Hope Tree Research Paper
HSM/240
Creating a Social Program
June 17, 2012
Hope Tree Introduction Although it may not be cost effective now, young adults with more adequate life skills will have a more positive effect on society as a whole. Hope Tree is a community based social program creating a safety net for young adults about to “age out” of the foster or group home system. For these youth with already troubled pasts of neglect, abuse, and abandonment issues; running as far and as fast from the system seems like a good idea. The problem with this logic is that many of them are unprepared for actual if on their own, often having no means to fall back on and nowhere to go. Being one of these “aged out” youth myself, I am all too aware of the challenges …show more content…
these children face and aim to change this growing epidemic. This is an increasing problem that overloads the current systems and programs, with many people not understanding how it affects them. When these youth are forced by lack of skills, knowledge and education; it is society that foots the bill through increased taxes making this a social problem that society ultimately pays for.
Problem being addressed The problems being addressed by this program is that Gee (2012), according to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 24 thousand foster care children “age out” of care and find themselves “in” trouble. Many states and communities do not have the resources to address these concerns. The concerns that this program is designed to change are that of education, not only of schooling but of life skills. It also creates a stable living situation to youth that would otherwise be homeless, with no means of supporting themselves. The demographics for this program are young adults ages 16-24, who have either aged out of the foster system, group home or were emancipated. These youth have issues trusting, no idea how to cook, pay bills, or simple things like fill out a job applications. I want to address this problem because one I know how it feels to have to rely on myself and have no actual clue on how to do it. The other reason I wanted to create this program is because I feel that with increased support and education the differences we make are going to better communities, society, and have less of a drain on an already overloaded system. According to Douglas W. Nelson, President of the Annie E. Casey Foundation; disconnected youth (individuals ages 18 to 24), who are not enrolled in school are not working and have no degree beyond High School represent approximately 15% of all 18 to 24 year olds. Nelson also points out how critical it is to help at risk youth. Nationally “over 3.8 million youth face a greater likelihood of bad outcomes now and in the future, which holds severe implications for our society (Street Sights, 2010). I estimate that within a year participants will be on their way to meeting their goals to establishing a permanent residence, job, and life skills that are needed to adjust to life outside of an institution.
Analysis
The cause for this problem is that at 18 teens are kicked out of the foster system and group homes to find themselves without any place to go.
They are unable to fend for themselves and have no support or resources to fall back on. I have learned that there is an exception to this that even I was unaware of, and that is that they are able to sign themselves back into the foster system as long as they are continuing education. However, this does not include those discharged from group homes still leaving many youth still homeless. The consequences are that these youth are homeless, jobless, have no support system and are then forced to do things to support themselves that may have legal ramifications. Littlefield (n.d.), “Foster care studies show that 25 percent of “aged out” foster kids must earn a living without a high school diploma or a GED. At least 20 percent of have been homeless and fewer than 20 percent are able to support themselves. Nearly a quarter of former foster care children are incarcerated within two years of their emancipation. Because they lack the support systems most young adults take for granted, aged out foster care teens are at high risk for substance abuse, domestic violence and poverty.” The gainers to this program are the teens and young adults that are able to benefit from the services provided. Another gainer is the federal system that funds welfare programs that these youth would be reliant on without help and further education. The …show more content…
losers would be those who are unable to participate in the program or choose not to. Losers could also include the community if this program were to fail in its goals.
Policy Elements Hope Tree’s Mission is to make the transition from aging out a more successful transition to independent living.
The programs objectives are to increase responsibility and self reliance using techniques learned through our program. Create a family environment of support through counseling, peer tutoring, all while adjusting to dormitory living where responsibilities are spread equally amongst residents. Another objective is assessing applicant’s needs and connecting them with resources to help them on their way to a successful transition (school, employment and so on). Housing and food allowances are provided under the conditions that they must attend school, be working, or seeking employment. Food allowances will be given and supervised to teach techniques on how to budget money as well as how to make the most out of the funds available. Communal dinners will be held on Sundays, and each resident is to help with the preparation of this meal to build on cooperation skills. Residents upon employment will pay a percentage of their money to Hope Tree, so that they can get used to paying bills. They must also open a bank account were we will teach them how manage and save money properly, this will also prepare them to have their own money upon exiting the program. Eligibility rules include that no weapons, drugs or alcohol are permitted on premises and we will have a no tolerance policy on violence of any sort. This program is open to any 16 to 24 year old who has
been emancipated from a foster or group home setting, who are willing to put the effort forth in making changes that will bring them to their and our goals of independence. Program expectancy is 18 to 24 months. Service delivery will be done by a case management system where each employee will be given a case load to track the progress and mentor.
Financing
Financing will come from government and private funding in which we will be asking for funds to cover housing, utilities, food, and travel expenses. I plan to solicit help from local stores to help supply materials for upgrades to housing as well as any educational needs such as paper, pens and so on. This gets the community involved and allows for us to met budget expectations. Estimated rental projections are for a 1,500 square foot house this will accommodate one staff for supervision at night and 8 residents. At 100 dollars a square foot the money needed to cover rent is 150,000 a month. Utilities are estimated to run about 700 a month maybe lower if the house uses well water, then that would bring cost down to about 500 a month. Travel cost would include the purchase and insurance of two vehicles plus the gas that it would take monthly to get to appointments and work for residents. Cost estimated at 4,000 for vehicles, 350 a month for insurance, and an expenditure of another 500 in gas. Money that is paid to organization by residents will be used towards food cost. The funds will be accountable by careful bookkeeping skills and the use of funds for designated needs as agreed upon by regulations and expectations of private donors. We will have an auditor check and go carefully over our books every six months to a year this will show the accountability of how we use our funds. I am honestly unsure of what salaries should be but it should be based on the level of education and experience in this type of work.
Staffing
The employees that I am looking for must have at least an Associate’s degree in Human Services, along with a shared goal of wanting to make a difference in the young adult’s lives. I will also need to hire a nutritionist to help teach how to prepare meals while maintaining a healthy diet. Volunteers are always welcome to assist under the guidelines that they adhere to the same standards as the paid employees. These guidelines include passing a drug test and background check, having a flexible schedule. Each night, one employee will be responsible for the house at night in case any problem arises and are required to be on premises at all times. Vacation days need to be requested in written form and have ample time to have schedule covered. Sick day require a doctor’s note and at least 6 hours notice so that changes can be made to the schedule. If unable to give 6 hours notice I would prefer that you contact a replacement and let me know as soon as possible. Tardiness is unacceptable and will set a bad example for residence, first time will be a write up and second time you are fired.
Evaluation
I plan to evaluate the success or failure of this program using resident’s feedback and forms that each employee must fill out on the progress of each resident. These forms will be a number system of where the client is in reaching their goals, this can determine where they need to work harder and what services we need change to get the right result. I will personally oversee my own surveys on the progress I see in the residents and that of the staff as well, after which the residents and I will sit down individually to discuss their scores. I will also do this after the evaluation of the staff to address any concerns I may have and what we can do to better the program.
Resources
Street Sights. (2010). After DCYF: What happens when teenagers turn 18?. Retrieved from http://www.streetsights.org/2010/dcyfteens/
Gee, D. (2012). 18 and out of Foster Care. Retrieved from http://www.wave3.com/story/16975220/18-and-out-of-foster-care
Littlefield, J. (n.d.). Guide “Aged-Out" Foster Care Teens to Become Productive Adults. Retrieved from http://www.volunteerguide.org/hours/service-projects/age-out
Creating a Social Program
June 17, 2012
Hope Tree Introduction Although it may not be cost effective now, young adults with more adequate life skills will have a more positive effect on society as a whole. Hope Tree is a community based social program creating a safety net for young adults about to “age out” of the foster or group home system. For these youth with already troubled pasts of neglect, abuse, and abandonment issues; running as far and as fast from the system seems like a good idea. The problem with this logic is that many of them are unprepared for actual if on their own, often having no means to fall back on and nowhere to go. Being one of these “aged out” youth myself, I am all too aware of the challenges …show more content…
these children face and aim to change this growing epidemic. This is an increasing problem that overloads the current systems and programs, with many people not understanding how it affects them. When these youth are forced by lack of skills, knowledge and education; it is society that foots the bill through increased taxes making this a social problem that society ultimately pays for.
Problem being addressed The problems being addressed by this program is that Gee (2012), according to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 24 thousand foster care children “age out” of care and find themselves “in” trouble. Many states and communities do not have the resources to address these concerns. The concerns that this program is designed to change are that of education, not only of schooling but of life skills. It also creates a stable living situation to youth that would otherwise be homeless, with no means of supporting themselves. The demographics for this program are young adults ages 16-24, who have either aged out of the foster system, group home or were emancipated. These youth have issues trusting, no idea how to cook, pay bills, or simple things like fill out a job applications. I want to address this problem because one I know how it feels to have to rely on myself and have no actual clue on how to do it. The other reason I wanted to create this program is because I feel that with increased support and education the differences we make are going to better communities, society, and have less of a drain on an already overloaded system. According to Douglas W. Nelson, President of the Annie E. Casey Foundation; disconnected youth (individuals ages 18 to 24), who are not enrolled in school are not working and have no degree beyond High School represent approximately 15% of all 18 to 24 year olds. Nelson also points out how critical it is to help at risk youth. Nationally “over 3.8 million youth face a greater likelihood of bad outcomes now and in the future, which holds severe implications for our society (Street Sights, 2010). I estimate that within a year participants will be on their way to meeting their goals to establishing a permanent residence, job, and life skills that are needed to adjust to life outside of an institution.
Analysis
The cause for this problem is that at 18 teens are kicked out of the foster system and group homes to find themselves without any place to go.
They are unable to fend for themselves and have no support or resources to fall back on. I have learned that there is an exception to this that even I was unaware of, and that is that they are able to sign themselves back into the foster system as long as they are continuing education. However, this does not include those discharged from group homes still leaving many youth still homeless. The consequences are that these youth are homeless, jobless, have no support system and are then forced to do things to support themselves that may have legal ramifications. Littlefield (n.d.), “Foster care studies show that 25 percent of “aged out” foster kids must earn a living without a high school diploma or a GED. At least 20 percent of have been homeless and fewer than 20 percent are able to support themselves. Nearly a quarter of former foster care children are incarcerated within two years of their emancipation. Because they lack the support systems most young adults take for granted, aged out foster care teens are at high risk for substance abuse, domestic violence and poverty.” The gainers to this program are the teens and young adults that are able to benefit from the services provided. Another gainer is the federal system that funds welfare programs that these youth would be reliant on without help and further education. The …show more content…
losers would be those who are unable to participate in the program or choose not to. Losers could also include the community if this program were to fail in its goals.
Policy Elements Hope Tree’s Mission is to make the transition from aging out a more successful transition to independent living.
The programs objectives are to increase responsibility and self reliance using techniques learned through our program. Create a family environment of support through counseling, peer tutoring, all while adjusting to dormitory living where responsibilities are spread equally amongst residents. Another objective is assessing applicant’s needs and connecting them with resources to help them on their way to a successful transition (school, employment and so on). Housing and food allowances are provided under the conditions that they must attend school, be working, or seeking employment. Food allowances will be given and supervised to teach techniques on how to budget money as well as how to make the most out of the funds available. Communal dinners will be held on Sundays, and each resident is to help with the preparation of this meal to build on cooperation skills. Residents upon employment will pay a percentage of their money to Hope Tree, so that they can get used to paying bills. They must also open a bank account were we will teach them how manage and save money properly, this will also prepare them to have their own money upon exiting the program. Eligibility rules include that no weapons, drugs or alcohol are permitted on premises and we will have a no tolerance policy on violence of any sort. This program is open to any 16 to 24 year old who has
been emancipated from a foster or group home setting, who are willing to put the effort forth in making changes that will bring them to their and our goals of independence. Program expectancy is 18 to 24 months. Service delivery will be done by a case management system where each employee will be given a case load to track the progress and mentor.
Financing
Financing will come from government and private funding in which we will be asking for funds to cover housing, utilities, food, and travel expenses. I plan to solicit help from local stores to help supply materials for upgrades to housing as well as any educational needs such as paper, pens and so on. This gets the community involved and allows for us to met budget expectations. Estimated rental projections are for a 1,500 square foot house this will accommodate one staff for supervision at night and 8 residents. At 100 dollars a square foot the money needed to cover rent is 150,000 a month. Utilities are estimated to run about 700 a month maybe lower if the house uses well water, then that would bring cost down to about 500 a month. Travel cost would include the purchase and insurance of two vehicles plus the gas that it would take monthly to get to appointments and work for residents. Cost estimated at 4,000 for vehicles, 350 a month for insurance, and an expenditure of another 500 in gas. Money that is paid to organization by residents will be used towards food cost. The funds will be accountable by careful bookkeeping skills and the use of funds for designated needs as agreed upon by regulations and expectations of private donors. We will have an auditor check and go carefully over our books every six months to a year this will show the accountability of how we use our funds. I am honestly unsure of what salaries should be but it should be based on the level of education and experience in this type of work.
Staffing
The employees that I am looking for must have at least an Associate’s degree in Human Services, along with a shared goal of wanting to make a difference in the young adult’s lives. I will also need to hire a nutritionist to help teach how to prepare meals while maintaining a healthy diet. Volunteers are always welcome to assist under the guidelines that they adhere to the same standards as the paid employees. These guidelines include passing a drug test and background check, having a flexible schedule. Each night, one employee will be responsible for the house at night in case any problem arises and are required to be on premises at all times. Vacation days need to be requested in written form and have ample time to have schedule covered. Sick day require a doctor’s note and at least 6 hours notice so that changes can be made to the schedule. If unable to give 6 hours notice I would prefer that you contact a replacement and let me know as soon as possible. Tardiness is unacceptable and will set a bad example for residence, first time will be a write up and second time you are fired.
Evaluation
I plan to evaluate the success or failure of this program using resident’s feedback and forms that each employee must fill out on the progress of each resident. These forms will be a number system of where the client is in reaching their goals, this can determine where they need to work harder and what services we need change to get the right result. I will personally oversee my own surveys on the progress I see in the residents and that of the staff as well, after which the residents and I will sit down individually to discuss their scores. I will also do this after the evaluation of the staff to address any concerns I may have and what we can do to better the program.
Resources
Street Sights. (2010). After DCYF: What happens when teenagers turn 18?. Retrieved from http://www.streetsights.org/2010/dcyfteens/
Gee, D. (2012). 18 and out of Foster Care. Retrieved from http://www.wave3.com/story/16975220/18-and-out-of-foster-care
Littlefield, J. (n.d.). Guide “Aged-Out" Foster Care Teens to Become Productive Adults. Retrieved from http://www.volunteerguide.org/hours/service-projects/age-out