1. Evidence-based Practices Leading Toward Successful Post-school Outcomes for Youth on SSI
Rene Averitt-Sanzone, The Parent’s Place of Maryland
Thomas P. Golden, Cornell University
Mari Guillermo, San Diego State University
Joyce A. Montgomery, Vallejo City Unified School District

2. 2019 OSEP Leadership Conference
OSEP Disclaimer
2019 OSEP Leadership Conference
DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this presentation were developed by the presenters for the 2019 OSEP Leadership Conference. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3 and 3474)

3. An Orientation to PROMISE
Mari Guillermo, San Diego State University

4. Promoting the Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE)

5. PROMISE Model Demonstration Projects

6. Purpose & Outcomes
To improve the provision and coordination of services and supports for child SSI recipients and their families to enable them to achieve improved outcomes:
Increased educational attainment
Improved Employment Outcomes
Long-term reduction in SSI reliance

7. PROMISE Requirements State agency partnerships
Participant Enrollment (Randomized Control Design)
14-16 years old
SSI Recipient
Services/Interventions
Case management
Benefits Counseling and Financial Capability Services
Career and Work-Based Learning Experiences
Parent Training and information
Other

8. A System’s Perspective
Thomas P. Golden, Cornell University

9. Systems Landscape at Implementation in 2013
Growing body of literature identifying evidence-based practices for successful transition
Identification of vulnerability of the youth SSI population
Pre-WIOA environment
Complexity between siloed federal and state partner agencies
Systems complexities were further complicated by population demographics and needs

10. Maslow and PROMISE

11. How One System Had Measured Up

12. Systems Landscape during Implementation
Implementation of flexible and customizable person-centered and family-driven services with fidelity
Improved systems collaboration and articulation agreements between state and local agencies (Labor, Education, VR, ID/DD, MH, etc)
Improved state and local systems capacities pertaining to work incentives counseling and financial empowerment

13. Student and Systems Improvements as a Result of PROMISE
Decreased high school drop out resulting in improved high school retention and graduation (Indicators 2 and 1 respectively)
Increased access to vocational rehabilitation services
Increased engagement in paid and unpaid work experiences and other transition activities (Indicator 13)
Increased employment and post- secondary education following graduation (Indicator 14)
Results varied per research demonstration project, but generally speaking…

14. A Parent Center’s Perspective
Rene Averitt-Sanzone, The Parent’s Place of Maryland

15. Challenges Disenfranchised Competing priorities Transportation
School & Health

16. Successes
Leadership Training
Youth Training
Coaching

17. Enhancements
Sustainability
Shifting Lens
Messaging

18. A School District’s Perspective
Joyce A. Montgomery, Vallejo City Unified School District

19. Challenges Implementing PROMISE in Schools
Focus on academic achievement and graduation attainment
Current Special Education employment programs
Agencies restrictions and accountability systems
Educators lack of knowledge regarding Social Security
Educators low expectation for students with disabilities
Educators expectations for students on Certificate track vs Diploma track
Educators lack of knowledge of community resources
Board of Education and administrative knowledge & buy-in of transition services

20. Challenges Working with PROMISE Families
Families mistrust of the benefit system
Families dependence on benefits and misinformation or no information
Families low expectations for students and lack of knowledge of available school & community resources
Families expectations for students to achieve
Families fear for student's safety
Multi barriers of the families
Misunderstanding of employer expectations

21. Successful Practices from a School Perspective
Person Driven Planning – Student and Family focused
Family Engagement – Families want to participate
Culture Change - Changing expectations for all PROMISE students
Collaboration – Partnering with agencies
Work experience/Work-based Learning increasing engagement
Benefits Planning – Reducing fears and misconceptions
Increased post secondary opportunities

22. Policy and Practice Recommendations
Student-driven planning with a family-centered focus for all students
Collaboration and communication between schools and community agencies including data sharing
Special Education law should include work-based learning, self determination, family engagement, benefits counseling, and financial planning as part of transition planning
Work-based learning, internships, apprenticeships and employer paid work experience a priority for all students

23. Recommendations continued…
Increase partnerships with housing, transportation, juvenile justice, general education and other marginalized stakeholders (i.e. American Indian Tribes).
Increase engagement with TANF/Welfare to reframe a message of financial empowerment for the SSI population.
Improve alignment of IDEA, WIOA, Medicaid and Ticket to Work to support improved post-school success for youth on SSI.

24. Discussion

25. 2019 OSEP Leadership Conference
OSEP Disclaimer
2019 OSEP Leadership Conference
DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this presentation were developed by the presenters for the 2019 OSEP Leadership Conference. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
(Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3 and 3474)