A RESOURCE PARENTS GUIDE TO TEACHING LIFE SKILLS Creating Teachable Moments

AGENDA  Welcome  Introductions  Housekeeping  Rules/Expectation  Questions

INTRODUCTIONS Life Skills I Learned: Life Skills I Wish I Had Learned:

Things People Never Told Me…

AGING OUT PSA

DID YOU KNOW……….?

Tennessee Statistics Total Aged Out Total Aged Out Eligible for Post Custody/EFCS Accepted Post Custody/EFCS of Eligible Population FY FY FY * FY * FY * FY * * Youth Adjudicated Delinquent, Dependent/Neglect and Unruly Released/All Placement Types at Age 18

In Order for Youth to Succeed: Three Things 1. Close relationships with caring adults such as resource parents. 2. Expectations that they can succeed. 3. Opportunities for positive contributions and recognition through participation in youth advocacy, school activities, and community volunteer experiences. (Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiatives, 2012)

“LIFE SKILLS ARE ABILITIES THAT HELP US TO ADAPT AND BEHAVE POSITIVELY SO THAT WE CAN DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH THE CHALLENGE OF EVERYDAY LIFE.” What Are Life Skills?

NRCYD stands for… National Resource Center for Youth Development AND Provides Life Skills Training Tips for Caregivers

Life Skills Fall Into Two Categories Tangible Skills Job Hunting Cooking Cleaning Budgeting Intangible Skills Decision Making Communication Relationship Building Critical Thinking

Says that all youth in state custody ages fourteen (14) or older must complete the necessary life skills assessment, generally the Casey Life Skills assessment, at least annually. Further, the policy states that the youth’s caretakers or supportive adults should also complete the necessary life skills assessment if possible. It acknowledges the importance of a permanent, caring adult relationship with the foster youth. Policy 16.51

Two-Part Process in Teaching Life Skills The first part involves imparting knowledge so the youth has an understanding of the skill, so show them and tell them what you know. And secondly, PRACTICE…PRACTICE…PRACTICE!!!

Teachable Moments “are unplanned events during the day that adults can use as a learning opportunity for youth.”

Things People Never Told Me…

“Supportive relationships are the single most important factor in how successful youth will be when they leave care. The quality of the personal support network will be the greatest indicator of success for these youth once out on their own” One National Expert Stated…

INDEPENDENT INTERDEPENDENT What’s The Difference?

Large Group Discussion How do you build a strong, supportive relationship with the youth in your care?

Relationship Building Listen Show an interest Mean what you say Be positive about their birth family Be supportive Learn who they are

Things People Never Told Me…

NRCYD: Tips for Teaching Select a time to teach when you are not feeling rushed Make learning fun Look for “teachable moments” or create them Don’t make EVERY moment a “teachable moment” Ask the youth to select the skills they want to learn Provide lots of opportunity to practice

NRCYD: Tips for Teaching Take the youth with you when you shop or run errands Pay attention to how the youth likes to learn Ask the youth to teach YOU a skill Ask the youth to teach another child a skill Open a bank account with the youth Talk to others to get new and interesting ideas for teaching

DAILY LIVING SKILLS? WHAT ARE

Musical Brainstorm

Scenario 1: My personal meal plan Scenario 2: My personal monthly budget Scenario 3: My personal checking account Scenario 4: My personal credit card Money Matters Activity

Things People Never Told Me…

CREATING TEACHABLE MOMENTS ACTIVITY Small Group Activity

Casey’s “Ready, Set, Fly!” Tool Casey Life Skills Assessment Tool Casey Life Skills Resources to Inspire guide Driver’s license information “Things No One Told Me” booklet Supplemental Material

Things People Never Told Me…

Thank You For Attending!