Presentation Transcript

1. BEST PRACTICES AND TAKE AWAYS FOR SERVING STUDENTS WITHOUT STABLE HOUSING

   Karen Seay, Sherry Tipping, Peggy Miller, Molly Smith, & MirellaGarcia
2. Matt Hyde Idaho State Coordinator for Homeless Education mhyde@sde.idaho.gov 208.332.6917
3. National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth(NAECHY)25th Annual ConferenceNovember 2 - 5, 2013Hyatt Regency HotelAtlanta, GA http://www.naehcy.org/conference/conference
4. Homelessness and Education: Real Students, Real School You Will Get Through It Looking for Your future McKinney-Vento Liaisons: Supporting Students, Schools and Communities

5. Trauma-Informed Services for Homeless Students: How our Community is Reaching out and Changing Lives

   Jean West MSW LCSW CTC-S jean.west@sjsd.k12.mo.us School Social Worker Saint Joseph School District Missouri Presented by: Mirella Garcia Nampa School District mgarcia@nsd131.org
6. Risk Factor Layers 1) Risks that any non-poverty child might face such as family related and biological factors; 2) Risks children from low-income families face such as poverty and exposure to violence; and 3) Risks associated with being homeless such as worrying about where the family will sleep, worrying about family members, etc. 
7. Homelessness Homelessness is a life altering experience, which can have profound, long-term impact on family members. It not only involves loss of home but disconnection from neighborhoods, community, reassuring routines, belongings, relationships, safety and security. (Vassuk, Volk and Olivet)
8. Trauma Any experience that leaves a person feeling hopeless, helpless, fearing for their life/survival, their safety. Important to remember –it is a person’s perception, their experiencenot ours that makes something traumatic.
9. Do we do this?
10. Trauma’s Effect on Behavior Hypervigilance Difficulty sleeping Easily startled Clinging Nightmares Disobedience Impaired social skills Anger /rage Can’t self sooth or modulate emotions Depression Attention problems Impulsivity Aggression Fearful Risk taking Panic attacks Hypersensitive to touch, movement, some sounds and smells
11. Trauma’s Effect on Learning In the arousal (anxious) state it becomes difficult to process information, follow directions, recall information, and focus Poor problem solving, attention, and disorganized Often only hear half of the words spoken by their teachers Cognitively will generally be far behind their peers, children can often learn at three times the rate compared to when engulfed in trying to survive
12. Impact of Homelessness on Children Every day, homeless children are confronted with stressful, often traumatic events. 74% of homeless children worry they will have no place to live. 58% worry they will have no place to sleep. 87% worry that something bad will happen to their family. (Impact on education, trauma) National Center on Family Homelessness 1999 83% of homeless children had been exposed to at least one serious violet event. Almost 25% have witnessed acts of violence within their families. (Vassuk, Volk and Olivet)
13. The Emotional Impact More then one-fifth of homeless preschoolers have emotional problems serious enough to require professional care, but less then one-third receive any treatment. Homeless children have twice the rate of learning disabilities and three times the rate of emotional and behavioral problems as nonhomeless children. Half of school-age homeless children experience anxiety, depression, or withdrawal compared to 18% of nonhomeless children. By the time homeless children are eight years old, one in three has a major mental disorder. NCTSN 2005
14. Trauma and Homelessness Trauma is THE predominant mental health issue for homeless mothers. Research confirms that the strongest predictor of emotional and behavioral problems in poor and homeless children is their mother’s level of emotional distress. HCH 2003 (resiliency research with TLC) Emotional help is needed for both the parents and their children in order to be most effective.
15. Trauma-Informed Care Trauma-informed care is an approach to engaging people with histories of trauma that recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma has played in their lives. The National Center for Trauma Informed Care 2012
16. SITCAP The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children Training available. www.starrtraining.org/tlc
17. Importance in Assessment Process Programs serving families who are experiencing homelessness have an opportunity to address children’s needs and connect them to appropriate services. To meet children’s needs, questions about their exposure to trauma must be included in the intake assessment.
18. Resources Buckner, J. (2008). Understanding the impact of homelessness on children: Challenges and future research directions.  American Behavioral Scientist.  51(6). 721-738   Cowan, Beryl Ann, "Trauma exposure and behavioral outcomes in sheltered homeless children: The moderating role of perceived social support" (2007). Psychology Dissertations. Paper 39. http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/psych_diss/39 HCH Health Care for the homeless Clinician’s network. Trauma and Homelessness.(1999) Vol.3, No.3 HCH Health Care for the homeless clinician’s network. Homelessness and family trauma: The Case for early intervention. (2003) Vol. 7, No. 2 NCTIC The National Center for Trauma Informed Care NCTIC@NASMHPD.org NCTSN The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Facts on Trauma and homeless children. (2005) www.NCTSNet.org Les Whitbeck, Mental Health and Emerging Adulthood Among Homeless Young People (New York: Psychology Press, 2009) 54, 75. The National Center on Family Homelessness 1999 www.familyhomelessness.org www.nhchc.org/ShelterHealth/ToolKitA/A2HomelessChildren.pdf
19. Resources Buckner, J. (2008). Understanding the impact of homelessness on children: Challenges and future research directions.  American Behavioral Scientist.  51(6). 721-738   Cowan, Beryl Ann, "Trauma exposure and behavioral outcomes in sheltered homeless children: The moderating role of perceived social support" (2007). Psychology Dissertations. Paper 39. http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/psych_diss/39 HCH Health Care for the homeless Clinician’s network. Trauma and Homelessness.(1999) Vol.3, No.3 HCH Health Care for the homeless clinician’s network. Homelessness and family trauma: The Case for early intervention. (2003) Vol. 7, No. 2 NCTIC The National Center for Trauma Informed Care NCTIC@NASMHPD.org NCTSN The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Facts on Trauma and homeless children. (2005) www.NCTSNet.org Les Whitbeck, Mental Health and Emerging Adulthood Among Homeless Young People (New York: Psychology Press, 2009) 54, 75. The National Center on Family Homelessness 1999 www.familyhomelessness.org www.nhchc.org/ShelterHealth/ToolKitA/A2HomelessChildren.pdf

20. A Hand Up! Not a Handout…

    Peer training for McKinney-Vento programs
21. What is Maslow project? Purpose and Services: Maslow Project is a nationally-recognized outreach program and goal-oriented resource center that empowers youth impacted by family instability, poverty, or homelessness to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. Maslow Project promotes a youth-centered safety-net model that utilizes a comprehensive web of support, including case management and counseling, support services through agency partnerships, and community resources to best meet the needs of our youth.
22. Resource center A “one-stop” centralized location for youth to access basic needs and increase immediate connections with supportive services. Basic needs: laundry service, hot meals, food boxes, clothes closet, hygiene supplies, sleeping bags, bus passes, and emergency assistance. Case management: providing enrollment assistance, goal setting, advocacy and support, and “system navigation”. On-site partnerships: to connect youth with wrap-around support services Mental health counseling DHS services Employment/tutoring Enrichment activities/mentoring Life Skills
23. School based services McKinney-Vento Liaison Transportation School enrollment School meals Enrollment disputes Professional Development All other Title X required duties Family Advocates/High School case managers Assist students with basic needs, clothing, school supplies, etc. FAFSA forms Advocacy/support Goal setting Track student progress Coordinate referrals and services with other community resources
24. Outreach Street outreach gets vital information and supplies to homeless youth and encourages them to seek additional support through the Maslow Project resource center. School outreach: Classroom presentations, posters/brochures in schools, professional development to school staff Agency outreach: Advocacy and information sharing with community agencies/partners, host peer trainings, inter-agency meetings/collaborations Street Outreach: Find kids and families on the streets, in parks, shelters, libraries, food pantries, etc. to deliver information on school rights, referrals, basic needs
25. Maslow project models Community Based Programs Maslow Project of Medford (mid-sized urban community) Independent non-profit agency contracts services through Medford School District. Coordinates Title X consortia and coordinates all Title X funds and activities on behalf of Medford SD Diverse funding stream: District funds, foundation and local gov’t grants, individual contributions, in-kind, etc. Collaboration Programs Rogue River SD/Ashland SD (small rural communities) Funds come through School Districts who contract through Maslow Project to provide services Funds and in-kind contributions also come from community School-based program-Maslow staff work on-site in school School Based Programs Coos Bay Maslow Project (small coastal rural community) Funds stay in local School District as part of the Consortia project. Community partnerships work in collaboration. LEA coordinates all Title X activities. Funds and in-kind contributions also come from community Community based Resource Center and school based staff
26. Key steps Starts with McKinney Program and Liaison Community needs assessment What resources are available to your populations? What is missing? Creative solutions? Partnerships that work! Identify partners Who is already involved? Are any of them organized and meeting regularly? Consortia/Collaborations Continuum of Care Task Forces Who else can you bring to the table? Build partnerships! Identify Funding Sources School funds can be leveraged for local, state or federal funds How is the community giving? Fundraisers Drives / In-Kind Supplies Sponsorships Foundation Grants
27. Know Your Resources
28. Who Can Help You?
29. Get Funding!
30. Maslow Project Community Based model Funders School funds leveraged to get private and public funds to support services to homeless students Community funds, supplies and volunteers to support homeless students Maslow Project (Non-Profit Agency) Local School District Community Partners MP coordinates funding, supplies and services to ensure wrap-around support for homeless students
31. Contact Info Maslow Project Maslow Project Medford, Oregon Coos Bay, Oregon Mary Ferrell Patty Sanden Executive Director Program Manager 541-608-6868 541-267-1326 mary@maslowproject.com pattys@coos-bay.k12.or.us www.maslowproject.com www.wfall.org/maslow http://www.facebook.com/MaslowProject

32. Emergency Shelter and Housing Options

    Family Promise Housing Options for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
33. Family Promise National Interfaith Hospitality Network program Emergency Homeless Shelter for families with children Network of congregations and volunteers Immediate needs for shelter, meals and comprehensive support Safe, stable environment Connection to services and resources
34. Family Promise – Spokane, WA Shelter services provided through 30 churches 12 Host Churches 18 Support Churches Give a hand-up instead of a hand-out Network with other agencies Aftercare and continued support Empower families to get back on their feet and into a sustainable, improved lifestyle
35. Family Promise – Spokane, WA Host Churches Open rooms in their building for 1 week at a time Sleep in roll-away beds that travel with them Evening and morning meals provided Support Churches Provide food Hospitality Overnight volunteers
36. Family Promise – Spokane, WA Day Center for services and case management Van provides transportation to the Day Center and to the next church School-aged students are picked up and returned to the Day Center Shower facilities and kitchen are ideal especially if not available at the Host Church
37. Family Promise – Spokane, WA Up to 14 people at a time, usually about 3 families Guests must be ‘clean and sober’ Volunteers must pass a background check Can invite to participate in church services but cannot require or preach to guests
38. Resources www.familypromiseofspokane.org www.familypromise.org
39. Housing Options for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Housing + High School = Success Publication by NAEHCY Legal Director, Patricia Julianelle Innovative housing programs Host homes Group homes Independent Living Emergency Shelter Steps to consider when creating a program Keys to and tips for success http://www.naehcy.org/educational-resources/housing-high-school-success
40. Housing Options for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Fairfax County, VA model Supporting Unaccompanied Homeless Youth: A Model for Community Collaboration
Kathi Sheffel | Felicea Meyer-DeLoatch http://www.naehcy.org/conference/2012-conf-handouts
41. Housing Options for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Host Homes – identify families/individuals in the community willing to take in an UHY while in high school Least cost Background checks Homeowners insurance or renter insurance Potential liability issues if no agency to ‘license’ home; liability waiver forms Temporary guardianship (Power Of Attorney) given by parent to Host Home Family if under 18
42. Housing Options for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Rent Subsidy/Independent Living More costly – up to $700 per month per student To assist student maintain current housing or identify ‘rental’ housing options Rental assistance for student’s current living situation or Usually a room in a family’s home willing to ‘rent’ to the student
43. Housing Options for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Shelter/Group Homes Most costly – requires a building a full-time staff 24-hour care Single gender or mixed gender – more challenges Emergency shelter for immediate housing needs while arranging longer-term option Group homes specially for unaccompanied homeless youth or youth aging out of foster care

44. Mentoring Programs

    Joint School District No. 2, Meridian, Idaho Mooresville Graded School District, Mooresville, North Carolina
45. Meridian Joint School District No. 2 Mentoring for students experiencing homelessness. Established a mentoring program in 2008 Grades 8th-12th Target unaccompanied youth Mentoring occurs at school during school hours Mentors meet with students up to one hour week
46. Meridian Joint School District No. 2
47. Activities/areas that mentors focus on…. Resumes Employment College Applications FAFSA Scholarships Interviewing skills Life Skills training Conflict resolution skills Preparation for senior project Job readiness Career search Extra-curricular activities Academic support Social support
48. Who are mentors? Volunteers from the community Primary source of recruitment are students from undergraduate social work programs and graduate counseling and social work program. Partner with the Service Learning program at Boise State for some mentors. Service Learning student are required to do 45 hours of volunteer work. All mentors are interviewed, reference checked, and background checked through Idaho State Police.
49. How Do I start a mentoring program? Partner with a local university or job program to obtain mentors. Service clubs in the area (Lion’s Club, Kiwansis, Rotary Club) Training Scenarios Training Binder with resources: community, college application, job search, Career Information System, how to complete FAFSA, life skills, social skills.
50. Project Graduation Tools and information for mentors to work with students on various life skills Important Documents (Birth Certificate/Social Security/Driver’s License) Education Employment Entertainment Finances Food and Nutrition Home Transportation
51. Other Mentoring Programs Change A Life Mentoring Program Mooresville Graded School District in Mooresville, North Carolina Mission is to encourage and support children to be successful academically, personally, and socially. Mentors are available for Kindergarten-12th graders. Purpose of mentor is to help support at-risk youth staying in school put also be a: Advocate, Motivator, Coach, Advisor, Tutor, Career model, supporter Information regarding program found at: http://www.mgsd.k12.nc.us/MGSD/Change_A_Life.html

52. Financial Support and Resources for College for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

    Higher Education Resources FAFSA LeTendre Scholarship
53. Higher Education Unaccompanied Youth are eligible for a variety of resources to assist with higher education. Apply for FAFSA as independent students College Fee Waivers ACT/SAT Fee Waivers Scholarships Support through Higher Education Helplines/Resources National Association of Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) National Center on Homeless Education (NCHE)
54. Higher Education Supports and NAEHCY Higher Education program through NAEHCY has a lot of support options available. Higher Education Hotline Helping create Statewide Networks Resources Information can be found at: http://www.naehcy.org/legislation-and-policy/higher-education Publications to assist with Financial Aid for college (FAFSA) FAFSA Tips sheet for 2012-2013 Unaccompanied Youth toolkits for financial aid administrators, liaisons, shelter staff, counselors
55. NAEHCY Higher Education Helpline Give assistance to: Financial Aid Administrators Higher Education Professionals High School Counselors Homeless Liaisons Unaccompanied homeless youth Advocate for unaccompanied youth and can serve as a mediator between financial aid offices and others Questions contact: 1 (855) 446-2673 or highered@naehcy.org http://www.naehcy.org/educational-resources/helpline
56. National Center on Homeless Education (NCHE) Higher Education Various Publications and links to programs that can assist unaccompanied youth Helpline: (1-800-308-2145) http://center.serve.org/nche/ http://center.serve.org/nche/ibt/higher_ed.php
57. Statewide Networks Established to individualize the financial aid process for students. Creates SPOCS (Single-Point-of-Contact) NAEHCY and NCHE help connect State/District Liaisons to post-secondary contacts Creating school kits for unaccompanied youth going away to college Create support networks for unaccompanied to have places to stay on breaks when dorms are closed.
58. FAFSA FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Unaccompanied youth can apply for the FAFSA Are able to apply as independent students instead of going off of parents income. Normally have to apply based upon parents income until 24. Pell Grants approximately $5,500.00 www.fafsa.gov
59. FAFSA Verification Students homeless status has to be verified to their college/university of choice. FAFSA Verification letter must be submitted to Higher Education Institution By Local Educational Agency Homeless Liaison Director/Designee of a program funded by the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act Director/Designee of a HUD-funded shelter Financial Aid Administrator Template can be found on NAEHCY Website Under Legislation/Policy>Higher Education>Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Documentation of Independent Student Status for the FAFSA Faxed or sent to financial aid office
60. Waivers College Fee Waivers Resources found under Higher Education tab of NAECHY website ACT/SAT link to waiver http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-fee-waivers http://media.act.org/documents/feewaiver.pdf
61. LeTendre Scholarship What is the LeTendre Scholarship Fund? Established in 1998 in memory of André LeTendre Supports youth in homeless situations in their efforts to pursue higher education Administered by the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)
62. LeTendre Scholarship General Information Minimum of two $2,000 awarded annually To date, more than 220 recipients A one-time award Can be used for tuition, fees, books or other educational expenses Awarded annually at the NAEHCY conference in November
63. LeTendre Scholarship Eligibility Students who are homeless or have been homeless during their K-12 attendance Demonstrated average or higher than average achievement High school seniors, students enrolled in GED or other alternative education program or recent graduates of such
64. LeTendre Scholarship Apply by submitting: A completed application form An essay about the impact of homelessness on their lives and the desire to attend college An official school transcript At least one letter of recommendation
65. LeTendre Scholarship Complete details and application available at: http://www.naehcy.org/letendre-scholarship-fund/about-the-fund Applications can be submitted anytime between December and June. This year’s deadline is 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, June 14, 2013. Questions? Contact: Patricia Popp, NAEHCY LeTendre Chair, at (757)221-7776 or pxpopp@wm.edu
66. Contact Information Karen Seay, Idaho State Department of Education kseay@sde.idaho.gov (208) 332-6978 Sherry Tipping, Boise School District sherry.tipping@boiseschoools.org (208) 854-4174 Molly Smith, Joint District No. 2 (Meridian) smith.molly@meridianschools.org (208) 350-5072 Peggy Miller, Nampa School District pmiller@nsd131.org (208) 498-0569 Mirella Garcia, Nampa School District mgarcia@nsd131.org (208) 498-0569
67. Questions?