Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run...
Transcript of Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run...
![Page 1: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
“Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy...
they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us.”
—To Kill a Mockingbird
Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
National Conference on Ending Family & Youth
Homelessness February 19th, 2014
![Page 2: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Jim Theofelis MC, LMHC, CDC Executive Director and Founder
206-323-kids(5437) www.mockingbirdsociety.org [email protected]
![Page 3: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
The Mockingbird Society Building a World-Class Foster Care System
![Page 4: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Mission Statement: Building a World-Class Foster Care System
Mission The mission of The Mockingbird Society is to advocate for systems reform based on the personal experiences of children, youth and families impacted by the foster care system. Vision At The Mockingbird Society we are dedicated to building a world-class foster care system that ensures the care, support and resources necessary for children, youth and families to thrive.
![Page 5: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
We will have achieved our mission when every
child has the opportunity not only to survive, but to
thrive
Measuring Our Success
![Page 6: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
How We Are Going About Building . . .
• Change the Rules: Policy & Budget Allocation
• Change the Practice
• Humanize the issue by putting a face to the issue
• Operational definition of “world-class system”
![Page 7: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
The Mockingbird Society Programs
The Mockingbird Network
• A statewide network of local Chapters led by youth and alumni of foster and kinship care.
• Youth in care have a VOICE
Mockingbird Family Model
Programs
• Practice advocacy
• Practical, replicable STRUCTURE for foster care delivery
Public Policy & Communications
• Change the policy, change the practice
• Put a human face on the issues
![Page 8: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
What Is the Mockingbird Family Model?
A practical, replicable service-delivery structure that:
• Ensures the health, safety and development of children while achieving
stability and permanency
• Ensures that caregivers have the energy, capacity and support to
provide the highest quality of care.
“We cannot solve problems using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”
Albert Einstein
![Page 9: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Mockingbird Family Model: Foster Care Application At A Glance
Host Agency (DCFS or Private Licensing Agency) MFM Support
MFM Fidelity
MFM Evaluation
Mockingbird Society
BIRTH HOME
![Page 10: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
About The Mockingbird Network
• Community Engagement Activities
• Individual Development
• System Reform Efforts
The Mockingbird Network is a statewide program that has a dual focus on policy and youth development. As part of The Mockingbird Network, youth have the opportunity to participate in:
![Page 11: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Network Regional Chapters
Everett
Spokane Seattle
Yakima
Tacoma Olympia
1
2
2
3
1
3
![Page 12: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
The Mockingbird
Network
Network Chapters
Mockingbird Times Speakers
Program
Annual Events
State Advisory Council
Leadership Trainings
Network Components
![Page 13: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Youth-Inspired Priorities
![Page 14: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Safe Housing Safety in Care Health & Well-being Youth Empowerment
2013 Extended Foster Care Allow youth participating in programs that break down barriers to employment to remain in care until age 21 (SB 5405) 2012 Extended Foster Care Allow youth pursuing their college or vocational education to remain in care until age 21. (HB 2592) 2011 Extended Foster Care First “opt-in” to federal Fostering Connections Act, allowing youth to remain in care to age 21 to pursue their high school diploma or GED. (HB 1128) 2009 Fostering Connections Extends Foster Youth Achievement Act. (HB 1961) 2007 Independent Youth Housing (HB 1922) 2006 Foster Youth Achievement Act First effort for post-18 housing/50 youth per year/ renamed Foster Care to 21 by CA officials. (HB 2002)
2011 Unannounced Visits Allow for a randomly selected portion of
foster homes to receive an unannounced
health and safety visit from a social
worker (HB 1697)
2013 Sibling Visits Prevent visits between siblings in care from being restricted as a form of punishment (SB 5389) 2007 Healthcare to 21 ALL youth exiting foster care, whether in housing with state or not, receive health coverage. (HB 1201)
2009 Notification of Rights in Foster Care (SB 5758) 2007 Creating verifiable WA “Identicard” for Foster Youth (HB 6792)
2013 72-Notification Allows youth shelters 72-hours to notify parents/caregivers of a runaway youth, giving them time to effectively serve the youth and safely reunify them with their families (SB 5147) 2008 Increased Housing Trust Fund to include youth 2005 Reprioritizing Adolescents and ensuring abuse investigation (SB 5583)
2010 Subsidized Guardianships to Kinship Families (HB 2680) 2009 Post-adoption Sibling Visits (HB 1938) 2009 Eight-hour Notification expanded in certain cases (HB 2752)
2010 Expanding Sealing of Juvenile Records (SB 6561) 2010 Youth vested with full voting rights on Transformation Design Committee. (SB 6832) 2010 Notification of Right to Counsel in dependency (HB 2735) 2004 Sealing Juvenile Records (HB 3078)
1999 Homeless Youth Prevention, Protection & Education Act (HOPE ACT) Emergency shelter program for adolescents in crisis, only program that youth can self-refer.
(HB 1493)*
2012 Homeless Assistance Surcharge Increased resources for Home Security Fund (HB 2048)
*Advocated by Jim Theofelis, pre-Mockingbird Idea originated with Network Idea originated from The Mockingbird Society/Partners
Legislative Accomplishments
![Page 15: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
How We Go About Engaging:
Youth-Led Trainings 25,000 Subscriptions
![Page 16: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Annual Events
At the Foster Youth and Alumni Leadership Summit youth 14-24 participate in:
• Leadership Development workshops that focus on:
• System Change
• Individual Development
• Community Engagement
• Bringing the voice of youth and alumni across the state to policy makers
![Page 17: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
At the Foster Youth and Alumni Leadership Summit youth 14-24 participate in:
Annual Events
Report out to the Washington State Supreme Court
Commission on Foster Care
![Page 18: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Annual Events
![Page 19: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Speak Up!
As part of the speakers programs, youth/alumni: 1. Educate the public about
the life experiences of children and youth in care.
2. Present at conferences, workshops, etc.
3. Participate in system reform efforts.
![Page 20: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
State Advisory Council
![Page 21: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
21
At chapter gatherings, participants share meals, develop friendships with peers and adult supporters, and engage in fun and empowering activities
in the community.
Community Engagement
![Page 22: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Public Education
22
Participants conduct trainings and speak in the community to raise consciousness about foster care and homelessness issues.
![Page 23: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Civic Engagement
23
Participants meet with local decision makers to put a human face on foster care and homelessness issues, and work on projects to improve their communities for foster
and homeless youth.
![Page 24: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Systems Reform
24
Participants develop ideas to improve systems and advocate for
them year round.
![Page 25: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Youth Advocates Ending Homelessness(YAEH)
• Foster care directly links
to homelessness
• Homeless youth
participating in advocacy,
informing policy decisions
• City, county, and
statewide advocacy
• Statewide coalition of
homeless youth providers
• Breaking myths-from
victim to leader
![Page 26: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
I am not voiceless. I am not alone. We are
together and we are strong.
At The Mockingbird Society, we believe that our young people are not victims, clients, or problems to be
solved. As the driving force within the Mockingbird Network, they are establishing their position as
LEADERS in the community, ADVOCATES for themselves and their peers, and AGENTS OF CHANGE
in the child welfare system!
![Page 27: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Youth-Inspired Priorities
![Page 28: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Safe Housing Safety in Care Health & Well-being Youth Empowerment
2013 Extended Foster Care Allow youth participating in programs that break down barriers to employment to remain in care until age 21 (SB 5405) 2012 Extended Foster Care Allow youth pursuing their college or vocational education to remain in care until age 21. (HB 2592) 2011 Extended Foster Care First “opt-in” to federal Fostering Connections Act, allowing youth to remain in care to age 21 to pursue their high school diploma or GED. (HB 1128) 2009 Fostering Connections Extends Foster Youth Achievement Act. (HB 1961) 2007 Independent Youth Housing (HB 1922) 2006 Foster Youth Achievement Act First effort for post-18 housing/50 youth per year/ renamed Foster Care to 21 by CA officials. (HB 2002)
2011 Unannounced Visits Allow for a randomly selected portion of
foster homes to receive an unannounced
health and safety visit from a social
worker (HB 1697)
2013 Sibling Visits Prevent visits between siblings in care from being restricted as a form of punishment (SB 5389) 2007 Healthcare to 21 ALL youth exiting foster care, whether in housing with state or not, receive health coverage. (HB 1201)
2009 Notification of Rights in Foster Care (SB 5758) 2007 Creating verifiable WA “Identicard” for Foster Youth (HB 6792)
2013 72-Notification Allows youth shelters 72-hours to notify parents/caregivers of a runaway youth, giving them time to effectively serve the youth and safely reunify them with their families (SB 5147) 2008 Increased Housing Trust Fund to include youth 2005 Reprioritizing Adolescents and ensuring abuse investigation (SB 5583)
2010 Subsidized Guardianships to Kinship Families (HB 2680) 2009 Post-adoption Sibling Visits (HB 1938) 2009 Eight-hour Notification expanded in certain cases (HB 2752)
2010 Expanding Sealing of Juvenile Records (SB 6561) 2010 Youth vested with full voting rights on Transformation Design Committee. (SB 6832) 2010 Notification of Right to Counsel in dependency (HB 2735) 2004 Sealing Juvenile Records (HB 3078)
1999 Homeless Youth Prevention, Protection & Education Act (HOPE ACT) Emergency shelter program for adolescents in crisis, only program that youth can self-refer.
(HB 1493)*
2012 Homeless Assistance Surcharge Increased resources for Home Security Fund (HB 2048)
*Advocated by Jim Theofelis, pre-Mockingbird Idea originated with Network Idea originated from The Mockingbird Society/Partners
Legislative Accomplishments
![Page 29: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Extended Foster Care (HB 1128) – Safe Housing for Youth in Care
![Page 30: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Unannounced Visits (HB 1697) -- Increasing Safety in Care
30
![Page 31: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
HB 2735: Notification of the Right to Request Counsel in Dependency Proceedings and Training
and Caseload Standards
![Page 32: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Off Session Visits: Putting a Face on the Issue
![Page 33: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Where to Start?
• Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run
• Youth identify an issue that is important to youth
• Do the background work (homework)
• Current policy; opposition-allies; Identify/develop
legislative and community champions (donors)
• Like-minded coalitions to join and/or adopt the issue
![Page 34: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Benefits to Youth & Community
Youth:
• Re-frame the conversation: from victim to advocate;
treatment plan to leadership/identity development
• Locus of control
• Meaningful contribution equates healing (5 yr old…)
• Pro-social activity/passion development
![Page 35: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Benefits to Community
• Myth buster: from “those” kids to “our” kids
• Media attention on youth in positive role
• Reframe the conversation: Juvenile prostitution to
CSEC; running away to running to
• Building political will among donors/community
leaders - “Mixed Choir”
![Page 36: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
“Do all we can, with what we have, in the
time we have, in the place we are.”
Nkosi Johnson, 1988-2001
![Page 37: Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care · •Where you are at! Crawl-Walk-Run •Youth identify an issue that is important to youth •Do the background work (homework)](https://reader033.fdocuments.in/reader033/viewer/2022042911/5f44f9fcbacdca23f03a37f8/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
“Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy...
they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us.”
—To Kill a Mockingbird
Ending Homelessness for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
National Conference on Ending Family & Youth
Homelessness February 19th, 2014