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Published byRoland O’Neal’ Modified over 8 years ago
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Improving the Foster Care Experience TYMOTHY BELSETH DFPS ETV/YOUTH SPECIALIST
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Overview The Challenge Brief Overview of Benefits Afforded to Foster Youth Youth Specialists Youth Leadership Councils/Youth Advisory Boards Aligning interests of Youth and CPS The Future
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The Challenge The nature of foster care is ambitious Despite the services offered, outcomes tend to be poor Children in foster care tend to: Be prescribed psychotropic medication at higher rates than the general public Underperform in school Have behavioral & emotional problems Run away from placements Be at risk for human-trafficking
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The Challenge (cont.) Literature shows that children who “Age-Out” tend to: Become homeless Become incarcerated Abuse substances Have children at a young age Struggle with employment
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Benefits Afforded to Foster Youth Free tuition and fees (unlimited & lifetime)* Healthcare until age 26 The Education & Training Voucher Employment preference in state government jobs (until 26)* Independent classification from the US Dept. of Education Extended foster care & Supervised Independent Living until age 21* Other *in Texas and several other states
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So why are youth NOT climbing the social ladder?
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Youth Specialists Bridge the gap between youth and CPS staff Benefits of a consumer perspective Provide insight on policy and practice Offer opportunities to improve a youth’s foster care experience Challenges: Many find it difficult to work at CPS Consistency & support Reform efforts Future hopes
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Youth Leadership Councils Councils are comprised of both current and former foster youth between the ages of 14-21. Structure & organization: regional & statewide Utility and value of the councils Achievements and notable efforts Youth in Action Day SB 1210 (83 rd Session) HB 843
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Strengthening Youth Voice in Court Hearings The importance of court hearings Lack of youth participation HB 843 (83 rd Session) Youth’s opinions Youth’s opinions
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Promoting Normalcy The importance of normalization activities H.R. 4980 SB 1407 Youth involvement Youth involvement The importance of normalization activities Impact on mental health Impact on mental health Potential benefits Increased well-being Stability in care Outcomes CPS Operations White House Convening White House Convening
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Improving The Experience in the Future Promoting on-campus Supervised Independent Living Offering SIL to high-achieving youth under 18 (who do not want permanency) SB 830 (84 th Session) Foster Care Ombudsman Promoting normalcy
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Questions? Tymothy Belseth Tymothy.Belseth@dfps.state.tx.us 512-438-3769
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