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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 12032013 - C.123RECOMMENDATION(S): ACCEPT 2013 annual updated from the Employment and Human Services Department on the Independent Living Skills Program as recommended by the Family and Human Services Committee. FISCAL IMPACT: None - Report Only BACKGROUND: On November 4, 2013 the Family and Human Services Committee accepted a report from the Employment and Human Services Department on the Independent Living Skills program and services for youth aging out of foster care. The Committee requested that the report be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for their information. The report is attached. CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION: The Board and Community will not have current information. CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT: Not applicable. APPROVE OTHER RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE Action of Board On: 12/03/2013 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER Clerks Notes: VOTE OF SUPERVISORS AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor Mary N. Piepho, District III Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, District IV Supervisor Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor Contact: Dorothy Sansoe, 925-335-1009 I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown. ATTESTED: December 3, 2013 David Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors By: Stephanie L. Mello, Deputy cc: C.123 To:Board of Supervisors From:FAMILY & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE Date:December 3, 2013 Contra Costa County Subject:Independent Living Skills Program Update ATTACHMENTS ILSP Update ILSP Presentation EMPLOYMENT AND HUMAN SERVICES CONTRA COSTA COUNTY TO:Family and Human Services DATE: November 4, 2013 Committee Members David Twa FR: Kathy Gallagher, Director, Employment and Human Services Department Valerie Earley, Director, Children and Family Services Bureau SUBJECT: Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP) Recommendation Accept this report from the Employment and Human Services Department; and continue to support the Children and Family Services Bureau and its efforts to serve foster youth in the ILSP program. Background The John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP) offers assistance to help current and former foster care youths achieve self sufficiency. This legislation, sponsored by the late Senator John Chafee in 1999, doubled funding for state-wide independent living skills (ILS) programs and expanded aftercare services up to age twenty-one. There was overwhelming evidence emerging that youth leaving foster care were in need of greater support from foster care into adulthood. Foster youth nationwide were found to have increased likelihood of early parenting, instability in relationships, not graduating from high school, lower school performance, increased health and mental health problems, homelessness, substance abuse, and a higher rate of unemployment. Youth in foster care often do not experience childhood in the way most children do who live with their families of origin. They have suffered child abuse and neglect, been removed from their families and many older youth spend the remainder of their childhood moving from home to home. Some youth in foster care miss out on participating in sports, arts, birthday parties, spending the night at friend’s homes, and the like. They are in turn exposed to the sub-culture of foster care. They learn the survival skills needed to cope with placement changes and the grief of not being with their families. Instead of developing positive social skills, some are learning to cope with living in a group setting with other foster youth who are struggling with their own issues. ILSP provides activities and supportive services to help encourage positive social development and exposure to typical child hood activities. Through excursions to A’s games and field trips to beaches or bike riding, foster youth are able to experience fun activities that the typical teenager might, but are also mentored in developing positive social skills and are further engaged in the ILS program. The State of California Department of Social Services has emphasized the importance of supporting the well being of foster care and ILSP is one of the mechanisms to provide this support. The ILSP staff is trained in an approach called Positive Youth Development. This approach enables them to engage youth and motivate them to strive to improve their lives. For the past twenty five years the Children and Family Services Bureau of the Employment and Human Services Department has provided services through the Independent Living Skill Program. The program assists youth in a wide variety of areas designed to support a successful transition to adulthood. The ILS program has received recognition throughout the State of California and nation for its service and youth services. The ILS Program is staffed by an ILSP Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator and four ILSP Specialists. For the past five years the program has been staffed by county employees of the Children and Family Services Bureau. Prior to 2008 staff working in the program were contractors, in 2008 they became Contra Costa County employees. The program is funded by the federal Title V-E dollars with a 20% State match towards administrative costs. Progress to Date: Each year ILSP offers a variety of skill building and youth engagement activities. Activities and programs include, but are not limited to, employment preparation, vocational training support, education resources, financial literacy, and housing assistance. The program continues to place emphasis on providing hands-on, experiential learning experiences, and covering four core areas, called the Four Pillars. The Four Pillars consist of Education, Employment, Housing and Well Being. ILSP has a presence in all three regions of the county. Workshops are provided in East, West, and Central to provide youth a shorter distance to travel in order to attend the weekly workshops. This past year, five hundred and twenty-nine (529) current and former foster youth were served both individually and in group settings (i.e. workshops, classes, etc.) An additional four hundred and twenty-six (426) emancipated youth were served in the ILSP Aftercare program. Housing Transitional housing for foster youth and emancipated foster youth continues to be delivered in Contra Costa County. Two providers served the in-care foster youth age 16-18 in transitional housing, called THPP (Transitional Housing Placement Program). Two providers served emancipated youth, aged 18-24, in transitional housing called THP+ (Transitional Housing Program Plus). The emergence of Assembly Bill 12 also known as the Fostering Connections to Success Act created another housing category called THP+ FC (Transitional Housing Program Plus Foster Care). This category serves young adults that have opted to remain in foster care as Non Minor Dependents (18-20). Housing continues to be a significant challenge for foster youth as they emancipate. The Housing Continuum that Children and Family Services created has improved the numbers of youth being served, but now that AB 12 has been implemented, some of the providers are opting to serve the Non Minor Dependent population, creating a need for housing for youth opting to emancipate from foster care at age 18 or 19. We are continuing our efforts to develop housing options in the community (i.e. room for rent) through collaborations with community based organizations and faith based organizations and individual citizens whom are willing to offer support. The continued goal in this area is to develop more permanent housing options for youth. For example, we have established connections with the Housing Authority and receive updates when Section 8 lists become available so that our youth can apply. Additionally, our collaborative partners, such as the County’s Homeless Programs and First Place for Youth, work diligently to develop more permanent housing options and advocate for improved housing options for foster youth. Employment During August 2010 - March 2013, the WIA counselor housed at ILSP served a caseload of 35 current and emancipated foster youth. A partnership between CCCOE YDS, WDB and ILSP made this initiative possible. Youth who participated in the program received academic/career counseling, vocational training, pre-employment training, exposure to post-secondary options, and supportive services. Supportive services were provided in the form of transportation, supplies, and financial assistance. Intensive case management and monitoring was provided to ensure each youth completed their academic/career and or employment goals. The following is a quick snapshot of some of the youth successes through the WIA/ILS program: Youth who entered the WIA program without their high school diploma were provided assistance and alternative pathways to achieve their high school diploma or GED. Through academic counseling and monitoring 8 foster youth between 18- 21yrs. completed their H.S. diploma. Pre-employment skills in the form of workshops, mock interviews, job referrals and 1 on 1 coaching were provided to all 35 who participated in the program. Currently, 17 are still employed part or full time employees. An additional 3 younger foster youth received subsidized summer employment experiences during 2013. Through intensive WIA case management and funding, 7 youth received financial assistance with vocational training. Of the seven, 4 received security guard training, 1 received her Certified Nursing Assistance certification, 1 received her Medical Assistant certificate and 1 received a Technical Skills certificate from the Year Up program. 11 youth entered post-secondary education and received career planning services, referrals and book assistance at their respective school sites. Currently, two are in the process of transferring to a 4 year university. 7 youth improved their literacy skills either in math and/or reading. Pre and post tests prior and after the program were utilized to measure student levels. These youth entered the program below a reading or math grade level of 9th grade. These 7 youth improved 1 or more grade levels in reading or math through tutoring, remedial courses and/or study skill training. In addition to serving the 35 youth on the WIA counselor’s caseload, direct services were also provided to ILSP participants in the form of workshops, individual consultation, and referrals. During the school year, WIA Counselor provided workshops on the following topics: work readiness, tools for academic success, financial aid, interview skills, resume writing and career planning. Every April, a 3-week series on “Women’s Health” was offered to ILSP young ladies to promote empowerment and awareness. All workshops were individually tailored to each class’s needs and abilities. One on one consultation was provided to any ILSP youth on a drop in basis and in need of employment/career services. As an integral part of the ILSP staff, the WIA Counselor attended all ILSP staff meetings, individual youth transition meetings (YTM) and ILSP events. WIA Counselor assists with some ILSP events from planning and chaperoning, to holding information booths and presentations. For example, WIA counselor coordinated the registration for the Foster Youth Education Summit at Los Medanos College where approximately 65 youth attended for two consecutive years. The WIA Counselor also provided the pre- employment training for the Los Medanos Health Care District Summer Work Program for 7youth who received a summer internship. This year, the group of 7 young adults were awarded the 2013 Exceptional Public Outreach and Advocacy award from the California Special District Association for their work that organized a public outreach presentation related to environmental justice through research and development of a campaign targeting air pollutants affecting their community. Education During this year over 120 youth were turning 18 or 19’s year old of which, 73 graduated from high school. All of the graduates were honored at the 25 th Annual CFS ILSP Recognition Dinner where 57 scholarships worth tens of thousands of dollars, were awarded. In addition to providing workshops on financial aid and taking tours of college campuses, ILSP has collaborated with the Assistance League of Diablo Valley to develop a Senior Sponsorship Program. The collaborative program was designed to assist graduating seniors to be able to partake in the typical events that were once difficult for caregivers to afford. Since 2009, the Senior Sponsorship program funds such things as senior pictures, year books, prom tickets, and caps and gowns. It is well documented that foster youth are undereducated and often drop out of high school and lack basic educational skills. Supporting our foster youth to stay in school through such programs helps assist youth strive to achieve graduation. Aftercare Each year, between 100-150 foster youth are able to emancipate from foster care at age 18 or 19 years old. If they choose to emancipate out of foster care, then at that point, they are on their own to support themselves. A few foster youth are fortunate to remain with their resource parents or relatives; other youth are able to participate in the Transitional Housing Program, but many struggle once they leave the system. The funds provide supportive services to emancipated foster youth up to age 21 years old. This past year, 426 emancipated youth were served by ILSP. The needs of emancipated youth are severe. They often call in crisis, homeless and in need of basic things like transportation, food and shelter. Even the foster youth who go off to college, struggle at holiday breaks and summer, when the dorms are closed. The Aftercare program provides emancipated foster youth supportive housing, employment, educational, and crisis services. Leadership Development ILSP promotes the development of leadership in foster youth through their support of the Contra Costa County California Youth Connection (CYC) chapter. CYC is a statewide advocacy organization specifically geared towards developing leadership in foster youth and advocating for the needs of foster youth. CYC has been an active partner in support of positive legislative changes impacting the child welfare system. Additionally, each year ILSP train’s foster youth to participate in a leadership group called the Speaker’s Bureau. These youth are trained in public speaking and work with ILSP to speak to community groups, advocate for legislation at the Capital and be the Youth voice in the child welfare system. This past year, former ILSP participants who now have their college degrees volunteered and instructed ILSP workshops in Health and Well Being, Personal Statement and Goal Setting. Summary/Conclusion Research on the outcomes of emancipated foster youth indicates that they have higher needs than other youth. Rates of homelessness for emancipated foster youth have been found to be as high as 42% and housing moves are generally related to poverty and lack of stable family relationships. They also have high rates of incarceration, especially when they have experienced multiple placements and episodes in foster care. Some of the current information states that 72% of prisoners were once in foster care. The Contra Costa County ILSP has upwards of 900 eligible youth each year and endeavors to fill the void by providing positive development and skill building that older youth in foster care may be missing. Despite a reduction in Child Welfare social workers and funding over the past several years, the ILS program continues to strive to improve the lives of at risk foster youth. Much of the work of the ILSP Coordinators has been to cultivate collaborative partnerships with community based organizations and other foster youth serving groups. Their expertise in engaging youth and motivating them to stay in school, graduate, and get life sustaining employment is critical. With the Board’s continuing support and commitment to the ILS program, foster youth will continue to be provided quality skill building workshops, social skill development and improved transitions into adulthood. CONTRA COSTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS PROGRAM (ILSP) 2012/2013 PROGRAM REPORT FAMILY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE /PWFNCFS  Who are the Foster Youth Served by ILSP? Children who have been removed from their family’s custody due to neglect and abuse. Children who have not reunified with their family nor have they found a permanent home (i.e. adoption) Children who may have grown up in foster care or just entered as adolescents. Youth who have a Placement Order through the Juvenile Probation Department at the age of 16. What is the Need? Children who emancipate from the foster care system face higher rates of: - Unemployment - Lower Educational Attainment - Incarceration - Dependence on public assistance - Substance abuse - early childbirth - Other high-risk behaviors What is ILSP? “We Deal in Futures” What is ILSP? Programming to support foster youth age 16 to 21 years old to become self-sufficient through skill building, supportive services and positive youth development. Funding and services expanded to State and Federal government via the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Act in 1999. The ILSP Program Staff – ILSP Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator and 4 ILSP Specialists Serve all foster youth placed in Contra Costa County including youth from other counties ILSP Youth Center opened in 2001 Collaborative Partners: Contra Costa County Office of Education Contra Costa County Workforce Development Board Youth Council - WIA Contra Costa County Community Colleges Programming and Services Independent Living Skills Workshops – The Four Pillars – Offered in all three regions of the county Housing Employment Education Well-Being Aftercare program for emancipated youth Leadership Development through CYC 2012/2013 Summary 529 total youth were served by ILSP 2 – 15 year olds 23 – 16 year olds 78 – 17 year olds 426 emancipated youth were served in the Aftercare program 139 – 18 year olds 164 – 19 year olds 123 – 20 year olds THP+ has capacity for 12 emancipated youth and THPP has capacity for 24 in care youth THP+FC is expanding as new providers are becoming certified to offer housing services to our Non Minor Dependent Population. We currently work with six licensed agencies 73 youth graduated High School in 2013 Summary In the current economic climate, ILSP plays an even greater role in the lives of foster youth. For some emancipated youth, ILSP is the only support they have in times of crisis. For the youth opting to remain in foster care, ILSP will continue to support and provide direct services resources. ILSP addresses the social and well-being aspects of foster youth.