Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
1
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Diversion Strategies for Youth and Young Adults A Client-Centered Empowerment Approach to Reducing Episodes of Homelessness Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
2
Mary Ann Haley Brenda Cavanaugh
Presenters: Mary Ann Haley Brenda Cavanaugh Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness Community Mediation, Inc. Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
3
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Introduction The Connecticut Coalition to End Homeless The Cleveland Mediation Center A Brief History of Diversion Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
4
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Group Exercise Name, Organization, Role/Title What do you hope to gain from the training today? One thing you love about your work Presenters go first. Keep it rolling. 20 minutes. Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
5
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Outline of Training Background and Philosophy Introduction Housing First What is Diversion? Coordinated Entry Empowerment Putting Diversion into Practice Four Diversion Steps 1. Setting the Stage 2. Active Listening 3. Strengths Exploration 4. Moving Forward: Outcomes Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
6
The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness
The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization Founded in 1982. Membership organization that brings together homeless service providers and other community organizations across the state for the common goal of ending homelessness CCEH provides training and technical assistance, data and research, and advocacy and community engagement. Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
7
End Youth Homelessness by 2020
Drive down the number of youth experiencing housing instability to as close to zero as possible; Enhance and coordinate systems and interventions to prevent new youth from entering into homelessness; When a youth does fall into housing instability/homelessness, quickly identify and rapidly provide the assistance necessary for them to achieve housing stability; and Ensure formerly homeless youth have the tools to remain in stable housing – employment, education, mediated family relationship or other permanent connections, appropriate services, etc. End Youth Homelessness by 2020 Unaccompanied Youth aged 13-24, young families with HOH under 25 years old
8
2017 CT Youth Count! Point in Time Count 2017
Estimated 4,396 Homeless and Unstably Housed Youth & Young Adults in Connecticut 74% between 18 – 24 years old 26% under 18 years old 29% identify as a member of the LGBTQ community 23% are pregnant or parenting (of these, 65% female) 17% indicated they feel unsafe in their living situation 18% indicated they have been encouraged, pressured or forced to exchange sexual acts for money, drugs, food, a place to stay, clothing, or protection. 41% indicated they had a chronic health condition, physical disability, severe mental illness, learning disability, or chronic substance abuse issue. Point in Time Count 2017 3rd Year of Decline in Overall Homelessness 24% Decline in individual homelessness since 2007 60% drop in chronic homelessness since 2014
9
A Brief History of Diversion in CT
Coordinated Entry System New London, CT Success Story Training Development of regional systems Statewide systems and support New London - launched Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
10
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
New London, CT During FY2015, New London County providers diverted to alternative housing solutions 80% of the families who presented seeking emergency shelter intake. Further, initial evidence suggests that only one in six families diverted in New London County return at a later date to seek shelter in Connecticut. 1,056 families presented for shelter intake from FY2013 through FY2015: New London County providers were able to divert 627 of them. To serve as many families as possible, case managers are creative in working with all sources of possible support in the community. With some clients, case managers were able to work with a faith community to which the client had a connection. Some faith communities were able to provide security deposit and first month’s rent, in addition to providing other supports for the client family. Shelter diversion in New London has substantially reduced the number of families served in shelter, reserving the resource of shelter for those families with absolutely no alternatives. In New London County, the average cost of shelter diversion was one-third the cost of sheltering and re-housing a family who became homeless in that region. Initial results show a low rate of diverted families returning to seek shelter: according to Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) data, 88% of the families diverted in New London County in FY2014 had not returned to seek shelter in Connecticut by the end of FY2015. Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
11
Conflict Resolution Approach
Homelessness is a crisis – as in conflict, persons in crisis are less able to clearly think through problems and advocate for themselves than they are when not in crisis. Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
12
Anger/Anxiety Mountain
AMYGDALA ACTIVATED – Fight, Flight or Freeze 20 MINUTES – 2 DAYS ¼ OF A SECOND For everyone this is what we experience in crisis. Actually physical reaction… CALM & TIRED TRIGGER
13
FIGHT, FLIGHT OR FREEZE
14
Prefrontal Cortex in Teens
Prefrontal Cortex does not fully develop until average age of 25.
15
Prefrontal Cortex in Young People
Based on the stage of their brain development, adolescents are more likely to: act on impulse misread or misinterpret social cues and emotions get into accidents of all kinds get involved in fights engage in dangerous or risky behavior American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
16
Conflict Resolution Approach
A strength-based approach helps clients identify and mine strengths, successes and resources they’ve used in the past to help them with this episode of homelessness. Support and trust that people want to succeed. Help them identify their own strengths and successes in their life that can help them with this crisis. First listen and validate their experience. Be non-judgmental. Client-centered. Don’t assume what people need; help them articulate their needs. Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
17
Self-Determined Follow-through
In a 2010 study of Small Claims cases requiring restitution: 90% of defendants who were allowed to play a part in the decision (through mediation) made full or partial payment. 50% of those compelled by the court made full or partial payment. Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
18
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Housing First Housing First Philosophy Equation on Homelessness Housing First in Action Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
19
Housing First Principles
Everyone is ready for housing, regardless of the complexity or severity of their needs. Homelessness is foremost a housing problem and should be treated as such Safe housing is a right to which we are all entitled. Contributing factors to a person’s homelessness can be addressed best once they are housed. If your not talking about housing, your having the wrong conversation. Deronda Metz, Salvation Army Charlottte NC Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
20
What Causes Homelessness?
_________ + X = Homelessness X = __________ Does society - or sometimes providers - only focus on the first part, essentially placing responsibility and blame on the person facing homelessness? Wealthier areas include many people who face domestic abuse, drug or alcohol addiction and/or mental health issues, but we rarely see people from means in shelter or on the streets. *X as the common factor. The blank as the variable factors Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
21
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
National Alliance to End Homelessness: Principles for Homeless Prevention Principle ONE: Crisis resolution Principle TWO: Client choice, respect, and empowerment Principle THREE: Provide the minimum assistance necessary for the shortest time possible Principle FOUR: Maximize community resources Principle FIVE: The right resources to the right people at the right time Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
22
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
What is Diversion? What is Diversion? When does Diversion take place? Who do you Divert? Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
23
Diversion is… Empowering people facing imminent homelessness to identify safe and appropriate housing options & assisting and supporting them to avoiding shelter and returning immediately to housing. Diversion is NOT a barrier to shelter. Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
24
Diversion Outcomes Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Permanently back with friends or family Return to their own residence Temporarily diverted as they seek new housing Relocating permanently to safe place out of town Diversion Outcomes Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
25
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Diversion Work Help people determine if it’s possible for them to stay anywhere else that’s safe, other than a shelter. Financial assistance is used for food, local and Greyhound bus tickets, grocery and gas station gift cards, or utility assistance that can be used to help people stay with friends or family. Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
26
Operationalizing Your Definition
CT Definition (work in progress) DIVERSION IS… a strategy that prevents homelessness by helping people experiencing a housing crisis and seeking shelter to preserve their current housing situation or make immediate alternative arrangements without having to enter shelter. That said, we suggest putting in an exception such as: Note: Generally speaking, diversion should only include those families and individuals who present as seeking shelter and believe they have a need for shelter that night. However, in rare cases, if a successful diversion plan can be put into place at the time they present, but requires some additional time to implement (examples - bus ticket but doesn’t leave until the next day or temporary housing identified but cannot move in for three days) – AND there are no other safe options for that night - then an individual or household can be counted as diverted if entered into shelter for less than seven days as part of the diversion plan. Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
27
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Coordinated Entry Designing Diversion into Your System Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
28
Proposed Coordinated Entry Process for Youth
Step One: 211 (Brief Risk/Pathway Assessment) Risk: Suicidality, EMPS Pathway: Veteran, DV, RHY, Young Adult Step Two: Initial Support Meeting (Youth Navigator or Designated Youth Specialist) Shelter Diversion Assessment of Needs and/or Vulnerability Begin Connection to Services Step Three: Community Service Linkages (Youth Navigator/Community Providers) Housing Emergency Housing/Shelter Consistent Follow Up
29
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Emergency Room analogy Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
30
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Empowerment Paradoxical Theory of Change Validation Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
31
Impact of Crisis on Self Worth
Empowerment Shifts Experiencing conflict and crisis makes people shut down, and become defensive/closed off. Our job is to help people shift gradually to the right -- empowered – side. Weak Unsure Hopeless Unclear Frustrated a Powerful Confidant Optimistic Organized At Ease Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
32
How People In Crisis View Others
In the midst of crisis people tend to be protective, defensive, and not open to others. As we help them become empowered, they are more able to listen, consider, and negotiate with others. Recognition Shifts Closed Suspicious Self Absorbed Ignoring Dismissing a Open Trusting Generous Listening Negotiating Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
33
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Four Diversion Steps Setting the Stage Active and Empathetic Listening Strength Exploration Moving forward Introduce these but do not go into extensive explanation Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
34
Step One: Setting the Stage
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
35
Getting Yourself Ready
Time Space Mindfulness Prepared Non-verbal messages conveyed Improving/Learning Introduce these but do not go into extensive explanation Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
36
What You Might Need: Keep it Simple!
Notepad Diversion Guideline Sheet Pen Seating for face-to-face interaction Introduce these but do not go into extensive explanation Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
37
Introductions and Managing Expectations
Describe your role as assisting them to find safe alternatives to shelter Clarify this is not a barrier to shelter Describe shelter reality Dave Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
38
Step Two: Active and Empathetic Listening
ROLES Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
39
Listening Skill Building
What helps you prepare, get centered to listen? Physical Preparedness: R - Relaxed O - Open L - Leaning towards the speaker E - Eye Contact S - Squared toward speaker Note Taking Have everyone get into ROLES position, and/or demonstrate Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
40
Listening Skill Building (cont.)
Acknowledge by: Summarizing Paraphrasing Open-ended questions help the speaker illuminate what they are saying. Examples: Can you tell me more about… ? Has this happened before? Never ask Why! Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
41
Getting Clearer (partner activity)
Pair off with another person. Each person think for a moment about something that is on your mind – a decision you need to make, a problem, or something you are trying to figure out. The purpose is to have someone listen to you, not give you advise, but help you feel clearer, gain insight, help you think through or be more confident about your situation. Take about 5 minutes each telling your story to the other, and then we switch listener/speaker roles. Listeners: Do not offer opinions or give advice. 30 minutes Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
42
Recap Step One: Introductions
How can we help them return to housing? Briefly introduce yourself. Name, organization, role Describe the conversation Hear their experience Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
43
Recap Step Two: Active Listening
Keep this listening step separate from problem-solving. Body language Paraphrasing Empathy Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
44
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Video CMC Diversion Training Video Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
45
Questions When Reality Testing
How would this look? What is the timeline? Have you done something like this before? What other options have you considered? What resources do you have to carry this out? In case this does not work out as well as you would like, would you like to explore a back-up plan? Dave Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
46
Reality Testing Decisions
The agreements and decisions need to work for the parties (not for us). By starting with what has worked previously, we increase the odds of it working again. If you have a concern – do not ignore it – use that as an opportunity to help our client think through their options and decisions. Dave Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
47
Step 3: Strengths Exploration
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
48
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Group Exercise: Using Strength-based Language Glass Half-Full Form groups of 4-5 people Come up with other phrasing for each wording Share Mimi Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
49
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Prompts for Identifying Strengths Must be give and take dialogue , not interrogation Explore strengths beyond the individual What worked well for you? How can you recreate that? What can go right? Explore what has worked. Let client lead, but follow-up on employment, housing, relationship, support successes. Ask some phrases that people use. Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
50
Strengths Exploration
What were things like for them when things were going better? Who are their allies, friends, and family members? Who have they helped? Our clients may feel dependent – we can help them remember times of interdependence. Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
51
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Group Exercise Imagine this scenario: Your client is an unaccompanied youth, age 18, who has been homeless for 2 weeks. He was working on his GED and works part time at a fast food restaurant that does not pay enough to afford an apartment. Client moved out of the house due to conflict with mother. Client loves grandmother and used to help her in the garden. Mom was taking care of two other younger siblings and was frustrated with the kids lack of help around the house & attitude. Client’s position is he shouldn’t have to take care of the house, should be free to do what he wants while he’s young – ran away Mom is frantic to get him back in the house. Dave and Mimi Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
52
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Group Exercise (cont.) Goal – to uncover strengths, successes, and networks. Each group will focus on a different aspect of this story. Group One Think of all the aspects (strengths, skills, successes, networks) that went into finding and maintaining client’s own housing. Group Two Think of all the aspects (strengths, skills, successes, networks) that went into finding and maintaining client’s job at restaurant. Group Three While being doubled up with Mom, how did client contribute to the household? How was client helped, and how did client help others? Mimi and Dave Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
53
Strengths and Resource Exploration
Using a client’s previous experience as a way to identify a variety of successes: knowledge education (was getting GED), relationships (caring mom) and networks (knows neighborhood) work experience (fast-food restaurant) Noticing aspects of their life as a springboard Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
54
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Ideas for Strengths Motivated to change Has a support system –friends, family Has been employed in the past, has done volunteer work Skills/competencies: vocational, relational, transportation savvy, activities of daily living Intelligent, artistic, musical, good at sports, good with their hands, can fix things, funny Awareness, ability to observe and assess situation Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
55
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Ideas for Strengths Advocate for themselves, sought help, able to convey their needs Resourcefulness - Has been able to survive, take care of themselves, medications Spirituality - connected to church, higher power, nature Good physical health Adaptive coping skills, things they were able to handle so far Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
56
Step Four: Moving Forward - Outcomes
ROLES Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
57
Moving Forward: 4 Diversion Outcomes
What other needs has the client identified? After we have listened, then explored past strengths, what housing options do they want to pursue?: Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
58
Diversion Outcomes Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Permanently back with friends or family Return to their own residence Temporarily diverted as they seek new housing Relocating permanently to safe place out of town Diversion Outcomes Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
59
Outcome One Permanently back with friends or family
When? Under what circumstances? No better option No housing history No income history How can our client contribute to the household? How can our client use this time to further education and/or employment opportunities? Is a doubled up situation safe & appropriate? Being doubled up can be a strong protective factor. Explore what it would take for this option to work. What do the family or friends need to make this work? Has this been attempted? Can this be a temporary solution until client gets back on their feet? Would coming up with a plan help? Contributing to the household? Helping with childcare? Food purchases? Cleaning? Can mediation help? Contracting with family or friends? And, if another person was in need, would this person help them? Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
60
Outcome Two Return to their own residence
When? Under what circumstances? Walk-Aways (have lease but cannot pay current or back rent) Non-DV relationship issues (significant other, sibling, friend is in home) Previous places they have lived are options (i.e. parents, family home) Return to their own residence Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
61
Outcome Three Temporarily diverted as they seek new housing
When? Under what circumstances? Wish to live on their own and have done so before Current or past income Highlight differences between prevention and diversion. Permanent solution is created but might not be able to move in right away, job doesn’t start for six weeks, enrolled in school …what is temporary solution? Some people are much more willing to help out if they know if it is a limited amount of time. Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
62
Outcome Four Relocating permanently to safe place out of town
When? Under what circumstances? Safe, appropriate host Support systems – family, friends, employment, education Relocating permanently to safe place out of town How? Confirm with host (30 day minimum) What travel and other logistics do we need to work out? Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
63
Moving into their own place!
How can our clients see themselves as consumers in a business transaction with their landlord? Help clients consider: A walk through before moving in Discussing how and when rent is paid How to discuss repairs with landlord Fallback plans if they have a change in income Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
64
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Troubleshooting What’s the reason for them being stuck? Can we help them address their concerns? Buyers Remorse Listen Validate Empathy What happens if they do not get diverted? Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
65
Diversion not possible – shelter is needed…
Diversion conversations can be first step to finding a housing permanent solutions – so you have not wasted anytime! Be clear with client that this is the beginning of finding a housing solution, shelter is not the answer. Keep the focus on housing, strengths, empowerment f admitted to shelter there is still an expectation that you will be attempting to secure permanent housing for you and your family. What is your plan at this point for securing housing if you are admitted to shelter? We want people to know, even upon shelter entry, that shelter is not the answer. Permanent housing is the answer. Even if they do not have a plan, we want them to stay focused on housing and getting out of shelter from the first day they are in shelter. Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
66
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
SUMMARY Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
67
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Recap Remember to listen first, understand, validate. Be empathetic. Leave no stone unturned in helping people think of safe places they can live or stay other than the street or shelter. Help people think through options – help them clarify their choices and the steps needed to carry out their plan. If a client is difficult: Remember that homelessness is a crisis and people are usually not at their best when under this stress. Help them realize strengths and resources they have forgotten. Visualize sitting next to them, supporting them in how they choose to address the problem. Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
68
Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Thank You! Think Change • Be Change • Lead Change
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.