Youth Empowerment Services Transition Network

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Youth Empowerment Services Transition Network

• Marilyn Stewart, MSW
• Casey Family Programs
• mstewart_at_casey.org
• Bob Stewart, MSW, MPH
• ACCESS, Inc.
• bstewart_at_access2jobs.org

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1999 poor outcomes for foster youth in San Diego

• High school completion rate 49
• Employment program completion 50
• Poor attendance and outcomes for Independent
  Living Skills Program
• Fragmented approaches to service delivery

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What the ideal system would look like

• It would address foster youths most essential
  needs
• Housing
• Health, both mental and physical
• Life skills
• Education
• Employment and career
• Connection to community
• Sense of identity
• But would begin with the most pressing need
  employment and career.

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• Available at
• www.casey.org

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• Available at
• www.ccyf.org

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What the ideal system would look like

• Would require many organizations working together
  as a network
• Would include buy-in of major institutions
• Courts, child welfare system, education,
  workforce development, education, employers
• Would include the buy-in of youth
• Would begin at least as early as age 13
• Would emphasize personal relationships with adults

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Youth Empowerment ServicesFunding

• FY 2000 266,500
• FY 2005 2,595,000
• Includes
• Workforce Investment Act 1,611,491
• County of San Diego 283,834
• Jim Casey Youth Opportunities 440,779
• Casey Family Programs 98,896
• Foundations, Private Donors 160,000

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Strategies for success

• Organization
• Single identity that all partners use
• Clear, specific roles for each partner,
  formalized in MOU
• Shared staff, especially in leadership

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Strategies for success

• Core funding from WIA
• Developed expertise in WIA performance measures
• Full-time development person
• Involvement of employers
• Leadership and advocacy in the community