Human Services News

From PR Newswire: Government and Policy:

"Foster Youth needs what every young person needs - support, connections, and experiences that prepare them to be successful as adults," said Steve Trippe, President and Executive Director, New Ways to Work.

"While there are a wide number of programs and initiatives in local communities that seek to address their transition from care, California needs to step up and ensure that every foster youth is prepared life as a working adult and contributing citizen when they 'age out' of the system."

A cross-disciplinary workgroup including youth should work with the Legislature and create uniform policies and an efficient coordinated service system in which foster youth receive priority for services across departments.

-- Ensure that all existing laws directly related to transition issues, career development, and/or employment preparation are fully implemented and resourced appropriately.

-- Bring together the multiple plans that guide a youth's transition by creating a system for and requiring a common, youth-centered and youth-led transition plan across all agencies, departments, and programs that work with transitioning youth.

-- The Child Welfare Council should prioritize the creation of common assessments and outcome measures in the areas of permanence, education, and employment across all systems working with transitioning youth.

unites transitioning foster youth, social service agencies, educational institutions and committed community members to help young people become independent adults and engaged citizens.

This summit's focus is to share approaches and solutions and help communities build and strengthen networks of support that can be counted on," said Miryam Choca of Casey Family Programs.

Janay Swain, a 23-year old young woman that has been a part of the Sacramento County Independent Living Program (ILP), was also present at the summit today.

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