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National Governors Association Center for Best Practices Policy Academy Youth Transitioning out of Foster Care

National Governors Association Center for Best Practices Policy Academy Youth Transitioning out of Foster Care. Presented by: Virginia Abdo, Policy Specialist Bureau of Workforce Programs Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth. Overview. Michigan Statistics Key Challenges

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National Governors Association Center for Best Practices Policy Academy Youth Transitioning out of Foster Care

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  1. National Governors Association Center for Best PracticesPolicy AcademyYouth Transitioning out of Foster Care Presented by: Virginia Abdo, Policy Specialist Bureau of Workforce Programs Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth

  2. Overview • Michigan Statistics • Key Challenges • Strategic Areas of Focus

  3. Michigan Statistics • In 2005 (per DHS records) • 5,800 youth in foster care 14 or older • 1,200 youth ages 17+ left foster care • 6,000 foster children available for adoption • 2,640 of 6,000 (44%) were 13+years • 2,845 foster children adopted • 398 adopted were 13+ years old

  4. Key Challenges • Eligibility does not ensure accessibility/availability of supports • Confusing Program Eligibility Requirements • Lack of Information Sharing and Explanation of Programs to Foster Care Youth • Lack of Coordination & Communication across departments

  5. NGA Policy AcademyStrategic Areas of Focus Life-long connection with caring adult • A team approach will be used to identify a Circle of Support for each youth • Case managers will maintain records of efforts

  6. NGA Policy AcademyStrategic Areas of Focus (cont.) Housing • Wayne County (Detroit) Statistics • 47% experienced homelessness • 23% homeless immediately after leaving foster care • Housing education & information (MSHDA) • MSHDA rent subsidies & transitional housing for homeless foster care youth

  7. NGA Policy AcademyStrategic Areas of Focus (cont.) Employment • Wayne County (Detroit) Statistics • 18% Unemployed and when employed, $452 average monthly earnings • 54% receive public assistance • Automatic referral of foster care youth to MWA • Researching possible USDOL WIA waiver from reporting common measures for foster care youth

  8. NGA Policy AcademyStrategic Areas of Focus (cont.) Employment (cont.) • Coordination of Detroit Summer Youth Programs Physical & mental health care • Continuous Medicaid coverage • Expand coverage • Educate youth on healthy lifestyles

  9. NGA Policy AcademyStrategic Areas of Focus (cont.) Post-Secondary Education • Tuition waiver & housing stipend • Automatic enrollment in Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) though the Michigan Department of Treasury which pays tuition fees for an associates degree

  10. NGA Policy AcademyStrategic Areas of Focus (cont.) Transportation • Education on purchasing a reliable car; avoiding predatory lending; and obtaining a license and insurance.

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