TAY-VI-SPDAT ‘Next Step Assessment Tool for Youth’ OrgCode Consulting, Inc. Erin Wixsten Consultant

What is a ‘triage’ tool? A quick assessment that can be delivered to identify those youth at the greatest need for supportive housing. Old model – programs work with youth to get ‘housing ready’ or even ‘cream’ for ‘appropriate’ youth New model – prioritizes limited resources for the most vulnerable youth first. Housing First. Previous tools exist to prioritize homeless adults are not appropriate for youth.

The Transition Age Youth Triage Tool from CSH Released in May 2013, the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) partnered with Dr. Eric Rice, Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Social Work, to develop a triage tool that targets homeless Transition Age Youth (TAY) for permanent supportive housing. It consists of six items associated with long-term homelessness (five or more years) among transition-aged youth (age 18- 24). 626 TAY participated in Los Angeles between 2011- 12

Indicators of Long Term Homelessness, from TAY research by Eric Rice, PhD Ran away from family home, group home or foster home; Became homeless because there was violence at home between family members; Had differences in religious beliefs with parents/guardians/caregivers; Tried marijuana before the age of 14; Spent time in juvenile corrections; Was pregnant or got someone else pregnant as a minor

Why did the TAY and VI-SPDAT hook up? Target supportive housing for the most vulnerable youth facing multiple barriers to accessing and retaining housing, and who need supportive services. and Prevent chronic homelessness as adults. 50% of chronically homeless adults were homeless as transition age youth.

Why do we need a special tool for youth? To prioritize services for this age group(18-24) To collect data and report on types of supports and interventions that needed to serve this population To identify gaps To allow youth increased access to housing resources To remove program subjectivity for who receives supports and resources

…and also because HUD says so Youth should also be screened and assessed with the same standardized, culturally competent tools as their peers, regardless of who the assessor may be, and expect to be referred according to the same prioritization factors that are used for all youth in the community. An effective, youth-centered process also reduces the number of interviews that require repeating highly personal information, often involving traumatic experiences, and reduces the amount of time it takes to receive housing and supportive services. Youth Specific FAQs for Coordinated Entry

When to administer the TAY-VI-SPDAT When youth/young adults 24 and are literally homeless. Living in a place not meant for habitation In a hospital, rehab, or other institution if homeless prior to entry and staying 90 days or less. In a hotel or motel paid for by agency or government In a Warming Center In an Emergency Shelter Fleeing or attempting to flee abuse or domestic violence Determining Homelessness for Youth

My name is Erin and I work for an agency called OrgCode My name is Erin and I work for an agency called OrgCode. I have a 10-minute survey that I would like to complete with you. Your answers tell us how we can start supporting and housing you. Most questions only require a Yes or No. Some questions require a one-word answer. I’ll be honest, some questions are personal in nature, but you can skip or refuse any question. The information collected goes in to the Connecticut Homeless Management Information System, which is a shared database that all of our shelters and housing providers can access. Once your information is in there, you should not have to complete this survey again to get your needs met. If you do not understand a question, let me know and I would be happy to clarify. If it seems to me that you don’t understand a question I will also do my best to explain it to you in a different way. One last thing – what’s nice about this particular survey is that you don’t have to tell me what you think I want to hear because this survey is meant to find resources for your exact, unique situation. It’s up to you, but the more honest you are, the better we can figure out how best to support you. Thank you for your time and let’s get started.

Next Step Assessment Tool for Youth OrgCode - SPDAT and other tools TAY-VI-SPDAT Next Step Assessment Tool for Youth OrgCode - SPDAT and other tools

For more information: www.orgcode.com Erin Wixsten ewixsten@orgcode.com 612.840.4837