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Tips and Tools for Reaching the Hardest to Reach

Tips and Tools for Reaching the Hardest to Reach. How can NGOs and Others Support Schools in Reaching Out-of-School Youth?. The National Network for Youth.

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Tips and Tools for Reaching the Hardest to Reach

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  1. Tips and Tools for Reaching the Hardest to Reach How can NGOs and Others Support Schools in Reaching Out-of-School Youth?

  2. The National Network for Youth • National Membership Organization with over 400 community and faith-based CBO members including public agencies, regional and state youth service associations, youth workers, and young people • NNY’s mission is to champion the needs of runaway, homeless, and other disconnected youth through advocacy, innovation, and member services

  3. Definitions • Homeless or Unaccompanied Youth are children and youth through age 17 who are not within the physical custody of a parent or guardian • Runaways are youth under age 18 who leave their home or legal residence without permission from their parent or legal guardian

  4. Definitions, cont. • Throwaways are youth who were ‘induced’ by their parents to leave against their will and no effort was made by the parents to find them after they left home • Homeless youth are not more than 21 years of age for whom it is not possible to live in a safe environment with a relative and who has no other safe alternative living arrangement

  5. Definitions, cont. Disconnected Youth A term used for runaway and homeless youth that specifically focuses on the youth’s separation from societal institutions such as family, school, etc.., which is indicative of their socioeconomic instability

  6. Just the Facts Magnitude of Youth Homelessness: an estimated 1.6 million youth between 12 and 17 experience homelessness in a given year. This number is expected to increase due to the current economic situation in the U.S. – high unemployment, foreclosure crisis, etc..

  7. Just the Facts, cont. • Gender • Males – 42% • Females – 52% • 30% of youth on the street are 15-16 years old • Caucasian females comprise 31% of youth on the street

  8. Just the Facts, cont. Race/Ethnicity Caucasian 57% Black/African American 27% American Indian/Alaskan Native 3% Asian .9% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander .6%

  9. Why Youth Leave Home • Severe Family Conflict • Parental Abuse and/or Neglect • Parental Mental Health Issues • Parental Substance Use • Economic Issues • Unsafe Environment

  10. Why Youth Are Forced to Leave Home • Sexual Orientation • Pregnancy/Parenting Status • Use of Drugs or Alcohol • Normal Adolescent Behavior • Family Poverty • Family Understanding of Adult Milestones

  11. Other Factors that Contribute to Youth Homelessness • Child Welfare System Shortcomings • Abrupt Exits from Custodial Care • Housing Discrimination • Low-wage Incomes and Inability to Afford Available Housing

  12. How to Identify RHY • Lack of Continuity in Education • Physical and Medical Difficulties • Social Difficulties • Emotional Difficulties • Social and Behavioral Concerns • Parental Behavior (if applicable)

  13. McKinney Vento Act Law requiring that the needs of homeless youth are addressed – schools must eliminate barriers to enrollment, attendance, and success in schools for students. The act also mandates that schools appoint a liaison to work with homeless students and their families as well as serve as a resource for educators

  14. McKinney Vento Act, cont. Obstacles to Success • Mobility – 50% of homeless youth attend three different schools in a year • Transportation to their school of origin is a barrier • Stigma and prejudice from the school system (teachers, administrators, and staff) • Limited resources for implementation

  15. How Can You Help? • Identify Community Service Agencies • Know Sources of Alternative Housing in Your Area • Become Familiar with Low-Income Neighborhoods • Provide Outreach Materials and Posters

  16. How Can You Help?, cont. • Work with the Local Homelessness Task Force • Compile Addresses of Local Shelters and Know the Staff • Develop Relationships with Truancy Officials and Attendance Officers • Provide Awareness Activities

  17. Announcing NNY’s Community Action Toolkit!! This valuable resource with tips and tools for S/LEAs to work with community-based programs serving runaway and homeless youth will soon be available from NNY.

  18. For More Information Kayla Jackson Vice President of Programs National Network for Youth 202-783-7949, ext. 3103 kjackson@nn4youth.org www.nn4youth.org

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