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Building Bridges to Belonging

Building Bridges to Belonging. Building Bridges to Belonging … is . A philosophy which stresses that every child should have a family Is supported by: A forum A promising practice guide An advocacy plan which includes legislative change. Some guiding thoughts.

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Building Bridges to Belonging

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  1. Building Bridges to Belonging

  2. Building Bridges to Belonging … is • A philosophy which stresses that every child should have a family • Is supported by: • A forum • A promising practice guide • An advocacy plan which includes legislative change

  3. Some guiding thoughts • “What would a good parent do?” • “Every child deserves a forever family” • “No relationship should start with an expiry date” • Belonging is more than a placement

  4. Some facts • The average age of leaving home is between 27+ • The mandated age for youth in CAS care to leave family homes is 17 – or by their 18th birthday • Emotionally, youth in care are, on average, about 2 years behind their peers – which means they are 15 when they are forced into independence • Ontario graduation rates are about 78%; for youth in care it’s about 47% - at the age of 20.

  5. The Forum • In June 2009, OACAS hosted a forum which included: • leading research on outcomes for youth AND Ontario CAS experience in implementing services in: • Foster care for youth to age 21 • Legal custody • Subsidized kin care as an option for a permanent family • Adoption of older youth • Take home … ideas for building bridges for youth to belong to families in all of the above

  6. The “guide” • Promising practices • Built on the “Looking After Children” foundation • Anchored in research and data • Developed by CAS experts in Ontario • Offers: • Clear goals • Current knowledge • Innovative ideas in Ontario and elsewhere • Ideas on which to build • Tools and links

  7. Ideas to consider: • Consider policies which focus on the most important thing – making sure that every youth has a family: • Strive to find a permanent family– ask the youth!* • Remember that adoption and legal custody are options for youth* • Build connections with at least one positive adult family member/kin • Also ensure there is a strong safety net: • Where legal parent is not found, consider foster care until 21* • Provide health and dental and EAP until 25 (Crown Ward Aftercare)* • Support youth voice and networking • Youth to youth – peer support is critical to “belonging” • Peer groups are most successful when facilitated and supported by adults • Focus on positive, life successes • Help make the connection to employment • Build skills and interests - look for one mentor who shares interest in a hobby or sport • Use education advocates to help navigate and get help when needed

  8. Some tools and tips • Building Bridges Guide – includes PACT • OACAS Crown Ward Aftercare Benefits Plan • 18 to 21 … what’s next – Prescott Russell experience • Legal custody – the Ottawa experience • Eastern Zone Executive Director’s commitment • Ruby Slippers Project (California)

  9. Questions …. ??? Thank you

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