Weekend Miracles A global voice for change, Kidsave makes miracles for children the world has forgotten.

Tell Us About Yourself… How did you learn about Kidsave? Do you know someone who has adopted, fostered, hosted a youth? What interested you in getting involved?

Agenda Kidsave history and programs How the Weekend Miracles works What it means to host Application process Other ways you can get involved

Kidsave History Founded in 1997 Family Visit Model first used in 1999 Over 4,000 family visits – for international and domestic adoption Kidsave’s programs include: Note below Summer Miracles - U.S. Russia Encuentros Milagrosos - Colombia Sierra Leone - Africa Weekend Miracles - Los Angeles County

The Problem Over 35,000 youth receiving services Currently 17,826 are in out- of-home care. Roughly 500 are waiting to be adopted. Overlooked for adoption because they are considered “too old”. About 1,000 youth “age out” every year.

The Problem Fewer than 50% of foster youth graduate high school Half will not have been employed by age 21 40% of homeless population are former foster youth Former foster youth are 10 times more likely to be imprisoned than their peers

Solution - Connections Research indicates that a connected, caring relationship with an adult is the most important factor in preventing negative outcomes for foster youth and orphans. This connection helps lead the youth on path towards a healthier and productive adulthood.

The Weekend Miracles Program Partnership with Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Connects older youth (ages 9-18) with adults who help them achieve legal and relational permanency A weekend hosting program where “hosts” volunteer to spend a minimum of two days a month for one year with a youth. Provides opportunities through advocacy events for youth and potential hosts and adoptive families to meet

The Goal The goal of the Weekend Miracles program is to create permanent families and lasting connections for older youth growing up in the foster care system.

The Youth Foster youth with no stable adult connection Ages 9-18 Family Reunification services terminated Living with a foster family, in group home or residential center Open to adoption, guardianship, or a connection Mentally and physically able to handle the program Participation is voluntary

Hosts in Action CASE STUDY: Joy and Joe Joy joined the program in 2006 with the idea of hosting a girl Joe, a 14-year old foster youth, was very reluctant to get involved in the program (was in over 20 placements); he wore headphones to his first event Joy met Joe in December 2006. Although Joe tried to keep his guard up, Joy was friendly and persistent. Shortly after meeting, Joy and Joe began their hosting relationship Joe moved into Joy’s home in 2008. Today Joe is living independently and attending community college, but Joy continues to be a permanent connection to him.

What it Means to Host Hosts are volunteers Make a 1 year commitment Spend time with a youth a minimum of twice a month Build a relationship Transport youth to community events Provide a safe, stable environment Support youth with academics, life skills and transitions Advocate to help the youth find a permanent family Day Hosting or Weekend Hosting Using the transitions framework

Who Can Host? 24 years and older Couples Singles Families with other children There are important considerations - prior medical/ psychiatric history, arrests (including DUI), substance abuse, etc.* (* these must be disclosed and could prevent program participation)

Community Events Fun, safe, youth-centered activities Where connections are made Youth meet prospective host and adoptive families Evaluation forms are completed Occur every month – youth and families engage with each other

Host Approval Process Orientation Meeting Application Packet Clearances Driving Documents CPR/First Aid and TB test 15 hour Host Training In-home assessment Approval by DCFS or dually licensed FFA Current PS MAPP and PRIDE training will waive 10-hour requirement, Advocacy training required for all hosts

Application Overview Three Month Timeline First Month Complete Kidsave Application Submit Driving Documents CA Driver’s License Auto Registration Auto Insurance Host Training One (Not applicable if family has completed MAPP or PRIDE) Clearances All household members over the age of 18 Second Month Host Training Two (Not applicable if family has completed MAPP or PRIDE) Program & Advocacy Training Webinar TB Test All household members over 3 years old. Third Month CPR/First Aid Certification Final Step Home visit for family assessment

Impact Permanency and positive outcomes for youth Engages families who would otherwise not become involved Make “believers” out of social workers Youth Empowerment

Complete the application Join us at our next weekend event April 9th Next Steps Complete the application RSVP for trainings! Join us at our next weekend event April 9th Host Training Part 1: Sunday, April 17th 9:00 am – 3:30 pm Host Training Part 2: Sunday, April 24th 9:00 am – 3:30 pm Location: Children’s Bureau 14600 Ramona Blvd. Baldwin Park, CA 91706 Program and Advocacy Training: Thursday, April 21st 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Location: Online Webinar *Prospective attendants must submit a host application prior to training.*

Going to our event? Treat all youth as you would any person you have never met before; respecting personal boundaries and allowing time to “warm-up” Meet and get to know the wonderful youth Participate in the activities with the youth Include other adults in your interactions with a youth. The goal is for each youth to meet as many prospective families as possible! Complete the adult participation form at the end of the event. Kidsave staff can answer any questions you might have!

Going to our event? Please remember NOT to…… Ask for or expect affection from the youth Give gifts or money to the youth, or make promises to do so.. Ask staff about a youth’s history or circumstances while the child is present as this information is private, personal, and oftentimes very painful. Ask the child to share their history or personal circumstances Ask a child if he or she wants to be adopted or hosted Leave an event with a youth for any reason Promise future contact or intentions. Provide the youth with your phone, address, or email Discuss or arrange future visits with youth. * Visits outside an event can only be arranged after you are matched with a youth and an introductory meeting has occurred

Not ready to host? Join a committee Fundraising Event planning Outreach Be a volunteer driver Reach out to your networks to get involved Volunteer at an event Volunteer in our office Advocate

How Will YOU Get Involved How Will YOU Get Involved? Contact: Jessica Prescott, Assistant Manager for Weekend Miracles 310-642-7283 / jessicap@kidsave.org www.kidsave.org