Circle

Transition Plan Outlines youth’s plans Identifies supporters Provides list of resources Sent to all participants Follow up with youth See how youth is doing Determine if a Re-Circle is needed or check again in the future

Foster Care in Hawai‘i

Population: 1.392 million (2012) Over 1,000 young people in foster care Over 200 are between ages 14 - 17 Less than 100 age out every year Over 4,000 in Adoption / Legal Guardianship 275-300 Youth Circles per year

Challenges

Every youth is different Special circumstances Working with youth Working with adults Resources

Efforts

Outreach Goal Setting Youth Circles Imua K ākou Beyond foster care • WRAP services • Ho‘opono Mamo

Questions?

EPIC ‘Ohana, Inc. - Revised: 12/05/12 Website: Phone: Toll free: Fax: Email: Mail: epicohana.org 808-838-7752 1-866-636-1644 808-838-1653 [email protected]

1130 N. Nimitz Hwy Suite C-210 Honolulu, Hawai`i 96817