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Introductions Social Issues Historical Overview Purpose and Goals Program Eligibility Legislation

AGENDA. Introductions Social Issues Historical Overview Purpose and Goals Program Eligibility Legislation Permanent Connections Resources to Promote Permanency Role of Collaborative Partners Evaluation and Closure.

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Introductions Social Issues Historical Overview Purpose and Goals Program Eligibility Legislation

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  1. AGENDA Introductions Social Issues Historical Overview Purpose and Goals Program Eligibility Legislation Permanent Connections Resources to Promote Permanency Role of Collaborative Partners Evaluation and Closure The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #1, Page 1 of 1

  2. OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVES • Describe the social issues of unprepared youth and young adults exiting care. • Describe the history, philosophy, legislation, and goals of the Pennsylvania Independent Living Program. • Recognize the importance of permanent connections for youth within the community. • Identify available resources to promote permanency for youth • Describe the roles of collaborative partners that aid in empowering youth. The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #2, Page 1 of 1

  3. SIX SERVICE AREAS OF THE PA INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM • Education • Employment • Housing • Life Skills • Prevention/Wellness • Support The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #3, Page 1 of 1

  4. The Purpose of PA Independent Living Program To make every effort possible to Reduce or eliminate: • Homelessness, poverty, delinquent behavior, non- marital childbirth And to increase: • Employability, high school graduation rates, enrollment in post secondary institutions, successful transition to adulthood. The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #4, Page 1 of 1

  5. TIMELINE OF SERVICES 1980’s – 2008 -Significant legislation was passed that established laws specific to older youth in transition • Early 1980’s – National Independent Living Movement; Willie Palmer vs. Mario Cuomo • 1986 – 1987 – “Independent Living Initiative” established • 1988 – 1993 – Pennsylvania Independent Living programs begin • 1999 – Chafee Foster Care Independence Act of 1999; Independent Living Initiative expanded The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #5, Page 1 of 2

  6. TIMELINE OF SERVICES, cont. • 2001 – Chafee Education and Training Voucher program established; youth are eligible for up to $5000 in additional grant money per year for post-secondary work (up to age 23) • 2007 – College Cost Reduction Act; youth in out of home care or adopted after age 13 are now “independent” for post-secondary financial aid programs • 2008 – Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act, outlines youth rights to education, particularly for homeless youth and those whose placements change The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #5, Page 2 of 2

  7. FOUR PA IL PROGRAM DESIGNS County - Operated Purchase of Services – One Provider Purchase of Services – Multiple Providers Shared Responsibility The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #6, Page 1 of 1

  8. Legislation Legislation – What Defines the IL Program • Federal Legislation • Social Security Act • Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 • Chafee Foster Care Independent Program • Workforce Investment Act of 1998 • Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 • Chafee Education and Training Voucher of 2001 (PA-ETG) • College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 • Fostering Connections to Success and • Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #7, Page 1 of 2

  9. Legislation What Defines the IL Program, continued • State Legislation • The Juvenile Act • Child Protective Services Law • Program Standards / Guidelines • Practice Standards • Grant Bulletin/Appendix 10 NBPB • Foster Youth Manual • Judicial Guide The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #7, Page 2 of 2

  10. ALUMNI STATISTICS A Casey Family Programs study of former foster youth (2005) • 1/3 lived below the poverty line (8% for general pop.) • Only 1 in 5 were mentally healthy and employed • 25% suffered from PTSD (6 times rate for military) • Only 2% earned a college degree (30% in general pop.) - 30% graduated from high school or earned a GED The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living:: An Overview Overhead #8, Page 1 of 1

  11. DEFINITION OF PERMANENT CONNECTIONS • Positive relationships that are intended to last a lifetime. • Formal or informal. -Can provide for emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well-being on a permanent basis. The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #9, Page 1 of1

  12. IMPORTANCE OF PERMANENT CONNECTIONS • Permanent Family connection: youth fare better in their transition years • Supportive Adults: success is consistentlycredited toone or more supportive individuals. The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #10Page 1 of 1

  13. Definition of COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS - Resources working together to EMPOWER YOUTH - Having a common goal - Specialty areas with specific responsibilities The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #11, Page 1 of 1

  14. Definition of EMPOWERING YOUTH Providing youth with adequate resources to support an increased awareness and desire to take control of individual goals, responsibilities, and action. The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #12, Page 1 of 1

  15. Role of IL Worker Needs Assessor / Advisor • Evaluate and assess: • Education • Employment • Housing • Life Skills • Supportive services • Prevention/Wellness • Conduct formal/informalneeds assessments The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202:Foundations of Independent Living an Overview Overhead #13, Page 1 of 1

  16. Role of IL Worker Life Skills Trainer/Teacher/ Role Model • Individual/Group Life Skills Instruction • Monitor Life Skills training, attendance and performance • Evaluate Life Skills and obtain youth feedback The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202:Foundations of Independent Living an Overview Overhead #14, Page 1 of 1

  17. Role of IL Worker Supportive Services / Counselor • Support and Counsel Youth on IL Program Service Areas • Crisis Intervention • Support youth with all services • Tutoring, career and academic advisement The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #15, Page 1 of 1

  18. Role of IL Worker Community Service/ Organizer / Advocate • Community resource link for youth • Establish community referral network • Advocate for youth and needs for transition services and supports The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #16, Page 1 of 1

  19. Role of IL Worker Case Manager / Record Keeper • Develop & Monitor IL Plan • Implement and update policies • Complete & Maintain case records • Liaison to court and service providers The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #17, Page 1 of 1

  20. Role of IL Worker Team Facilitator / Coordinator • Identify & organize IL teams • Mediate & resolve conflicts • Coordinate services • Assign roles & responsibilities The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview Overhead #18, Page 1 of 1

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