SUCESSFUL AGING OUT

1. SUCESSFUL AGING OUT Dept. of Children & Rutgers� Child Families: Advocacy Clinic: Ann Gunning Randi Mandelbaum Betsy Montalvo Nana W. Olson

2. WORKSHOP OVERVIEW Privilege of Family Independent Living Skills Assessment Transition Plans Life Skills Educational/Vocational Planning Housing Options Health insurance Aftercare Case closing & re-opening policies Transitioning beyond 21 Permanency We are going to provide an overview of these elements. We are going to provide an overview of these elements.

3. Privilege of Family Many ways families help �launch� youth to adulthood Easy to take this help for granted and assume youth have received these benefits

4. BOBBY We meet Bobby at 14. This handsome young man is athletic, engaging, and a bit of a comic. His Child Study team reports indicate that he has learning difficulties, IQ of 70, and has some impulse control challenges. He entered care at 12 when his parents died. Initially placed with aunt, then moved to a foster home. In-home therapy, mentor and CASA are in place. Bobby has heard that college is the way to get a good job. Ann will introduce Bobby with the above slide, and explain that we are using a fictitious youth who will age through the presentation. We understand that his story is not going to be a perfect with all of the services At 15 Bobby�s resource parents become too ill to care for him. He is experiencing difficulties in the foster home and it is determined that he needs a more structured setting and so he moves into a group home. The resource parents feel connected to Bobby and are committed to him. They visit him at the group home, and he comes to their house for holidays. At 16 he goes to an RTC- really ???? We already have him moving around a lot, do we need this one too? maybe either group home or RTC At 18 he goes to a supervised apt. Ann will introduce Bobby with the above slide, and explain that we are using a fictitious youth who will age through the presentation. We understand that his story is not going to be a perfect with all of the services At 15 Bobby�s resource parents become too ill to care for him. He is experiencing difficulties in the foster home and it is determined that he needs a more structured setting and so he moves into a group home. The resource parents feel connected to Bobby and are committed to him. They visit him at the group home, and he comes to their house for holidays. At 16 he goes to an RTC- really ???? We already have him moving around a lot, do we need this one too? maybe either group home or RTC At 18 he goes to a supervised apt.

5. INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSESSMENT IS: Series of questions and statements to which the youth or caregiver responds with � that�s like me, somewhat like me or not like me Designed to assist youth in identifying where they could develop additional independent living skills Approximately 45 minutes long

6. THE INDEPENDENT LIFE SKILLS ASSESSMENT IS � Also known as the Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment Its available at www.caseylifeskills.org Free website for use by anyone Results are automatically emailed to whomever the youth and/or caregiver identifies. Check your junk mail if the results of the Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment are email. Check your junk mail if the results of the Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment are email.

7. Notice that this is the Casey Website. DCF does not own this assessment, It is used by many states, The National Resource Center for Youth Development has told us that there will be some updates to the assessment this summer.Notice that this is the Casey Website. DCF does not own this assessment, It is used by many states, The National Resource Center for Youth Development has told us that there will be some updates to the assessment this summer.

8. THE INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS ASSESSMENT IS COMPLETED BY: Youth ages 14 -21 in care &/or placement � regardless of goal - completes a self-assessment Caregiver does an assessment Caseworker responsible for making sure its done, facilitates the process and documents

9. IT IS COMPLETED Annually By youth 14+ and their caregivers On line - anywhere there is on-line access: facility, library, resource home By paper - by printing out the assessment and sitting down with the youth and caregiver to complete It is done -Annually With in the 60 days following the 14th birthday of a youth in placement or Within 60 days of placement for a youth older than 14 years old Since the assessment is done on line caseworkers and caregivers can bring youth to a place where there is on line access. So if the youth does not have access to the net at the place where they live they can also go to the library in the youth�s community. It�s a useful thing to learn how to access the internet from a public library. The assessment may also be printed out and provided to the youth to complete. The assessment is not complete until the assessment results report is available by printing out and placing in the case record. It is done -Annually With in the 60 days following the 14th birthday of a youth in placement or Within 60 days of placement for a youth older than 14 years old Since the assessment is done on line caseworkers and caregivers can bring youth to a place where there is on line access. So if the youth does not have access to the net at the place where they live they can also go to the library in the youth�s community. It�s a useful thing to learn how to access the internet from a public library. The assessment may also be printed out and provided to the youth to complete. The assessment is not complete until the assessment results report is available by printing out and placing in the case record.

10. How is the Independent Living Assessment facilitated? Required, but not a test A tool for engagement and reflection

11. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE ASSESSMENT IS COMPLETED? Strength and needs conversation leads to a conversation about long and short term goals and objectives. These goals and objectives are documented in small steps on the transitional plan with adolescents. Transitional Plan for Adolescents (DYFS Form 5-43) If a youth asks for their case to be closed as they turn 18, you update the transitional living plan- If a youth asks for their case to be closed as they turn 18, you update the transitional living plan-

12. TRANSITIONAL PLANNING Transitional Living Plan is updated every 6 months thereafter and at least 90 days before the case is closed. Transition plans are done with all youth in DYFS care who have not reached permanency and are between age 14 and 21.

13. TRANSITIONAL PLAN � What is it? The Transitional Plan for Adolescents is a youth driven instrument: * which identifies multiple life skills that a youth might add to their repertoire, * which is updated over the span of a youth's time in care, and * which provides a place youth can document their goals and progress toward those goals.

14. TRANSITIONAL PLANNINGcont� Bobby�s long term goal(s) get a good job involving cars. Bobby�s short term goals or objective is to secure an apprenticeship at car part store. Now remember that Bobby was talking about his feeling that if he was going to get a good job, he would have to go to college. Right now he is 14, and this young man has a 70 IQ. So, here is an opportunity to help him get to his goal without setting him up for frustration. Not every good job will require a college education. So the strengths and needs conversation can be used to elicit from Bobby what he enjoys doing now and how you can help him find opportunities to reach the goal of a good job. The thing we don�t know from Bobby is what does he mean when he says good job, Right? So we need to get from him what he is thinking about or envisioning when he says he wants a good job, they help him make sense of the opportunities available. Now remember that Bobby was talking about his feeling that if he was going to get a good job, he would have to go to college. Right now he is 14, and this young man has a 70 IQ. So, here is an opportunity to help him get to his goal without setting him up for frustration. Not every good job will require a college education. So the strengths and needs conversation can be used to elicit from Bobby what he enjoys doing now and how you can help him find opportunities to reach the goal of a good job. The thing we don�t know from Bobby is what does he mean when he says good job, Right? So we need to get from him what he is thinking about or envisioning when he says he wants a good job, they help him make sense of the opportunities available.

15. TEAMING OPPORTUNITIES Treatment Team Meetings Family Team Meetings Invite providers to be a part of the plan development Participate in plans developed at housing, life skills and aftercare provider programs Ask the youth who they would like to be a part of this planning Ask the youth who they would like to be a part of this planning

16. HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT BOBBY? CASA worker was involved in the plan development and told him about the help wanted sign she saw at the car part store, and offers to get the phone number for him and the group home staff. DYFS Caseworker may consider Youth Advocate Programs, Communities in Collaboration or other types of programs that might support employment. Court can inquire about progress a youth is making in his transitional planning.

17. HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT BOBBY? Others can express interest in Bobby�s objectives. Ask him what he�s working towards and what he is interested in. Others involved in Bobby�s planning can be mindful that this is a youth driven process, and that youth can and will change their minds.

18. LIFE SKILLS: What are they? Teaches youth such things as budgeting, cooking/planning, resume writing, education advocacy tools, communication skills, and life planning strategies Referral for life skills classes can be initiated at age 14, or at age 16 or older, once have been in a DYFS placement for at least 6 months. Can be waiting lists � so best to make referrals early

19. LIFE SKILLS: Who offers the classes? Life Skills are available in each county by a contracted provider. Many group homes & transitional living programs offer these classes. Life Skills can be obtained in other ways, not just through the contracted provider. DYFS is ultimately responsible for providing these classes, including transportation. Life Skills are funded through Chafee and TANF. Adolescent Services Guide has list by county.Adolescent Services Guide has list by county.

20. LIFE SKILLS: Why are they so important? Teaches important skills necessary for basic functioning and transition into adulthood. Skills that foster youth may have missed out on. Necessary to complete life skills to participate in after care program at age 18+.

21. LIFE SKILLS: How to support Bobby DYFS case managers can make referrals for life skills at age 14 or as soon as appropriate, and can support youth in completing classes CASA can encourage youth to attend and meaningfully participate Court and Law Guardian can ensure that referrals are made, that life skills classes are offered, and youth completes classes. Everyone can make sure that classes are the �right fit�

22. BACK TO BOBBY Bobby moves to a group home at age 15, where he remains for approximately 18 months.

23. EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL PLANNING Important to start educ./voc. planning early! If start early, �do not have to conquer the world in a day.�

24. EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES DYFS can provide (through flex funds, after care, or pursuant to court order), Tutoring services and/or SAT prep courses. School districts also might offer tutoring and SAT prep classes.

25. EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL - SPECIAL EDUCATION Special Education � Transitional Service Plan All classified youth must have a Transitional Service Plan on their IEP by age 16 � Federal Mandate Plan should directly relate to student�s goals beyond high school Obligation of local school districts to convene Child Study Team Meeting with other relevant agencies (i.e., DVR, DDD)

26. EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL �SPECIAL EDUCATION Special Education Transitional Services should include: Instruction Related Services Community Experiences Post school � Living & Employment goals Life Skills Vocational Evaluation and Training

27. EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL �SPECIAL EDUCATION Special Education Classified student may be eligible for vocational programs through the school A classified student may stay in school until graduation or through school year of 21st year A non-classified student may stay in school until age 20

28. EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL � NJ FOSTER CARE SCHOLARS NJ Scholars will pay for: Full-time, part-time, private, vocational or out-of-state: up to $5000 per year on top of what can get from FAFSA � (federal funds) If go to a 4 year public school, MAY get additional money from state funds to help with tuition, which supplements the $5000. Funding Sources Federal: Funded by Chafee Education & Training Voucher Program Fostering Connections expanded eligibility requirements to include KLG after age 16 State : Tuition Waiver, NJSA 30-4C-101 not currently funded in past was funded through TANF and DCF Funding Sources Federal: Funded by Chafee Education & Training Voucher Program Fostering Connections expanded eligibility requirements to include KLG after age 16 State : Tuition Waiver, NJSA 30-4C-101 not currently funded in past was funded through TANF and DCF

29. EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL � NJ FOSTER CARE SCHOLARS The $5000 can be used for any of the following: Tuition and Fees Room and Board Books and Supplies Computers Special Equipment Transportation Child Care costs

30. EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL � NJ FOSTER CARE SCHOLARS To apply for NJ Scholars, youth must: First - Apply for Federal and State Aid - FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov Get accepted into a program that accepts federal funding Then apply to NJ scholars � through Foster and Adoptive Family Services www.fafsonline.org �

31. EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL � NJ FOSTER CARE SCHOLARS Youth who are/were in DYFS Placement: For 9 months or more after their 16th birthday For 18 months or more after their 14th birthday � OR � Have lived in an Independent Living Arrangement or Transitional Living Program for 3 months or more.

32. EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL � NJ FOSTER CARE SCHOLARS Youth who were Adopted from DYFS system: After the age of 16 � OR � After the age of 12 if the family is still receiving adoption subsidies at the time of the application � Youth with KLG Status: Eligible if KLG after age of 16

33. EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL � NJ FOSTER CARE SCHOLARS DCBH Youth: Not eligible unless have DYFS connection AND Meet DYFS placement eligibility requirements. Other Requirements: All applicants must have active email account Youth who apply to a NJ School, who participates in an EOF program, must apply for EOF

34. EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL PLANNING: What can we all do to help? DYFS, Law Guardians, and CASA should (1) discuss with youth his/her educ./voc. plans, (3) ensure that youth knows how to access fin. assistance and support services, and (4) advocate with and on behalf of youth, where necessary. Court can inquire whether youth has a plan to further his/her educ./voc. and what services are being provided to further plan. Court can request report cards, IEPs, and status reports. Might be a good idea for youth to come to court.Might be a good idea for youth to come to court.

35. Back to Bobby Bobby is not doing well in the group home. He is getting into lots of fights, not following rules, and is suicidal. With the assistance of DCBHS, he is placed in a residential treatment facility for one year and is ready for discharge when he is 17 � years of age. Where can he go? Might be a good idea for youth to come to court.Might be a good idea for youth to come to court.

36. HOUSINGOPTIONS Housing is major concern of youth aging out of the system: By age 21: 18% - experience homelessness 1/3 � lived in 3 different places since care 20% - lived in 4 or more places (Chapin Hall Study)

37. HOUSINGOPTIONS Types of Housing Available: Resource Homes Transitional Living Programs Permanent Supportive Housing Independent Living Funds

38. HOUSINGOPTIONS Resource Homes Youth can live there until age 21 Per DYFS policy, resource parent receives Standard Board Rate If youth goes to college, lives in dorm, then resource parent paid for time at home over holidays and summer

39. HOUSINGOPTIONS Transitional Living Programs: Each program model is different Youth live in group like setting DYFS pays the program � some for both room and board, others - just a portion Trained staff available to provide support and guidance guide youth

40. HOUSINGOPTIONS Permanent Supportive Housing Model: Have to sign a lease 30% of income goes towards rent Must be working or in school Services available to youth (life skills, employment) Can stay as long as following program rules and terms of the lease

41. HOUSINGOPTIONS Independent Living Stipend: Youth finds own place to live � family friend, relative or some other place DYFS must deem it �safe and appropriate� � does not have to meet licensing standards Basically on their own, with minimal support or intervention from DYFS

42. HOUSINGOPTIONS Independent Living Stipend: $45 per week for rent $40 per week for clothes $80 per month for clothes, with LOM approval

43. HOUSINGOPTIONS To be eligible for any of the housing options: youth must be in school, or in a job training program, or working full time, (30 hrs +), making less than 150% of federal poverty level to be eligible �

44. HOUSINGOPTIONS Many programs have waiting lists Length varies by program Good to identify future housing options prior to needing placement and get on wait list

45. HOUSINGOPTIONS How can you help? Judges: Ask questions during compliance hearings about program services and how it relates to individual needs. Ask about what is being done in preparation for future placements. Law Guardians: Be active in placement decisions. Discuss placement desires with client. Ensure placement can meet the individual needs of your client. Talk to placement prior to client being placed there.

46. HOUSINGOPTIONS How can you help? CASA: Engage in conversations with client about placement desires. Learn about various programs and what they offer. Attend meet & greet with clients if possible. DYFS: Begin exploring appropriate placement options prior to discharge at current placement � don�t wait until last minute. Involve treatment team in placement planning. Know the client�s needs.

47. MEDICAID & MEYA 2 types of Medicaid for youth between ages18-21: DYFS Medicaid - case remains open after 18 Medicaid Extension for Young Adults (MEYA) � case closes after 18, before 21

48. DYFS Medicaid After age 18, case must remain open Out of home placement Independent Living stipend QUESTION: Their slide had these 2 requirements. Does this mean if case open, living with family, they do not get Medicaid? Need to ask AnnQUESTION: Their slide had these 2 requirements. Does this mean if case open, living with family, they do not get Medicaid? Need to ask Ann

49. Medicaid Extension for Young Adults Also know as �Chafee Medicaid� Eligible for MEYA if: In DYFS approved/paid placement at 18 + 1day If meet the initial criteria, eligible until 21st birthday, unless: TANF or SSI eligible Move out of state Put in jail If move or jailed, lose eligibility until move back to NJ or get released from jail �

50. Medicaid Extension for Young Adults MEYA currently not available to KLG or Adopted youth, unless they were in DYFS paid placement at 18 + 1 day Must have Green Card for 5 years to get MEYA

51. MEDICAID & MEYA How can you help? Judges: Ask about the health care coverage during compliance reviews. Ensure youth have Medicaid. Law Guardians: Know what type of Medicaid your client has. Encourage client to remain in DYFS paid placement at least until 18 + 1 day

52. MEDICAID & MEYA How can you help? CASA: Ask about the youth�s Medical coverage. Talk to your client about the advantages of remaining in placement 18 + 1 day. DYFS � Ensure Medicaid coverage is active. If youth decides to close case, help youth make call to activate MEYA.

53. Back to Bobby Bobby is now 18 and living in a supervised transitional living program for youth with mental illness. He is threatening to want his DYFS case closed. Is it in his best interest to close his DYFS case? What will he lose? What will still be available to him?

54. AFTERCARE What is it? Each county has an Aftercare program which provides case management services to youth as they leave care. Provides support services to youth ages 18-21 - Assistance obtaining employment, housing, post-secondary education, and other transitional needs Access Chafee wrap-around funds � to be discussed later support services to youth 18-21 Not a residential/housing program

55. AFTER CAREEligibility Criteria Youth can access aftercare programs once they turn 18 DYFS placement after the age of 16 Case with DYFS can be opened or closed � but this may change

56. AFTER CAREYouth Access DYFS referral � 6 months prior to closing Self-refer to program in county in which they live There have been long waiting lists in the past, but anecdotal reports are that they are getting shorter

57. CHAFEE WRAP AROUND FUNDS Up to $4000 per youth between ages of 18-21 Youth must have completed life skills to obtain these funds Not a right or entitlement, youth must apply and obtain approval

58. CHAFEE WRAP AROUND FUNDS Distribution of these funds are administered by: Aftercare Programs Life Skills Programs Housing Program contracted with DYFS The youth must be actively involved with one of these programs to access these funds

59. CHAFEE WRAP AROUND FUNDS Youth can request funds for items that will help them achieve identified goals towards independence or for emergency assistance. For example: School application & job placement fees Security deposits, rent (up to 4 months) & furniture Driving lessons, Mentoring services and Tutoring

60. CHAFEE WRAP AROUND FUNDS The programs request funds for approval to the Chafee Administrators There are 5 Administrators that approve these requests. Can apply until used $4000 Available to KLG and adopted youth if they were still in placement on 16th birthday

61. AFTER CAREChafee Wrap Around Funds How can you help? Judges: Begin asking about After Care referrals in case compliance hearings. Court order referrals. Law Guardians: Talk to your clients about the benefits of After Care. Ensure they are completing life skills classes before age 18, if possible. Encourage self-referral to the program.

62. AFTER CAREChafee Wrap Around Funds How can you help? CASA: Get to know the After Care program in your youth�s community. Help the youth navigate the referral process and encourage participation. DYFS: Make the referral for the youth. Know the length of the waiting list so youth doesn�t miss out by turning 21 before gets off the wait list.

63. 18 YEAR OLDS & DYFS CASE CLOSURE When is it appropriate to close a youth�s case (who is 18 or older)? Youth declines to participate in the case plan, transitional plan, or requests that their case be closed; The youth and worker mutually agree that he or she is no longer in need of services or support from DYFS; or Youth turns 21 years of age. Note: �An adolescent�s case cannot be closed if DYFS has custody or the case is in active DYFS litigation. It is expected that staff will actively engage the adolescent in planning for their future, including continued involvement with DYFS. �� Note: �An adolescent�s case cannot be closed if DYFS has custody or the case is in active DYFS litigation. It is expected that staff will actively engage the adolescent in planning for their future, including continued involvement with DYFS. ��

64. CASE CLOSING Checklist - DYFS Form 5-67 Allows for DYFS to engage the youth and discuss services and important papers they need. Give original Birth Certificate and Social Security Card to the youth

65. CASE CLOSINGcont� DYFS can explain to the youth the right for their case to be reopened in the future Completed prior to youth�s case being closed. Used in conjunction with Case Closing Agreement (DYFS Form 5-66) and a final Transitional Plan

66. TRANSITIONING AFTER 21 Important to connect youth, especially youth with disabilities, to adult-serving systems well before 21st birthday.

67. TRANSITIONING AFTER 21 cont�d What are the adult-serving systems? Div. of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Div. of Mental Health Services (DMHS) Div. of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Supplemental Security Income (SSI/SSDI) County Welfare agencies (for TANF, GA, or SNAP) Potentially, Bobby might be eligible to access all or any of these.Potentially, Bobby might be eligible to access all or any of these.

68. TRANSITIONING AFTER 21cont�d Tremendous need for interagency collaboration! DYFS, courts, law guardians should ensure that applications for DDD and SSI are made at early pt. Other agency reps. should be invited to DYFS transitional planning meetings. If youth in special education, school districts have obligation to invite other agencies to child study team mtgs.

69. TRANSITIONING AFTER 21 If these meetings are not routinely held, courts, law guardians, and CASA should request that special meetings be held and/or that reps. be ordered to court. More needs to be done systemically to improve interagency collaborations and outcomes for youth. -DMHS and DDD may be able to provide housing, therapy, and day programs to youth, ages 18 and older -SSI, TANF, and GA can provide monthly income

70. Permanency Many older youth attain permanency and the number is growing each year. Helping youth develop life-long connections to caring adults builds supports that will outlive involvement in the child welfare system. Permanency Pacts