PowerPoint Presentation

Opportunities for Youth in Transition from Foster Care: Youth Perspective

#aypfevents@aypf_tweets

An AYPF Capitol Hill ForumFebruary 20th, 2015

1Overview Over 26,000 youth turn18 and age out of foster care each year.Unique challenges:Less than 10% complete four year college education.140% experience homelessness or couch surfing.2More vulnerable to financial fraud.Ongoing emotional turmoil.2008 Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act gave states added flexibility to address transitional youth.

1. Wolanin, Thomas.HigherEducationOpportunitiesforFosterYouth:APrimerforPolicymakers.The Institute for HigherEducationPolicy,2005. http://www.ihep.org/assets/files/publications/m--r/OpportunitiesFosterYouth.pdf.2. Courtney, Mark and Dworsky, Amy.Assessing the Impact of Extending Care beyond Age18 on Homelessness: Emerging Findings from the Midwest Study, Chicago: Chapin Hall,2010 http://www.chapinhall.org/sites/default/files/publications/Midwest_IB2_Homelessness.pdf.

AYPFs publication documents the challenges faced by the more than 26,000 youth who turn 18 each year and exit the child welfare system nationwide. Their unique challenges are highlighted here, including significantly decreased postsecondary success rates, increased homelessness, financial instability, and emotional turmoil from past and ongoing traumatic experiences. With the 2008 passage of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act, states have increased flexibility and parameters for serving this population. AYPF asked how states are using this flexibility to expand access to opportunities for youth in transition from foster care. 2Information CollectionHow are states implementing policies that support youth in transition from foster care?

AYPF gathered information from:

Outside reportsConversations with state- and local-level service providersInterviews with policymakers and researchersSite visitsDiscussions with youthData synthesisFeedback from other events such as webinars and discussion groups

AYPF gathered information and relied on expertise from a diverse group of policymakers, practitioners and researchers in order to answer the question of how states are implementing policies that support youth in transition from foster care. Over the course of a year, we held conversations, interviews, site visits, and gathered feedback through the means listed here.

Now Garet will highlight some of the information we documented about opportunities for transitional youth through state policy and practice. 3Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions ActAlso known as the Fostering Connections Act.States can choose to provide Title IV-E payments to youth up to age 19, 20, or 21.Title IV-E of the Social Security Act authorized Foster Care and Adoption Assistance programs to provide federal matching funds to states for directly administering these programs.Youth must meet certain education, training, or work requirements to qualify for extended Title IV-E funds.

The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act, also known as Fostering Connections, was signed into Federal law in 2008.Many aspects of foster care and adoption were modified,Including an important change that was one of our main focuses.

States can choose to provide title IV-E payments to youth up to age 19, 20, or 21

Title IV-E of the Social Security Act authorized Foster Care and Adoption Assistance programs to provide federal matching funds to states for directly administering these programs.

The objectives of Title IV-E were to improve the quality of care of children in foster care.

By extending Title IV-E funds to youth up to age 21, Fostering Connections allows youth to have prolonged quality of care and help them transition more safely to adulthood.

However, youth must meet certain education, training, or work requirements to qualify for extended Title IV-E funds

http://calswec.berkeley.edu/frequently-asked-questions-faqs-about-title-iv-e-msw-program#Q3http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/resource/title-ive-foster-care 4Fostering Connections: Requirements to Extend Foster Care Title IV-E Payments Up to Age 21Completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential.Enrolled in an institution which provides post-secondary or vocational education.Participating in a program or activity designed to promote, or remove barriers to, employment.Employed for at least 80 hours per month.Incapable of doing any of the afore mentioned due to a medical condition.

The first two requirements focus on education, First, that the youth must be in the process of completing their secondary education or be a part of a program leading to an equivalent credential.Second, that the young person be enrolled in an institution which provides post-secondary or vocational education.

The next two requirements look at training and work participation,Either youth must participate in a program or activity designed to promote, or remove barriers to, employment.Or they need to be employed for at least 80 hours per month.

The final requirement helps youth who are unable to go to school or work due to a medical condition.

The passing of this federal law, which has been adopted by 19 states and the District of Columbia, also encouraged states to make, or extend, their own similar requirements for foster care extension.5

Image excerpted from AYPFs Creating Access to Opportunities for Youth in Transition from Foster CareThis image is an excerpt from our issue brief and

As you can see, the majority of states have extended at least one foster care service such as housing, independent living services, scholarship and resume assistanceto age 21.

However, there are still 5 states that have not extended services to that age, while there are 3 states that have extended services beyond the age of 21.

6Examples of State Variation for Extending Foster Care Services Up to Age 21Youth has not completed high school. SDYouth who request from the court to retain jurisdiction to complete a course of treatment. PAYouth in special circumstances. CO & MSYouth may chose to stay in care up until 21 years of age. KSYouth who leave care at age 18 or older may voluntarily return to care at any time before their 21st birthday. AZ Youth in school or vocational training, or youth who suffer from a disabling condition that places youth at risk and remaining in care is in the youth's best interest. SC

States not only differ in when services are extended and what type services youth have access to, But they also have a wide variation in how youth qualify for extension of services.

As you can see from these randomized state examples, requirements for youths eligibility for extended services up to age 21 differs from state to state.

These types of generalized requirements can allow for more access to youth; however, the requirements need to be widely known to both youth and the adults in their life

For more detail about the varying state requirements for extended foster care, please see Appendix 1 in our issue brief

7Challenges, Needs, and Opportunities Three categories of need emerged:

Sustainable Social CapitalPermanency SupportsPostsecondary Opportunities

AYPF documented policies and programs across states to meets these needs.

Image excerpted from AYPFs Creating Access to Opportunities for Youth in Transition from Foster CareGiven the unique challenges faced by youth in transition from foster care, AYPF documented three distinct yet overlapping areas of need and opportunity for policymakers, programs, and researchers to consider: The first is Sustainable social capital. Here we wanted to communicate the idea that many young people in foster care simply do not know where to begin on their path to independence. Whether its getting a drivers license, applying for a job, or dealing with traumatic relationships, these young people often have difficulty accessing the resources necessary to work towards self-sufficiency. One young person profiled in our brief said it best, I now recognize my own value and abilities more than Ive allowed myself to in the past. Empowering youth to access resources and build relationships is sustainable social capital. Permanency supports include things like housing, healthcare, transportation and financial resources. Housing is an especially challenging obstacle for this population, many of whom have experienced multiple placements during their time in foster care. Additionally, those who go on to college find themselves homeless during winter, spring, and summer breaks when the dorms are closed. Without a safe, stable place to live, reliable transportation, or the ability to develop financial resources, it becomes impossible for youth from foster care to think about and plan for other educational and career aspirations. And the third area of need is Postsecondary opportunities, which refers to industry-recognized certificates, two-year and four-year degrees, and workforce training programs that youth in transition from foster care should be exposed to and have access to. Multiple moves during K-12 education can prevent youth in foster care from planning for their educational futures. Those who do go on to an institution of higher education are faced with the challenges weve already mentioned housing, financial instability, transportation barriers, and lasting emotional trauma.

We documented the challenges, as well as policies and programs across states that are meeting these needs, and came up with the following recommendations. 8Recommendation Highlights In order to address these challenges, AYPF made the following recommendations:

Highlight a range of postsecondary optionsCoordinate systems and servicesDevelop professional capacityEngage youth in decision-makingChange the Conversation: Transitioning to Opportunities

Our recommendations to policymakers, practitioners, and researchers are centered on the goal that all young people in and transitioning from foster care should have access to opportunities that lead to a healthy, independent adult life, and include the following:Highlight a range of postsecondary options. Planning and exposure should begin early, and should include industry-recognized credentials, 2-year and 4-year degree programs, and workforce training opportunities. Coordinate systems and services that provide opportunities, such as education, housing, health & human services, and workforce, and at all levels. As weve noted, the needs of this population are complex and overlapping, and systems should coordinate services. Develop professional capacity those working directly with youth, as well as those making decisions about programs and systems that serve youth should be knowlegable about evidence-based practice, and how to access resources.Engaging youth in decision-making is also key, and this means soliciting the opinions and feedback of young people as well as acting on their advice and empowering them as decision-makers. And finally, changing the conversation instead of transitioning out of, AYPF encourages dialogue about transitioning to opportunities.

With that in mind, we would like to transition to our panel, each of whom is here today to discuss the policies and programs in their state that facilitate access to opportunities for youth in transition from foster care. 9Opportunities for Youth in Transition from Foster Care: Youth PerspectivePanelists:

Mary Lee, National Transitional Living Coordinator, Youth Villages

Michelle Morgan,Student,University of Memphis

Sheemeca Berkley, Great Expectations Advisor, Northern Virginia Community College

Marianna Lagenbeck,Student,Northern Virginia Community College

Each of our panelists today will highlight strategies in their state that have incorporated these recommendations and are centered on the three areas of need and opportunity that AYPF outlined in our brief:

First, Mary Lee will discuss how Youth Villages Transitional Living program is designed to help youth in foster care transition smoothly to adulthood.

We will then hear from Michelle Morgan about her experience transitioning out of foster care with the help of Youth Villages.

Following their presentation we will hear from Sheemeca Berkely who will describe how Great Expectations helps foster care youth at Northern Virginia Community College have a supported educational experience.

Lastly, Marianna Lagenbeck will discuss her experience transitioning out of foster care to school with the assistance from Great Expectations.

We look forward to a great conversation and as a reminder we will of course have time for your questions after all panelists have presented, so please keep that in mind.

First well hear from Mary.10 February 20, 2015

All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved.

TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAMHelping young people live successfully as independent adults

Created in 1999 with a grant from The Day Foundation Designed to help youth between the ages of 17 and 22 who are making the transition out of state custody to an independent life Systemic approach that incorporates multiple aspects of the youths natural ecology (community, peers, family, school in addition to their personal characteristics) Strength-based approach to services Transitional Living Program HistoryAll contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reservedADDITIONAL SUBHEADDATETITLESUBHEADPlace horizontal logo here12

Mission: We help young people live successfully as independent adultsSince 1999 we have served over 7,600 youthDaily we serve approximately 830 youth in the TL programLocations include: FloridaGeorgia Massachusetts Mississippi North Carolina Tennessee Quick Facts - Transitional Living Program

All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved

ADDITIONAL SUBHEADDATETITLESUBHEADPlace horizontal logo here13Youth Villages Provides TL in Six States

= YV provides TL in the state = YV provides other services in state, but not TLYV works in 11 states & dc andprovides tl in 6 of those states Most young people served are in TennesseeSource: Youth Villages Daily Service Capacity and Total Youth Served, By Program by State as of 6/30/2014In Tennessee, all young people aging out of care have access to TL. This has developed over the course of 10 years through a public-private partnership with the Day Foundation, the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services, and Youth Villages

The program focuses on the following areas: Permanency Education Employment Housing Independent Living Skills Youth Involvement Transitional Living Program ObjectivesAll contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved

ADDITIONAL SUBHEADDATETITLESUBHEADPlace horizontal logo here15

All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reservedKey components of the Transitional Living Program that make it successfulIntensity of services: small caseloads of eight to ten youth per specialist with a minimum of one face-to-face session per week as well as other communication throughout the week Comprehensive services: specialists help youth achieve their goals with education, employment, housing, permanency, basic independent living skills Youth-driven: young adults in the TL program have input into their service plans, goal development, and the group activities. This input is vital to the programs success because youth tend to be more successful when they are invested and actively involvedStaff training and supervision: Staff receive extensive on-the-job training as well as weekly group supervision and consultation with quarterly boosters and other training as needed Formalized program model which uses evidence-based interventions as clinically necessary Program evaluation: youth participating in the transitional living program are evaluated upon admission, throughout the service provision, at discharge and at six, 12, and 24 months post-dischargeYV culture: We do whatever it takes ADDITIONAL SUBHEADDATETITLESUBHEADPlace horizontal logo here16

All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reservedTransitional Living Program Outcomes and Randomized Control TrialTo date: Strong outcomes demonstrated1999201020142015Outcomes at two-year follow upLiving with family or independently84%Reporting no trouble with the law76%In school, graduated, or employed84%Next phase: Adding a control groupRCT launched by leading evaluators:

TL program developedRCT implementation results in March 2014Key findings:Implemented in accordance with the modelParticipation and engagement were highVariation in local context shaped experience (e.g. access to transportation)

Report on RCT impacts expectedADDITIONAL SUBHEADDATETITLESUBHEADPlace horizontal logo here Random assignment evaluation conducted by an independent third party (scientific gold standard) Largest random assignment study of program for transition-age youth 1,322 youth (788 youth in TL; 534 in Community Services Group) Follow-up at years 2 5 will be completed with administrative records Implementation Evaluation released earlier this year Impact Analysis due Spring 2015

This is one of the largest experimental evaluations ever conducted in the child welfare services field and the largest by far of a program focused on improving the transition to adulthood for foster youth. It will provide invaluable evidence to the field regarding what works for foster youth. Mark Courtney, Ph. D.

17

Randomized Clinical EvaluationRandom assignment evaluation conducted by an independent third party (scientific gold standard)

Largest random assignment study of program for transition-age youth 1,322 youth

One year follow-ups completed by January 2014

Follow-up at years 2 5 will be completed with administrative records

Implementation evaluation due out this year

Impact analysis due in the fall of 2014/spring 2015

All contents 2013 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reservedADDITIONAL SUBHEADDATETITLESUBHEADPlace horizontal logo hereThe evaluation will examine the difference that the TL program makes for this population or its impact on a range of outcomes, including education, employment, health, and financial security. It is intended to provide information for policymakers and practitioners who are interested in improving the lives of these vulnerable young people. 18This is one of the largest experimental evaluations ever conducted in the child welfare services field and the largest by far of a program focused on improving the transition to adulthood for foster youth. It will provide invaluable evidence to the field regarding what works for foster youth.

Mark Courtney, Ph. D.

Client satisfaction surveys are administered every 2 monthsAfter discharge, follow-up surveys are conducted at 6,12, and 24 months to collect data in the following areas: Maintenance of stable housing Educational status Employment Criminal/legal involvement Pregnancy/parenting Program Evaluation and Outcome Data

All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved20All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reservedTransitional LivingProgramInformation through December 2014Founded in 1999 with a grant from The Day Foundation, the Transitional Living Program is still supported through private donations including continuing support from The Day Foundation, the employees of Youth Villages (through the Our Family Campaign), and grants from other generous supporters.In 2007, the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services partnered with Youth Villages and the Day Foundation to reach more youth across the state. We have expanded the program to serve youth in six states (Tennessee, Mississippi, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Florida and Georgia)21

GenderRace/EthnicityTransitional Living ProgramDemographicsThrough December 2014N = 7,639All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved22Transitional Living ProgramAge at AdmissionThrough December 2014N = 7,639

All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved23Youth may be served in multiple regionsTransitional Living ProgramYouth Served by RegionJuly 2000 through December 2014

* includes youth served in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, Washington, DC, Georgia, and MassachusettsAll contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved24*Other includes placements such as group homes, runaway, foster care and rehab centers

Only includes youth who received at least 60 days of service; 10.9% (782 out of 7,202) of admissions ended prior to 60 days.Transitional Living ProgramDischarge LocationYouth discharged July 2002 through December 2014N = 6,420All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved25Only includes youth who received at least 60 days of serviceTransitional Living ProgramSatisfaction at DischargeIncludes surveys conducted October 2009 through December 2014

All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved26Only includes youth who received at least 60 days of service

Success is defined as living with family or independently at the time of follow-upTransitional Living Program Success at Follow-upFollow-ups conducted through December 2014All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved27Only includes youth who received at least 60 days of serviceTransitional Living Program Youth reporting NO Trouble with the LawFollow-ups conducted through December 2014

By age 21, nearly half of former fosteryouth surveyed for the Midwest Studyhad been arrested as adults.All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved28Only includes youth who received at least 60 days of service

Indicates the number in school, graduated from high school (diploma or GED) or employed at the time of follow-upTransitional Living Program In School, Graduated, or EmployedFollow-ups conducted through December 2014All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved29Only includes youth who received at least 60 days of service.

Transitional Living Program School and Employment StatusFollow-ups conducted through December 2014At age 21, nearly a quarter of former foster youth do not have a high school diploma and almost half are unemployed according to the Midwest Study.Indicates the number in school only, in school and working, or working only at the time of follow-up30Only includes youth who received at least 60 days of serviceTransitional Living Program Correctional Facility Placementsduring Follow-up PeriodFollow-ups conducted through December 2014

Nearly a third of former foster youth had spent time in a correctional facility by age 21.All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved31Only includes youth who received at least 60 days of serviceTransitional Living Program Selected Outcomes at One Year Post-DischargeFollow-ups conducted through December 2014

All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved32 Due to the number of youth served, beginning in 2010 youth are randomly selected at discharge for follow-up surveys. The sample has been found to accurately represent the population of youth served based on demographics, length of service, and outcome at discharge; figures presented here represent outcomes for the population of youth discharged from the program within +/- 3% at the 95% confidence level. Surveys are conducted by research staff via phone with letter surveys to non-respondents.Internet search of public records (Lexis-Nexis) is completed to locate accurate contact informationPlease note: Surveys are completed with youth/families who have discharged from YV services altogether. If a youth re-enters YV services, the survey cycle is reset and begins again at their discharge.

While no consensus exists regarding adequate response rates, 40% - 60% has been identified as appropriate for surveys of this type and size1.

Rate of re-entry into YV services: 6-Month Follow-up 3.9% (230 out of 5,867) 12-Month Follow-up 5.6% (297 out of 5,302) 24-Month Follow-up 6.7% (297 out of 4,449)

About our Response Rates

1PWGSC (Public Works and Government Services Canada). (2008). Advisory Panel on Telephone Public Opinion Survey Quality: Standards and Guidelines for Response Rate. All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved33All benchmarks on the previous slides come from the Chapin Hall study cited below.

Courtney, M., Dworsky, A., Cusick, G., Havlicek, J., Perez, A., & Keller, T. (2007) Midwest evaluation of the adult functioning of former foster youth: Outcomes at age 21. Chicago: Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.All contents 2015 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved

For additional information, please contact:

Mary Lee, National Transitional Living Coordinator mary.lee@youthvillages.org (901) 251 4934 or visit our website at www.youthvillages.org All contents 2013 by Youth Villages, Inc. with all rights reserved35

36About Great ExpectationsAn initiative of the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education

Launched in 2008 at 5 Virginia Community Colleges

Offered at 18 colleges

About Great ExpectationsCurrent Great Expectations Virginia Community College locationsBlue RidgeCentral VirginiaDanvilleGermannaReynoldsJohn TylerLord FairfaxMountain EmpireNew River

Northern VirginiaPatrick HenryPiedmont VirginiaSouthside VirginiaSouthwest VirginiaThomas NelsonTidewaterVirginia HighlandsWytheville

About Great ExpectationsHelps Virginias current/former foster youth age 17-24 gain access to community college education.

Provides education and employment opportunities that will improve the likelihood of success for foster youth.

Offers individual support for at-risk foster teens as they finish high school, leave their foster homes and transition to living on their own.

Great Expectations OffersParticipation in workshops, college tours, community service, etc.

Individualized tutoring

Help with the college admissions/financial aid

Career exploration and coaching

Job preparation

Life skills training

Personalized counseling

Help with transportation, housing, food, etc.

CContact InformationSheemeca Berkley, MSW703.845.6477sberkley@nvcc.edugreatexpectations@nvcc.eduwww.Greatexpectations.vccs.edu

Sheet1Surveys through 12/14Discharge Surveys50.9% (1,938 out of 3,804)6-Month Follow-up50.3% (2,834 out of 5,637)12-Month Follow-up44.5% (2,228 out of 5,005)24-Month Follow-up36.1% (1,499 out of 4,152)

Sheet2

Sheet3