introductions social issues historical overview purpose and goals program eligibility legislation...

Introductions

Social Issues

Historical Overview

Purpose and Goals

Program Eligibility

Legislation

Permanent Connections

Resources to Promote Permanency

Role of Collaborative Partners

Evaluation and Closure

AGENDA

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview

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OVERALLLEARNING 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.


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SIX SERVICE AREAS OF THE PA INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM

Education

Employment

Housing

Life Skills

Prevention/Wellness

SupportThe Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview


The Purpose ofPA

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


TIMELINE OF SERVICES1980’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



•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

TIMELINE OF SERVICES, cont.



FOUR PA IL PROGRAM DESIGNS

County - Operated

Purchase of Services – One Provider

Purchase of Services – Multiple Providers

Shared ResponsibilityThe Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview


Legislation

Legislation – What Defines the IL Program•Federal Legislation

Social Security ActoFoster 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 andIncreasing Adoptions Act of 2008



•State Legislation

The Juvenile Act

Child Protective Services Law

•Program Standards / Guidelines

Practice Standards

Grant Bulletin/Appendix 10 NBPB

Foster Youth Manual

Judicial GuideThe Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living: An Overview


Legislation

What Defines the IL Program, continued

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 GEDThe Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202: Foundations of Independent Living::

An Overview


DEFINITION OFPERMANENT 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.



IMPORTANCE OF PERMANENT CONNECTIONSPermanent Family connection:

youth fare better in their transition years

Supportive Adults: success is consistently

credited to one or more supportive individuals.


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Definition of COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS

- Resources working together to EMPOWER YOUTH

- Having a common goal

- Specialty areas with specific responsibilities



Definition ofEMPOWERING YOUTH

Providing youth with adequate resources to support an increased awareness and desire to take control of individual goals, responsibilities, and action.



Role of IL Worker

Needs Assessor / Advisor

•Evaluate and assess: EducationEmploymentHousingLife SkillsSupportive servicesPrevention/Wellness

•Conduct formal/informal needs assessments

The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program 202:Foundations of Independent Living an Overview


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


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



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



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



Role of IL Worker

Team Facilitator / Coordinator

Identify & organize IL teams

Mediate & resolve conflicts

Coordinate services

Assign roles & responsibilities



introductions social issues historical overview purpose and goals program eligibility legislation...

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