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The Finish Line for Foster Youth Homes Within Reach Conference October 30, 2018

Join the Homes Within Reach Conference on October 30, 2018, to learn about building better local and state housing partnerships for foster youth. Explore strategies to connect individuals and families to housing and expand the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Program. Discover how to support Pennsylvanians through housing and improve the lives of youth aging out of foster care.

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The Finish Line for Foster Youth Homes Within Reach Conference October 30, 2018

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  1. The Finish Line for Foster YouthHomes Within Reach ConferenceOctober 30, 2018 Lorrie Deck, Office of Children, Youth, and Families Beth Ellis, Office of Social Programs Alexis Browning, Youth Advocate

  2. Supporting Pennsylvanians Through Housing GOAL NO. 1: Build better local and state housing partnerships. GOAL NO. 2: Provide IT tools to the Local Referral Network to better connect individuals and families to housing. GOAL NO. 3: Expand the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Program in partnership with PHFA. STRATEGY NO. 1: CONNECT PEOPLE TO HOUSING

  3. Supporting Pennsylvanians Through Housing Recognize the housing difficulties youth aging out of foster care face. • Eligible population for the Section 811 PRA Housing program when they have a permanent disability. • Connection between housing providers and the local agency staff that work with these young adults. • Understand the special needs and circumstances in their lives.

  4. So…. What is Child Welfare? • Federal laws • Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act • State laws • PA Child Protective Services Law • PA Juvenile Act

  5. Pennsylvania Foster Care Data As of March 31, 2018: • There were 16,671 children in foster care. • Of those, 3,089 (18.5%) we age 16+ • 10,948 children entered foster care between April 2017-March 2018. Of those: • 1,647 (15.04%) were due to inadequate housing; • And of those removals due to inadequate housing, 136 (8.2%) were children 16+.

  6. Process for youth aging out of System • Independent Living Services: • Life Skills • Prevention Services • Education Services • Support Services • Employment Services • Housing Services • Room and Board • Transition plans • Aftercare services • Other Services: • Permanency Services • Education and Training Grant

  7. How are all of these services funded? For the current Fiscal Year (July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019): A total of $38,796,124 has been allocated to county children and youth agencies for Independent Living Services. Of that total: • $29,178,507 is State Funds • $4,468,473 is Federal Funds • $5,149,144 is Local Funds

  8. Other Housing Funding Sources • In addition to Independent Living Services, PA provides housing funds to county children and youth agencies. • The funds are to be used to prevent children from entering foster care or to help them transition out of foster care. • For the current state fiscal year, $13,890,974 has been allocated in housing funds to counties.

  9. Lexi’s Story • Entered care: 14 years old • Entered 1st Placement: 15 years old • Aged out of care: 18 years old (turned 19 shortly after) • First apartment: 19 years old (public housing) • Next step: possibly relocating to new area (based on job opportunity)

  10. Needs of Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care • Permanent Connection (Family members, positive peers, mentor, resource family members, etc.) • Safe Environment (drug-free, low/no violence/crime, safe recreation, up to code interior/exterior ~ functioning bathrooms, safe appliances, working doors, etc.) • Proper documentation (Birth certificate, social security, ID, bank statements, mail, school records) • Basic life skills ( How to pay bills, proper cooking methods/healthy affordable meals, proper cleaning habits and more) • Finding a Roommate (how to find a roommate, tips, agreements) • Proper resources (community resources, connections to the resources)

  11. How to become partners • Contact your County Children and Youth Agency (CCYA) to connect with the Independent Living Coordinator. • Work with your local Regional Housing Coordinator (RHC) to help identify appropriate housing for foster youth. www.SDHP.org • Participate in the Section 811PRA program

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