Developing the Peer Youth Advocate Role in New York City

1. Brian Lombrowski – Youth Involvement Specialist, New York State Office of Mental Health, NYC Field Office Ewelina Wiecek – Youth Advocate, St. Luke’s Waiver Program & PACC-YAPP Supervisor Julissa Torres – Youth Advocate, SCO Waiver Program & PACC-YAPP Advocate Developing the Peer Youth Advocate Role in New York City

2. Origins of the Peer Youth Advocate Role in NYC • System of Care Site w/Care Coordination Teams that included family advocates and youth advocates • St. Luke’s Waiver program developed youth advocate role, shortly after Family Support became a Waiver service

3. The Evolution of Role in Waiver • The functions commonly associated with most of the peer advocate role could be fit into respite and skillbuilding services which were available services in New York State’s Waiver continuum. • Organized effort to encourage NYC Waiver agencies to hire peer youth advocates

4. The Expansion • As of September 2009 there were a total of 4 peer youth advocates working in Parent/Family Resource Centers or Waiver Programs. • Through expansion of Family Support and Waiver programs, approximately 20 new positions have been filled in the last two years

5. Youth Advocate Basic Training • In September of 2009 as a response to a request from a local New York City peer support group, and to meet the growing demand for qualified youth advocates, a training was developed to identify youth advocate candidates

6. Training Structure • Designed to Build a Network of Peer Youth Advocates who had the personal and professional skills to be successful in their roles • 4 Sessions spread out over 2 months • A required community meeting of their choice • $50 stipend for completion of all training elements

7. Outreach • Alternative High Schools • Young Adult Housing Programs • Community College Disability Offices • Word of Mouth from Existing Advocates • Community-Based Organizations (Particularly Juvenile Justice Advocacy Groups)

8. Outcomes • Three training cycles • 50 individuals participated in at least one training session. 20 completed training. • Most advocates who completed training were placed in job positions. Most advocates who were placed are still in their same position, or have been promoted within the agency

9. Other Trainings • YOUTH POWER’s “Getting Started – Introductory Advocacy Trainings for Youth and Young People • Family Network Training • Just the Basics Advocacy Training from Families on the Move.

10. Other Initiatives – PACC-YAPP • An effort to get youth voice at the referral point to a Residential Treatment Facility • “Dispatch” model of peer youth advocacy • Initial Engagement • Participate in Child-Family Team • Link to Informal Supports

11. A Day on the Job • Ewelina Wiecek – Youth Advocate St. Luke’s • How did you get involved in peer youth advocacy? • What does a day on the job at Waiver look like? • Give one example of working with a youth where you feel like your role made a difference?

12. A Day on the Job, Ctd. • Julissa Torres, Youth Advocate SCO Waiver Program, PACC-YAPP Advocate • How did you get involved in peer youth advocacy? • Give one example of working with a youth where you feel like your role made a difference