Chafee | Missouri Department of Social Services

Missouri continues to expand and strengthen the ETV program to serve eligible youth. Missouri does not have a state tuition waiver program and currently uses ETV funding to assist youth with costs of attendance for post-secondary educational and training programs.

The CD has contracted with the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) to provide ETV services since 2006. The CD, through specific contract requirements, has utilized all of the ETV funding received in the last two years. The contracting out of services has allowed for a central means of youth to apply as well as providing a database and evaluative reports on services. As part of the contract, OFA is also required to provide community outreach and awareness to identify eligible youth and the organizations that work with youth such as high schools, colleges, etc. OFA provides brochures and has a website.

The application and all record keeping are online and available to appropriate state staff for oversight purposes, and training is provided via teleconferencing. The website was enhanced in 2008 which allows CD to monitor youth’s application and paperwork at each step of the process. OFA looks at every ETV applicant individually, assessing their tuition need and cost of daily living, and each student gets the ETV disbursement that best suits these needs. Funds are available on a first come first serve basis.

Current requirements for eligible youth to receive assistance are:

Youth must demonstrate academic success or motivation in school (generally a "C" average or its equivalency or as otherwise agreed upon with the plan) or in a training program;
Youth must be accepted to an accredited college/university, vocational school or certified training program;
Appropriate scholarships, grants and other financial assistance must be explored and utilized, and;
There must be reasonable assurance the youth will graduate from the educational or training program.

Youth are required to provide financial need information through the on-line application process. The application process and a database track services and expenditures to ensure vouchers do not exceed the total cost of attendance or $5,000 per year.

In addition to financial assistance, the contracted provider has been able to offer outreach programs, probationary services, individual and group virtual mentoring and three care packages a year to eligible youth. Scholarships and internships are also provided through OFA.

Current and former foster care youth are also eligible to receive the federally funded Pell Grants. CD requires all youth applying for ETVs to submit a copy of their financial aid letter from their chosen school providing all other financial aid awarded. Youth may choose to attend public, private or non-profit four-year universities or colleges, two-year community colleges, vocational/technical schools or specialized one-year training programs. Educational or training programs must be accredited/pre-accredited or certified. Youth must be willing to participate in federal Work Study program or work part-time.

In FFY 09, there were 285 youth funded for ETV.

The CD continues efforts in educating youth, staff, and community partners on the ETV program.

Numerous trainings in seminars have been held across the state in which information regarding the ETV program was shared.

The CD completed statewide training on Older Youth from July 2007 to May 2008 for case management staff and supervisors. ETV brochures were given to each participant. PowerPoint training on the ETV program was presented at each training session.

In November, 2007, five joint training sessions were held across the state with the OSCA and CD on Improving Outcomes for Older Youth. Pamphlets were distributed to each participant. Participants included Court Appointed Special Advocates, Juvenile Officers, Judges and Commissioners, and CD staff. The ETV program was discussed in a PowerPoint presentation at each session.

In February 2008 a presentation which included information on ETV was given at the Training Extravaganza for the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition in St. Louis.

Two statewide webinars were held to educate CD staff and other interested parties who work with Older Youth regarding the ETV program in March, 2008. CD hosted the webinar and the OFA presented the information on ETV.

A stakeholders meeting was held in April, 2008. One of main topics discussed was academic achievement for our foster youth. Suggestions were made to continue outreach efforts as some youth, frontline workers, and other agencies are still unaware of the ETV program.

In May 2008, a session was presented on the Older Youth Program (OYP) to Guardians ad litem and juvenile officers in Jefferson County.

CD staff is required to include an ETV brochure in each youth’s exit packet upon release from foster care when the youth is age 17.5 or older. Older Youth Program Training became part of mandatory curriculum for new employees in July 2008 and information regarding the ETV program is presented in the training.

In November 2008, Multi-Disciplinary training was held in St. Charles County in which information regarding ETV was presented to court personnel.

There have been three statewide webinars open to individuals from all agencies working with Older Youth regarding the ETV program in February, March, and April 2009. The E-Learning webinar to support ETV sessions were titled: Career Assessment and Exploration, Career Choices and ETV Funding, and Work Experience and Your Career Path.

An Older Youth Program presentation to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) was held in May 2009 and an overview of ETV as well as pamphlets were included.

The State Youth Advisory Board will be holding a youth leadership conference in summer 2009 and ETV brochures will be provided to each youth in attendance and information about the program will be presented through a workshop on resources.

Pamphlets on the ETV program are provided regularly to the Older Youth Transition Specialists in each region to distribute across the state to post-secondary schools. The Specialists have assisted local post-secondary schools in the ETV process to increase the number of schools familiar with the program.

The pamphlet is also available electronically on the intranet for all CD staff.

Missouri plans to continue providing ETV services through OFA and to continue education and outreach efforts regarding the program.

State Youth Advisory Board

The State Youth Advisory Board (SYAB) reconvened at the end of FY08 and has met four times in FY09. The local boards had disengaged when the determination was made to contract Chafee services out in 2006. The State Youth Advisory board continued meeting but it was difficult to accomplish much as there were so few youth who were representing the state in various capacities. Once the Chafee contracts were awarded, the board was able to stabilize and accomplish tasks. The Chafee contract contains language requiring each region to nominate up to three youth for potential membership on the board. Transitional Living Program (TLP) contractors and Native American Indian Centers have also been invited to nominate youth. The SYAB will meet quarterly in FY10 as well and continue efforts to include Native American Indian Center youth participation in leadership activities. Each region, via the contractors, must also provide youth leadership opportunities and skills by providing participation in a foster care youth advisory board that physically meets, an on-line, interactive web-based meeting site, or the utilization of a youth advisory board already in existence.

In FY09 the SYAB developed a youth profile for speaking engagements, leadership conferences and panels, planned a youth conference, reviewed and provided input for updating the SYAB strategic plan, the SYAB handbook, and "What’s It All About" a guidebook for youth in out-of-home care, provided input for the "Kids In Court Guide" for youth in care distributed by the court, prepared talking points/brochure for Child Advocacy Day and spoke to legislators regarding these, and provided input for Missouri’s treatment approach to foster care. In FY10 the SYAB will continue to provide input for programs and policies and advocate for youth in out-of-home care.

The SYAB is planning a youth and adult leadership and empowerment conference for summer 2009. Youth are presenting workshops on coping skills, resources, permanency, leadership, milestones, and self-advocacy. The SYAB plans to have a conference every other year.

Although the SYAB has grown and stabilized since reconvening, local regional boards continue to struggle with development and implementation. Technical assistance has been requested from the National Resource Center for Youth Development (NRCYD) and consultation will be provided at the youth conference for regional boards from a NRCYD staff member.

The current SYAB members, as well as other older youth in care throughout the state, have been very active in participating in speaking engagements and workgroups to promote youth in foster care needs. SYAB members have presented at CD’s OYP Training statewide, and numerous other local presentations. Individual SYAB members have been active on various workgroups, including the Department of Mental Health Advisory Board, the Improving Educational Outcomes for Foster Children Advisory Team, and the Child and Family Service Review Advisory Committee, and the Office of State Court Administrators workgroup. Youth throughout the state have been participating at the national level in an internship in Washington D.C., through the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) and with the FosterClub All-Stars. Youth in care and alumni youth have been selected as members of the Governor’s Task Force on Aging Out which convened in October 2008 and will submit final recommendations June 2009. Youth have also participated in conferences such as the Youth/Adult Partnership Academy in 2007, the Faith-Based Conference in 2007, and the Convening on Youth Permanence Conference in 2008. Youth have also provided volunteer work by mentoring younger youth and volunteering in local CD offices.

Older Youth Efforts

Within the Older Youth Program (OYP) there are services and funding provided through the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP). The CFCIP is contracted out to private agencies to administer and deliver services and funding to older youth in foster care, youth adopted or that obtained legal guardianship after the age of sixteen as well as former foster youth. Implementation of contracts began January 1, 2008. The contract contains language about the Four Core Principles identified by the Muskie School of Public Services, University of Southern Maine and the National Resource Center for Youth Services for successful adolescent transition programs - positive youth development, collaboration, cultural competence and permanent connections. The expectations and requirements are that Chafee contracted providers will engage the youth in their case planning, design life skills instruction specific to the youth’s needs with youth input, and offer a variety of methods in which youth can gain competency in each life skill.

The Older Youth Program (OYP) reflects the philosophy and the services offered to foster and former foster youth, ages 14 and older. The program addresses:

The philosophy of youth permanency and positive youth development;
The responsibilities of case managers of older youth, Chafee Contractors, TLP Contractors, and Older Youth Transition Specialists;
Procedures for using the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment and the Adolescent FST Guide & Individualized Action Plan;
Helpful resources to engage youth in permanency and education planning.

The Adolescent FST Guide and Individualized Action Plan assist workers and youth in the planned transition of a youth becoming an adult and leaving foster care. It details the goals of the youth and facilitates the involvement of identified adults in the youth’s life. Transition planning is completed ninety days prior to the youth leaving care and documented on the Adolescent FST Guide. In FY10, a memo regarding transition planning and Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act as well as a PowerPoint presentation will be disseminated to staff and available on the intranet/internet.

The Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment (ACLSA) is an evaluation of youth independent living skills. It consists of statements about life skills that the youth and his/her caregivers complete. The ACLSA was designed to be as free as possible from gender, ethnic, and cultural biases.

A portfolio assessment is used for each youth 14-21 to give the youth the opportunity to take some control of the assessment and show what they have learned. It focuses on the growth and development of the youth’s potential.

Performance assessment is used to show the direct observation of a youth’s performance and allows the youth to see their accomplishment with historical data on their overall life skill development. In FY09, a workgroup revised the performance assessment reporting tool, CD-95, Individual Life Skills Progress Report, to be more descriptive and in compliance with the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) domains. In FY10, this form will be available through the FACES system.

In FY09, a pilot program was implemented in three of the seven regions of the state to examine the Transitional Living Program’s (TLP) utilization. At each Family Support Team Meeting, a TLP consideration form is completed by the case manager and signed by the youth indicating if a referral will be made and if not, reasons for this. The pilot will end in June and the workgroup will convene in July to review the data and discuss next steps for FY10.

In FY10, sample file reviews will be conducted of youth receiving Older Youth Program Services. Reviewers will look at documentation and services being provided to youth 14-21 throughout the state in order to determine strengths and needs and improve upon these.

In FY09, file reviews of the Older Youth Transition Specialists (OYTS) records on contracted providers and services began and will be completed in FY10. The reviewers are representatives from Budget and Finance, Contract Management and the Practice and Professional Development Unit. Reviewers are looking at documentation and services being provided to youth 14-21 throughout the state in order to determine strengths and needs and improve upon these.

Accomplishments achieved and planned activities for each of the first five purposes of CFCIP:

1. Assist youth to transition from dependency to self-sufficiency:

The CD has used the CFCIP funds to staff one state level coordinator. The state level coordinator position is responsible for program development and coordination, implementation, resource development, training, administrative oversight, technical assistance, and policy development. The coordinator is also responsible for management and oversight of the Chafee, ETV, and Transitional Living Program (TLP) contracts.

The CD revamped its Independent Living Program (ILP) in 2008 to encompass all the services and programs which are offered to foster and former foster youth including youth who obtained kinship guardianship or adoption after the age of sixteen, to achieve positive outcomes in their transition to self-sufficiency. This program is called the Older Youth Program and encompasses Chafee services to youth ages 14-21 as well as the Transitional Living Program, Education & Training Voucher Program and Independent Living Arrangements. All Family-Centered Out-of-Home Care workers, contracted case managers, and their supervisors have been trained on the new Older Youth Program requirements. The new practice, which was implemented statewide, involved a change in philosophy and policy to include a comprehensive tool, the Adolescent Family Support Team Guide and Individualized Action Plan, to aid in transition planning for older youth.

Since completion of the Older Youth Program training, case managers have become more knowledgeable and responsible for ensuring the older youth they work with have their needs met. They have been specifically trained on CFCIP and services available to older youth in foster care and will play an essential role in the effort to meet the needs of older youth. Adolescent case managers continue to be utilized in the Northern Region. These case managers work primarily with caseloads of older youth.

All new employees are trained through a separate curriculum regarding the Older Youth Program requirements. Youth continue to receive information about available Chafee services through their case manager and the Older Youth Transition Specialists. Services are to be used to assist youth in complementing their own efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and to assure they recognize and accept personal responsibility in preparation for and the successful transition from adolescence to adulthood. Youth are involved in their case planning to address the development of skills and resources needed to facilitate their transition to self-sufficiency. Multiple Assessments including a strengths/needs assessment, the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment, Portfolio Assessment and Performance Assessment are used to establish goals and monitor progress and achievement. The Adolescent Family Support Team Guide and Individualized Action Plan is utilized by case managers for development and documentation of the youth’s transition plan, for youth ages 14 to 21.

With the implementation of the Chafee services being provided through contracted agencies, the CD has moved away from teaching life skills on a group basis and focusing on the individual strengths and needs of the youth.

Life skills training is provided by contracted providers, including contracted transitional living programs. The CD has recommended providers develop competency based training modules for each set of life skills taught. Each youth is evaluated individually to determine strengths and identify areas of need. Life skills are taught based on the unique needs of the individual youth. Youth are evaluated using the Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment (ACLSA) and progress is tracked on Individual Life Skills Progress Form. Portfolio items are a component of life skills that have been achieved. Contractors receive a current ACLSA with each referral for Chafee services or TLP placements. Contractors are required to provide outcome data on each youth served with CFCIP funds. Contractors work with youth in the areas of academic achievement, job readiness, community services and supports, youth leadership, and independent living skills training. Aftercare services are also provided through the contractors. Youth leaving care after the age of 17.5 and not yet 21 are available for these services. Youth must be 18 to receive housing assistance.

Policy at the CD currently requires all staff to begin transition planning for all youth ages 17 and older and for those who will be leaving foster care after age 18. The purpose of conducting transition planning is to identify anticipated service needs and arrange for meeting the needs of older youth who will soon be exiting foster care. In order to prepare youth for their exit from the foster care system, the Case Manager or Children’s Service Worker (CSW) meets with their youth to complete exit planning ninety days prior to release from custody. The Adolescent FST Guide and Individualized Action Plan is used to capture the transition plan for the youth and is intended to be a proactive, youth driven case planning tool. This tool should be discussed and utilized at least every six months at the Family Support Team Meeting with youth ages 14-21. Exit packets are also provided to youth upon discharge from care. Exit packets contain information on ETV, MoHealthNet, Chafee Aftercare Services, and local community resources. A verification letter indicating the youth’s time in care is also provided to aid the youth in receiving assistance after leaving care within the state and out of state for services that require eligibility verification. A PowerPoint Presentation has been prepared for staff to continue education around transition planning and will be available on the CD intranet.

New policy was introduced in January 2009 supporting philosophical and programmatic changes as well as introducing new tools and forms. A PowerPoint Presentation with an overview of the Older Youth Program was placed on the CD intranet for staff in summer 2008. The CD is continuously exploring needs of staff in regards to the Older Youth Program and once a need is identified, implementing tools to assist staff to become more knowledgeable. Several links to web resources regarding Older Youth were added to the intranet.

The CD made revisions to the Transitional Living Program in SFY 07. During this revision of policy and the contract, CD requested assistance and input from various transitional living providers, including Runaway and Homeless Youth grantees, youth in foster care, and the National Resource Center on Youth Development. The CD issued a new contract in SFY 2007. The new contract allows for more flexibility with service delivery to youth in the program, including training of independent living skills. CD met with TLP contractors in SFY 2008 to discuss contract issues including services delivery to youth, outcome reporting, appropriate referrals and potential contract enhancements.

The CD is also using CFCIP funds to staff seven Older Youth Transition Specialist (OYTS) positions located in each of the seven regions of the state. This began in 2006. Prior to this, Chafee services were provided through 15 Independent Living Program Specialist positions who were employees of the CD. The OYTS are liaisons to the IL Coordinator and contracted providers of Chafee and TLP. The OY Specialists are responsible for monitoring the contractors for compliance. They conduct on-site monitoring visits, review expenditure reports, invoices, and outcome reports for accuracy and compliance. They are also the gatekeepers of referrals for Chafee services and TLP placements. The Specialists continue to work directly and collaboratively with the IL Coordinator, case managers, contracted providers, and youth. They continue to be responsible for on-going consultation and education to agency staff, providers, and the community. The seven Older Youth Transition Specialists may also assist with program coordination in their designated regions. Quarterly meetings are held with the Specialists and IL Coordinator. File reviews are conducted in each of the regions in an effort to improve and strengthen services and provide consistency throughout the state.

Additionally, funds are used for administration and facilitation of the State Youth Advisory Board and in summer 2009 to sponsor a youth and adult empowerment and leadership conference. The SYAB meets quarterly and the youth leadership conference is held every other year.

Plans are underway to implement the National Youth in Transition Database requirements. Older Youth Program forms are not currently in the SACWIS system. A survey tool is being developed and new service reporting mechanisms are in the process of being put in place. Contractor outcomes are in the process of being revised to match NYTD outcomes. Tools to stay connected with youth are being implemented. The IL coordinator has been given access to some social sites in order to connect with youth. The program and information technology units are working closing to ensure timely implementation and compliance measures. Representatives attended a forum in 2008 and will attend another one in June 2009 regarding NYTD. Staff has participated in numerous webinars relating to this as well.

2. Help youth receive the education, training, and services necessary to obtain employment:

CD case managers and Chafee and TLP contracted providers assist youth in resume development, interview skills, time management skills, employment aptitude testing and preparation for work and work life. They also provide career planning which consists of job shadowing, internships, and job site tours.

CD staff continues to refer youth to Job Corps, AmeriCorps, and all branches of the military. Missouri’s Workforce Development also offers five Job Corps centers which Missouri youth can attend. Three are located in Missouri. Job Corps is a residential education and employment training program which provides vocational and academic skills to young adults between the ages of 16 and 24. Youth accepted into the program are provided with room, board, and spending money while they learn. Job Corps is committed to providing a safe environment for its students to ensure they acquire the skills and preparation they need to succeed in the workplace.

The Missouri Mentoring Partnership (MMP) provides funding to nine community partnerships to implement structured work site and community-based mentoring. When youth are referred they must complete 20-30 hours (based on the youth’s learning capacity) of job readiness training. The curriculum focuses on "soft skills" training, resume preparation and mock interviews. Once the youth passes the job readiness training, they can begin their job search and then a job mentor is assigned.

Vocational rehabilitation services are utilized for youth that qualify for services through a disability. Services provided include assessment, job seeking skills, assistance with finding employment, vocational training, and individual counseling and guidance.

In August 2008, Former Governor Matt Blunt convened a task force on youth aging out which Governor Jay Nixon has continued. The task force is comprised of leaders from public and private entities. The goal for the task force is to maximize the use of resources to support young Missourians and their transition to successful adult roles and responsibilities. The task force will be submitting a three year plan in June 2009. One of the priority topics is employment and a representative from Workforce Development is on the panel which has increased collaboration. Money from the Federal stimulus package is available to assist youth between the ages of 16-24 with summer employment and CD is promoting this in conjunction with Workforce Development.

There have been three statewide webinars open to individuals from all agencies working with Older Youth regarding the ETV program, work and careers held in February, March, and April 2009. The E-Learning webinar to support ETV sessions were titled: Career Assessment and Exploration, Career Choices and ETV Funding, and Work Experience and Your Career Path. Websites resources have been shared in each session.

National internship opportunities have been promoted and obtained for youth in Missouri. FosterClub selects former or transitioning foster youth from across the country to serve a summer internship. FosterClub All-Stars assist in planning, facilitating and evaluating FosterClub’s national teen conferences. Each FosterClub All-Star learns to demonstrate leadership qualities and an ability to connect with peers. The Orphan Foundation of America has sponsored a Missouri youth for an intern position in Washington, DC with Senator Claire McCaskill through their Intern America program.

3. Help youth prepare for and enter post-secondary training and educational institutions:

Early and on-going support for education is extremely important in preparing youth for self-sufficiency. Education is being approached in a comprehensive and integrated manner in the early years. Setting and monitoring educational goals assists youth in understanding the importance of having a vision of educational success. The CD believes the utilization of the Adolescent FST Guide and Individualized Action Plan increases the support for positive educational outcomes and guides the CD case manager to provide that support and assistance to the older youth in foster care. CD case managers are encouraged to utilize the education supplements available through the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment, which is required for all youth 14-21 receiving Chafee services.

Chafee and TLP contracted providers are required to assist youth participating in their programs with academic achievement by providing an array of services including but not limited to advocating, planning, and coordinating for education needs, goals, and aspirations, assisting youth in assessing financial aid opportunities, ensuring the development of technology skills, and preparing the youth to make the transition form high school to post secondary education or employment. Examples of services include tutoring, campus and program tours, assistance with financial aid applications, and obtaining graduation items.

With the passage of the Stable and Safe Families Act, Missouri offers Education and Training Vouchers (ETV) program. Missouri uses ETV funding to expand and strengthen its post secondary educational assistance to eligible youth. The ETV program is implemented through a contracted provider. The purpose of the ETV program is to provide resources to eligible young adults to apply toward the cost of attendance at post-secondary vocational and/or educational institutions. Eligible ETV program participants are youth who are eligible for services under Missouri’s Chafee Foster Care Independence Program and youth who were adopted or achieve legal guardianship after the youth 16th birthday. Young adults who are receiving financial assistance through ETV on their 21st birthday may continue to receive ETV services up until their 23rd birthday, provided they are enrolled in a post secondary education or training program and are making satisfactory progress toward completion of that program.

Youth applicants must be graduating high school seniors, have their high school diploma, be completing their G.E.D. or have a G.E.D. certificate. Youth must be preparing for enrollment in post-secondary education, have been accepted for enrollment or are presently continuing their education at an institution of higher learning including a vocation/technical school. Youth must be making satisfactory progress (minimum GPA of 2.0 or otherwise agreed upon) and provide a copy of a transcript verifying their GPA in order to receive continued assistance. If youth are attending a program which does not use grades to document progress, the youth must provide a letter from the program verifying the youth is making satisfactory progress.

Funds provided under the ETV program may be used for expenses related to the cost of attendance as defined in section 472 of the Higher Education Act. Missouri offers different types of post-secondary institutions, which provides education and/or training beyond the high school level. Regionally accredited institutions of higher education in Missouri include two-year colleges, four-year colleges and universities and state colleges. There are accredited independent nonprofit two-year colleges, four-year colleges and universities, technical and professional institutions, theological schools, and seminaries. There is also a long list of proprietary institutions which may be accredited and unaccredited but are certified to operate by Missouri Department of Higher Education. These generally offer education and training designed to prepare graduates for direct entry into specific occupations or professions.

In 2008-2009, there were 285 youth funded through ETV.

There is currently an advisory committee on education that meets - the Improving Educational Outcomes for Foster Children Advisory Team.

A 17 member task force was appointed in August 2008 to address the critical needs of youth aging out of care. Education is a priority topic. The panel is preparing three year recommendations to the Governor.

Educational needs were also part of Child Advocacy Day in January 2009. Members of the State Youth Advisory Board prepared talking points to present to legislators the need for additional educational assistance for youth entering post secondary training and education institutions.

An education summit sponsored by America’s Promise Alliance was held in April 2009 for the entire state to address youth dropping out of high school. Various agencies across the state participated in this event through web conferencing. The priority of the summit was to improve high school completion rates. The summit also was to increase awareness, encourage collaboration and facilitate action in states and communities that want to improve their graduation rates. In addition, the dropout prevention summits purpose was to bring attention to high-need populations, create a place for topical discussions which lead to the development of local action plans, build upon existing local education reform efforts, and provide opportunities to influence local, state, and federal policy.

4. Provide personal and emotional support to youth through mentors and the promotion of interactions with dedicated adults:

Young people transitioning out of or who have exited foster care need to develop a support network. The influence of informal role models to serve as mentors in a support network is critical. Missouri currently offers personal and emotional support to young people through job placement, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and formal and informal mentors. Committed and caring adults are essential in guiding young people and helping them maneuver in their community.

It is in this belief that the Adolescent FST Guide and Individualized Action Plan was developed. It is the intent of CD staff to cultivate their community network to develop permanency connections for youth in care. It is the expectation this tool be a guide for case managers and assists them and the Family Support Team to become aware of available services to the youth. The youth is aware and fully engaged in this process. This tool also specifically requires up to three adult supports to be identified by the youth.

In February, 2008, CD staff participated in a symposium on "Missouri Foster Children and Youth and Their Educational Outcomes". This symposium was sponsored by the Missouri Coalition of Children’s Agencies and the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City. Participants learned about improving educational outcomes for children and youth in foster care through a panel discussion of educational advocates. Three current educational advocacy programs from Missouri shared their initiatives. State legislators from the House and Senate Appropriations Committees presented information about funding. Through this council, the CD partnered with DHSS and Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics to sponsor four regional Mental Health Issues in Adolescence workshops in the fall of 2007. These workshops were designed to target foster parents and youth workers to help them to understand adolescent growth and development, immunizations, foster healthy relationships, eating disorders and obesity in teens and to learn about treatment and interventions. Title IV-E funding will be utilized for payment of hours worked by case managers attending this training.

Youth in foster care have been participating in the Department of Mental Health (DMH) stakeholder meetings in SFY 2008. Youth are able to give their perspective and input on DMH policy and procedures as it affects and relates to foster care youth. This participation will continue.

The Missouri Mentoring Partnership (MMP) provides resource coordination for youth and volunteer mentors recruited from the community. These mentors provide positive role modeling, friendship and guidance around employment and parenting issues to youth who are entering the workplace or have become parents. MMP helps prepare youth for success and self-sufficiency. The hallmark of MMP is the support youth receive from volunteer community mentors and committed local businesses.

The MMP Work Site program provides job readiness training, mentor recruitment and training and support services and local business partners provide the youth with paid employment and an on-site employer-sponsored mentor.

The Young Parent Program provides parenting classes, mentor recruitment and training, support groups and resources such as books, diapers and car seats. Both programs stress continued education and many youth progress on to post-secondary educational programs. Participants are provided with the necessary tools to achieve outcomes that promote self-sufficiency and help them become productive members of their communities.

Community service or volunteering is a critical component in life skills training. Youth who volunteer in community service programs have an opportunity to develop work skills and to meet and develop relationships with adults and other youth who are involved in the same projects. Contracted providers are required to assist youth in developing these skills.

The Missouri CD promotes interaction between youth and dedicated adults through the Transitional Living Advocate program. Through this program youth are connected with adults who become their advocate or mentor. These adults receive 18 hours of training from CD staff on adolescent issues, including three hours each in cultural/race sensitivity, Older Youth Program life skills training overview, adolescent development with an emphasis on what to expect from adolescent behavior, emotional obstacles out-of-home care youth must overcome, adolescent sexuality and behavior management via natural consequences. These adult advocates provide the youth a safe place to stay, continued life skills training, encouragement and guidance in regard to employment, education and/or training, and preparation for successful transition from CD custody.

The Casey Family Programs "Ready, Set, Fly" curriculum is a required in-service training for all foster parents who accept placements of youth 14 years or older. This training is provided as a supportive tool foster parents can use with youth to develop or enhance life skills. Foster parents work in conjunction with case managers and Chafee providers to identify specific needs of the youth.

The State Youth Advisory Board (SYAB) continues to work on the development of a peer mentoring program and some members have become mentors. The SYAB would like to initiate peer mentoring through organizing foster youth support groups at local schools. This will continue to be an on-going project in the FY 2010 year. The SYAB also plans to link with foster care alumni to assist the Board by providing support and insight.

The State Youth Advisory Board will be hosting a youth and adult empowerment and leadership conference summer 2009. The intent of the conference is to bring adults and youth together while providing motivation and leadership training.

Missouri Court Appointed Special Advocates also play a vital role in mentoring Older Youth. These volunteers as an organization statewide have assisted youth throughout the state in advocating for their needs and providing emotional support.

5. Provide financial, housing, counseling, employment, education, and other appropriate support and services to former foster care recipients between 18 and 21 years of age:

Missouri continues to provide services and support for youth in foster care or former foster care youth between 18 and 21 years of age. While in foster care, these older youth are provided with the same services as the younger youth. In addition, older foster youth also receive education, training, and other services necessary to obtain employment, prepare for and enter post-secondary education and training.

Chafee services are available for foster youth ages 14-21. Youth who exit foster care on their 17.5 birthday and have not yet reached age 21 are eligible to receive Chafee Aftercare services. Youth may access Chafee services as needed while in the Division’s care and custody or as a former foster youth.

Aftercare services are flexible, short term and used as a safety net to meet the needs of the youth after they have exited CD custody. Aftercare services are provided by Chafee contracted providers. The array of services varies depending on the need of the former foster youth. Chafee funds may be expended for a variety of reasons and should be used as a support for the young adult, not an on-going supplemental funding source. Aftercare services may include emergency/crisis intervention services, housing/room and board, educational/job training/employment assistance, and other support services. Room and board services are only available to youth who exited custody at age 18 or after, but they have not yet reached age 21. Room and board may include security and utility deposits, rent, utilities, food, start-up kits, basic necessities, and basic furniture. Support services provided include life skills training, transportation, child care, clothing, and other expenses as needed.

Case managers are required to provide an exit packet to youth prior to their release from CD custody. The packet includes information on the Aftercare Program.

Missouri also extends medical coverage through MO Healthnet for youth who left care after age 18 but are not yet 21. Youth are eligible regardless of income or assets as long as they aged out in Missouri and continue to reside in Missouri. This became effective in July 2007 with the passage of SB 577, the Missouri Health Improvement Act.

Collaboration activities completed and planned with other Federal and State programs for youth include collaboration with shareholders and the courts. The Missouri state level coordinator for the CFCIP sits on the Council for Adolescent and School Health (CASH). This council is administered by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and consists of various state and county agencies. Its goal is to support adolescent and school health and to facilitate collaboration to promote a coordinated, family, community, and school approach to achieve healthy adolescent development.

An Older Youth Transition Specialist participates in the Older Homeless Adolescent Taskforce. This is a coalition of multiple agencies and organizations within the St. Louis community coordinated by the Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, who meet quarterly to learn about each other, discuss and develop solutions, and provide community services to prevent and decrease homelessness in their area. An Older Youth Transition Specialist also serves on the Coalition for Homeless Youth Providers Services (CHYPS) and the Youth Round Table, which focuses on youth with mental health issues transitioning to adulthood and the services needed. Both meetings are held monthly in Kansas City.

The St. Louis Aging Out Initiative is a project administered by Epworth Children and Family Services, a residential and transitional living program in St. Louis. This initiative targets youth in the foster care who are 16 years old in a residential or transitional living program in the St. Louis area. This project focuses on linking youth to current service providers and creating support networks with area agencies. Online workstations and a 24-hour helpline will be available for youth to utilize. Also a peer advisor will be working directly with the youth. The intended outcomes of the project are to: teach youth self-advocacy behaviors, speaking in court; hearing and leading their own Family Support Team meeting; to have sixty percent of youth participants earn their high school diploma or GED; and to have one hundred percent of youth participants who exit the program to have their personal documents, such as their social security card, birth certificate, immunization record, etc.

In SFY 08, the CD and the Office of State Court Administrator collaborated with the National Resource Center for Youth Development, the National Resource Center on Legal and Judicial Issues and the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law in an effort to provide training to Missouri court personnel, judges, juvenile officers and Guardians ad litem, on permanency issues of older youth in foster care, positive youth development and Chafee services. This training was offered in the fall of 2007 in seven locations around the state. The CD Independent Living Coordinator was part of the panel discussion at each site. Local foster youth and former foster youth were also panel members in each of the seven sessions.

CD and youth will participate in the Family Law Symposium in May 2009 with the Office of State Court Administrators with the National Resource Center for Youth Development, the National Resource Center on Legal and Judicial Issues and the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law in an effort to provide training to Missouri court personnel, judges, juvenile officers and Guardians ad litem, on permanency issues of older youth in foster care, positive youth development and Chafee services. Training conducted:

The CD promotes interaction between youth and dedicated adults through the Transitional Living Advocate program. Through this program youth are connected with adults who become their advocate or mentor. These adults receive 18 hours of training from Older Youth Transition Specialists or other CD trainers on adolescent issues, including three hours each in cultural/race sensitivity, ILP life skills training overview, adolescent development with an emphasis on what to expect from adolescent behavior, emotional obstacles out-of-home care youth must overcome, adolescent sexuality and behavior management via natural consequences. These adult advocates provide the youth a safe place to stay, continued life skills training, encouragement and guidance in regard to employment, education and/or training, and preparation for successful transition from CD custody.

The Casey Family Programs "Ready, Set, Fly" curriculum for in-service training of foster parents is provided as a supportive tool foster parents can use with youth working in the independent life skills classes to help them practice their skills learned in the home. Foster parents which are licensed for older youth are required to receive the training. The training is conducted by local training staff.

The Older Youth Program Training, which includes training on the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment, Adolescent FST Guide and Individualized Action Plan, positive youth development, permanency issues specific to older youth, cultural competency, and community collaboration was provided to Transitional Living Providers. The training was also incorporated into the core curriculum for all new hires in July of 2008. The training is conducted by CD staff trainers in the Professional Development Unit. Sessions are held across the state with youth co-trainers.

The Older Youth Transition Specialists continue to provide follow up training in SYF 2010 to case managers, contracted staff, and supervisors in their respective Regions. The Specialists assist staff in the implementation of changes in the Older Youth Program practice and tools.

The Center on Adolescent Sexuality, Pregnancy and Parenting (CASPP) provided 1-day training event for Chafee and TLP Providers in FY09. Participants were trained in the Making Proud Choices! curriculum and received the skills and materials necessary to implement a safer-sex approach to HIV/STDs and teen pregnancy prevention with at-risk youth.

Service design and delivery of the trust fund program:

Missouri has not established a trust fund program for youth receiving independent living services or transition assistance.

Activities undertaken to involve youth in State agency efforts, such as the CFSR/PIP process:

The CD recognizes the importance of and remains committed to youth involvement and development. When possible, youth are asked to assist in foster parent STARS pre-service and in-service trainings. Other trainings include Transitional Living Advocate and Court Appointed Special Advocates. Youth are often invited to participate and speak on youth panels and facilitate and lead workshops. Youth will be speaking at foster parent appreciation dinners throughout the state in May 2009. The State Youth Advisory Board members were presented an overview of the CFSR/PIP process in April 2008 and a youth was selected to represent the SYAB at the Children Service Federal Review Advisory Committee Meetings. There are three meetings scheduled for calendar year 2009. The CD provides SYAB members and other current and former foster youth with a $25 per day stipend for attending speaking engagements or participating in requested events, such as a program workgroup. The youth also receive mileage reimbursement for their travel to any such event if they are transporting themselves.

Youth on the SYAB host and design the entire bi-annual state youth conference. Workshops and conference activities are generally led by the youth. A conference is scheduled for June 22-24, 2009.

Through the SYAB, youth have an opportunity to give policy and procedural input to CD staff, provide meaningful leadership training and experiences for board members, and empower board members who, in turn, can empower other youth in out-of-home care. SYAB members and other current and former foster youth have been involved in panel presentations and various state/area conferences regarding what the CFCIP has meant to them and how it can make a difference.

Other involvement includes:

Meeting with legislators during the Annual Child Advocacy Day to provide information and advocate for foster care and independent living services
Speaking at community meetings to provide information about foster care and adoption issues
Participating in agency meetings and committees, such as the PIP Advisory Committee and CQI state level meeting, Federal Regional meetings
Providing CFCIP and ETV Program information to foster parents, youth and community members
Participating in other community youth boards or councils, such as FosterClub All-Stars and Department of Mental Health Advisory Council.
Participating in conferences such as the Convening on Youth Permanence Conference, the Youth and Adult Partnership Academy, and Faith-Based Conference.
Volunteering at local CD offices to gain job experience.

The CD has invested in the FosterClub All-Star Program to be able to send a youth to leadership training and participation in national leadership events. It is the philosophy of the agency that by providing this type of leadership training and national exposure that this one youth will be able to directly impact the lives of many youth within the state of Missouri. This youth will also be a trained leader in which he/she can better advocate within the system on behalf of youth in foster care. For the past four three years, Missouri has sponsored an All-Star participant and will sponsor a new participant in SFY 10. Each of these youth has and will be expected to participate in CD workgroups, state agency advisory boards and various speaking engagements.

In SFY 09 the SYAB members and other current and former foster youth assisted in training CD staff on the Older Youth Program sharing their perspective on why CD’s philosophy and tools will help youth transition successfully from foster care. In SFY 2010, foster youth assisted in providing Older Youth Program training to new staff.

Educational and Training Vouchers

Missouri will continue to expand and strengthen the ETV program to serve eligible youth. Missouri does not have a state tuition waiver program and currently uses ETV funding to assist youth with costs of attendance for post-secondary educational and training programs.

The CD is contracted with the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) to provide ETV services. The CD, through specific contract requirements, plans to utilize all of the ETV funding received and to continue collaboration with OFA to provide these services. Missouri has utilized all of its ETV funds for the past two years.

There are no plans to change the eligibility criteria for youth at this time.

Currently, eligible youth access the ETV program through the OFA website at www.statevoucher.org. Eligible youth are those who currently qualify for Chafee services and are in the process of transitioning out of foster care or are former foster care youth between the ages of 17.5 - 21. Foster and former foster care youth participating in ETV on their 21st birthday shall remain eligible until their 23rd birthday, provided they are making satisfactory progress. Post-secondary ETVs are also offered to youth who were adopted or achieved legal guardianship after age 16. The application and all record keeping are online and available to appropriate state staff for oversight purposes, and training is provided via teleconferencing. The website allows CD to monitor youth’s application and paperwork at each step of the process. OFA looks at every ETV applicant individually, assessing their tuition need and cost of daily living, and each student gets the ETV disbursement that best suits these needs. Funds are available on a first come first serve basis.

Current requirements for eligible youth to receive assistance are:

Youth must demonstrate academic success or motivation in school (generally a "C" average or its equivalency or as otherwise agreed upon with the plan) or in a training program;
Youth must be accepted to an accredited college/university, vocational school or certified training program;
Appropriate scholarships, grants and other financial assistance must be explored and utilized, and;
There must be reasonable assurance the youth will graduate from the educational or training program.

In August 2008, Former Governor Matt Blunt convened a task force on youth aging out which Governor Jay Nixon has continued. The task force is comprised of leaders from public and private entities. The goal for the task force is to maximize the use of resources to support young Missourians and their transition to successful adult roles and responsibilities. One of the priority topics is education. The task force will be submitting a three year plan in June 2009. CD will support the recommendations of the task force and assist in implementation of the goals which are not available at the writing of this report.

The CD will continue efforts in educating youth, staff, and community partners on the ETV program.

For FY10-FY2014, Missouri plans to continue providing ETV services through OFA and to continue education and outreach efforts regarding the program.

Older Youth Efforts

The Older Youth Program (OYP) reflects the philosophy and the services offered to foster and former foster youth, ages 14 and older. The program addresses:

The philosophy of youth permanency and positive youth development;
The responsibilities of case managers of older youth, Chafee Contractors, TLP Contractors, and Older Youth Transition Specialists;
Procedures for using the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment and the Adolescent FST Guide & Individualized Action Plan;
Helpful resources to engage youth in permanency and education planning.

Performance assessment is used to show the direct observation of a youth’s performance and allows the youth to see their accomplishment with historical data on their overall life skill development.

In FY10-FY14, sample file reviews will be conducted of youth receiving Older Youth Program Services. Reviewers will look at documentation and services being provided to youth 14-21 throughout the state in order to determine strengths and needs and improve upon these.

In FY10-FY14, file reviews of the Older Youth Transition Specialists (OYTS) records on contracted providers will be reviewed to look at documentation and services being provided for youth 14-21 throughout the state in order to determine strengths and needs and improve upon these.

In FY10-FY14, all Older Youth Program (OYP) forms will be available through the FACES system. CD plans to continue contracting services out through private agencies and building upon community resources for older youth. CD will be strengthening permanency connection requirements for older youth by adding an edit in the system where three permanent connection names and addresses must be entered at the time of exit from care. CD will continue its efforts to ensure that all youth eligible for OYP services are receiving them.

CD will be compliant in reporting services and outcomes for youth for the National Youth In Transition Database (NYTD) and will develop outreach efforts for youth who are no longer in care.

For FY10-FY14, CD will continue contracting out Chafee, TLP, and ETV services and continue development of community resources. CD will be reporting services and outcomes on Older Youth and forms will be automated allowing data to be extracted regarding services and outcome. Record reviews of Older Youth and OYTS files will be conducted to evaluate services being provided as well.

State Youth Advisory Board

Members of the SYAB represent all children and youth who have/are in Out-of-Home placements. Each SYAB member is responsible for providing Children’s Services policy and procedural input to CD administrative staff/Juvenile Court. The SYAB decides what goals and activities they want to pursue for upcoming meetings and carry those out accordingly. The SYAB also works as a network by bringing back important information to the Area Youth Advisory Board (AYAB).

The State Youth Advisory Board (SYAB) will meet on a quarterly basis for FY10-FY14. The Chafee contract contains language requiring each region to nominate up to three youth for potential membership on the board. Transitional Living Program (TLP) contractors and Native American Indian Centers have also been invited to nominate youth. The SYAB will continue efforts to include Native American Indian Center youth participation in leadership activities.

In FY10-FY14, CD will work on development and full implementation of regional leadership boards with the Chafee and TLP providers.

In FY10-FY14 the SYAB will continue to provide input for programs and policies and advocate for youth in out-of-home care.

The strategic goals of the SYAB consist of developing a peer-to-peer network, advocating for car insurance policy for youth in foster care, and hosting a youth and adult conference every other year. The SYAB also wants to continue outreach activities to encourage Native American SYAB membership.

The SYAB will continue to discuss and develop a concept behind how they would like a peer mentoring network to look. There has been discussion of involvement of foster care alumni to help make this happen.

Efforts continue to advocate for car insurance for foster youth. The SYAB members previously drafted a letter about the need for foster youth to have car insurance and their idea of a group policy for foster youth.

The SYAB will plan and host a youth and adult leadership and empowerment conference on topics that they deem important for youth every other year. A conference is being held in June 2009.

SYAB members will continue to participate in Child Advocacy Day on an annual basis and advocate for issues that are important for youth in care across the state.

SYAB members, as well as other older youth in care throughout the state, will continue to be active in participating in speaking engagements and workgroups to promote youth in foster care needs. SYAB members will continue to present at CD’s OYP Training statewide, and other local presentations. SYAB members will continue participation in various workgroups as well. Youth throughout the state will continue participating at the national level in an internship in Washington D.C., through the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) and with the FosterClub All-Stars.

For FY10-FY14, the SYAB will continue to participate in speaking engagements and advisory boards/committees throughout the state and will continue to be the voice of youth in care and increase their visibility and participation in communities.

B. Chafee Five Year Plan, 2010 to 2014

Accomplishments achieved and planned activities for each of the first five purposes of CFCIP:

1. Assist youth to transition from dependency to self-sufficiency:

The CD will continue to use the CFCIP funds to staff one state level coordinator. The state level coordinator position will continue to be responsible for program development and coordination, implementation, resource development, training, administrative oversight, technical assistance, and policy development. The coordinator will also be responsible for management and oversight of the Chafee, ETV, and Transitional Living Program (TLP) contracts.

The CD will also use CFCIP funds to staff seven Older Youth Transition Specialist positions located in each of the seven regions of the state. The Specialists will continue to be the liaisons to the IL Coordinator and contracted providers of Chafee and TLP. The Specialists will continue to be responsible for monitoring the contractors for compliance. They will conduct on-site monitoring visits, review expenditure reports, invoices, and outcome reports for accuracy and compliance. They will be the gatekeepers of referrals for Chafee services and TLP placements. The Specialists will continue to work directly and collaboratively with the IL Coordinator, case managers, contracted providers, and youth and to be responsible for on-going consultation and education to agency staff, providers, and the community. The seven Older Youth Transition Specialists may also assist with program coordination in their designated regions. Quarterly meetings will be held with the Specialists and IL Coordinator. The Older Youth Transition Specialists duties will be reviewed and revised for consistency across the state and to assist with National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) implementation by October 2010.

The CD Older Youth Program encompasses all the services and programs which are offered to foster and former foster youth, including youth who obtained kinship guardianship or adoption after the age of sixteen, to achieve positive outcomes in their transition to self-sufficiency. This program encompasses Chafee services to youth ages 14-21 as well as the Transitional Living Program, Education & Training Voucher Program and Independent Living Arrangements. All new employees are trained through a separate curriculum regarding the Older Youth Program requirements. Youth continue to receive information about available Chafee services through their case manager and the Older Youth Transition Specialists. Services are to be used to assist youth in complementing their own efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and to assure they recognize and accept personal responsibility in preparation for and the successful transition from adolescence to adulthood. Youth are involved in their case planning to address the development of skills and resources needed to facilitate their transition to self-sufficiency. Multiple Assessments including a strengths/needs assessment, the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment, Portfolio Assessment and Performance Assessment are used to establish goals and monitor progress and achievement. The Adolescent Family Support Team Guide and Individualized Action Plan is utilized by case managers for development and documentation of the youth’s transition plan, for youth ages 14 to 21.

Policy at the CD currently requires all staff to begin transition planning for all youth ages 17 and older and for those who will be leaving foster care after age 18. The purpose of conducting transition planning is to identify anticipated service needs and arrange for meeting the needs of older youth who will soon be exiting foster care. In order to prepare youth for their exit from the foster care system, the Case Manager or Children’s Service Worker (CSW) meets with their youth to complete exit planning ninety days prior to release from custody. The Adolescent FST Guide and Individualized Action Plan is used to capture the transition plan for the youth and is intended to be a proactive, youth driven case planning tool. This tool should be discussed and utilized at least every six months at the Family Support Team Meeting with youth ages 14-21. Exit packets are also provided to youth upon discharge from care. Exit packets contain information on ETV, MoHealthNet, Chafee Aftercare Services, and local community resources. A verification letter indicating the youth’s time in care is also provided to aid the youth in receiving assistance after leaving care within the state and out of state for services that require eligibility verification. Education of staff around transition planning will continue in FY10-FY14.

Steps will be taken to evaluate philosophical and programmatic changes as well as tools and forms utilized in the OYP. The CD is continuously exploring needs of staff in regards to the Older Youth Program and once a need is identified, implementing tools to assist staff to become more knowledgeable. Several links to web resources regarding Older Youth were added to the intranet and resources will continue to be added. The use of technology as a means to stay connected to older youth will also be used beginning in 2010.

The State Youth Advisory Board will plan and host a youth and adult empowerment and leadership conference every other year. A conference is being held June 2009. The intent of the conference is to bring adults and youth together while providing motivation and leadership training.

Plans are underway to implement the National Youth in Transition Database requirements. Older Youth Program forms are not currently in the SACWIS system. A survey tool is being developed and new service reporting mechanisms are in the process of being put in place. Contractor outcomes are in the process of being revised to match NYTD outcomes. Tools to stay connected with youth are being implemented. The IL coordinator has been given access to some social sites in order to connect with youth. The program and information technology units are working closing to ensure timely implementation and compliance measures. Representatives will attend a forum in June 2009 regarding NYTD. Staff has participated in numerous webinars relating to this as well and will continue to educate themselves and prepare for implementation of NYTD. NYTD reporting will begin in 2011 and CD plans to be in compliance with the requirements set forth in order to receive the full Chafee allotment. CD staff and Contracted providers are and will continue working jointly in this effort.

2. Help youth receive the education, training, and services necessary to obtain employment:

CD case managers and Chafee and TLP contracted providers will continue to assist youth in resume development, interview skills, time management skills, employment aptitude testing and preparation for work and work life. They also will provide career planning which consists of job shadowing, internships, and job site tours.

CD staff will continue to refer youth to Job Corps, AmeriCorps, and all branches of the military as well as utilize the Missouri Mentoring Partnership (MMP), and vocational rehabilitation services for youth that qualify for services through a disability.

In SFY 2008, the CD has continued to participate in the development and utilization of the "Shared Youth Vision" collaborative effort. The Division of Labor, the CD, the Division of Youth Services, the Department of Secondary Education and the Department of Justice have come together to discuss how this collaboration can be an effective strategy to meeting the needs of youth involved in each agency. It is the continued goal of the CD to utilize this collaborative effort to better meet the needs of our youth in care.

In August 2008, Former Governor Matt Blunt convened a task force on youth aging out which Governor Jay Nixon has continued. The task force is comprised of leaders from public and private entities. The goal for the task force is to maximize the use of resources to support young Missourians and their transition to successful adult roles and responsibilities. The task force will be submitting a three year plan in June 2009. At the writing of this report, the specific recommendations are unknown but CD plans to assist in carrying out the recommendations of the task force as well as provide continued support and assistance to the panel should it be continued after the recommendations are presented.

Missouri CD plans to continue collaboration with the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) in providing ETV services to youth as well as providing support and training to staff that work with older youth.

Missouri plans to continue to support and sponsor national internship opportunities for youth through FosterClub All-Stars and OFA as well as other opportunities that present themselves for Older Youth.

3. Help youth prepare for and enter post-secondary training and educational institutions:

Members of the SYAB will continue to advocate for educational needs of youth in foster care.

4. Provide personal and emotional support to youth through mentors and the promotion of interactions with dedicated adults:

The Missouri Mentoring Partnership (MMP) will continue to be a resource provides resource coordination for youth and volunteer mentors recruited from the community. These mentors provide positive role modeling, friendship and guidance around employment and parenting issues to youth who are entering the workplace or have become parents. MMP helps prepare youth for success and self-sufficiency. The hallmark of MMP is the support youth receive from volunteer community mentors and committed local businesses.

The Missouri CD promotes interaction between youth and dedicated adults through the Transitional Living Advocate program. This program will continue in FY10-FY14. Through this program youth are connected with adults who become their advocate or mentor. These adults receive 18 hours of training from CD staff on adolescent issues, including three hours each in cultural/race sensitivity, Older Youth Program life skills training overview, adolescent development with an emphasis on what to expect from adolescent behavior, emotional obstacles out-of-home care youth must overcome, adolescent sexuality and behavior management via natural consequences. These adult advocates provide the youth a safe place to stay, continued life skills training, encouragement and guidance in regard to employment, education and/or training, and preparation for successful transition from CD custody.

5. Provide financial, housing, counseling, employment, education, and other appropriate support and services to former foster care recipients between 18 and 21 years of age:

Missouri will continue to provide services and support for youth in foster care or former foster care youth between 18 and 21 years of age. While in foster care, these older youth are provided with the same services as the younger youth. In addition, older foster youth also receive education, training, and other services necessary to obtain employment, prepare for and enter post-secondary education and training.

Missouri also extends medical coverage through MO Healthnet for youth who left care after age 18 but are not yet 21. Youth are eligible regardless of income or assets as long as they aged out in Missouri and continue to reside in Missouri. In FY10-FY14, efforts will continue to ensure that youth are made aware of this benefit.

Youth in foster care have been participating in the Department of Mental Health (DMH) stakeholder meetings. Youth are able to give their perspective and input on DMH policy and procedures as it affects and relates to foster care youth. This participation will continue.

Training planned for FY10-FY14:

The Older Youth Transition Specialists will continue to provide follow up training to case managers, contracted staff, and supervisors in their respective Regions. The Specialists assist staff in the implementation of changes in the Older Youth Program practice and tools.

Training will continue to be provided through the Orphan Foundation of America on topics to assist youth in obtaining an education and finding employment.

Service design and delivery of the trust fund program:

Missouri has not established a trust fund program for youth receiving independent living services or transition assistance.

Activities undertaken to involve youth in State agency efforts, such as the CFSR/PIP process:

The CD recognizes the importance of and remains committed to youth involvement and development. When possible, youth are asked to assist in foster parent STARS pre-service and in-service trainings. Other trainings include Transitional Living Advocate and Court Appointed Special Advocates. Youth are often invited to participate and speak on youth panels and facilitate and lead workshops. Youth will continue to speak at foster parent appreciation dinners throughout the state. The State Youth Advisory Board members were presented an overview of the CFSR/PIP process in April 2009 and a youth was selected to represent the SYAB at the Children Service Federal Review Advisory Committee Meetings. The CD provides SYAB members and other current and former foster youth with a $25 per day stipend for attending speaking engagements or participating in requested events, such as a program workgroup. The youth also receive mileage reimbursement for their travel to any such event if they are transporting themselves.

Youth on the SYAB host and design the entire bi-annual state youth conference. Workshops and conference activities are generally led by the youth. A conference is scheduled for June 22-24, 2009.

Other involvement includes:

Meeting with legislators during the Annual Child Advocacy Day to provide information and advocate for foster care and independent living services
Speaking at community meetings to provide information about foster care and adoption issues
Participating in agency meetings and committees, such as the PIP Advisory Committee and CQI state level meeting, Federal Regional meetings
Providing CFCIP and ETV Program information to foster parents, youth and community members
Participating in other community youth boards or councils, such as FosterClub All-Stars and Department of Mental Health Advisory Council.

The CD has invested in the FosterClub All-Star Program to be able to send a youth to leadership training and participation in national leadership events. It is the philosophy of the agency that by providing this type of leadership training and national exposure that this one youth will be able to directly impact the lives of many youth within the state of Missouri. This youth will also be a trained leader in which he/she can better advocate within the system on behalf of youth in foster care. For the past four three years, Missouri has sponsored an All-Star participant and will sponsor a new participant in SFY 10 and will continue this program. Each of these youth has and will be expected to participate in CD workgroups, state agency advisory boards and various speaking engagements.

In FY10-FY14 SYAB members and other current and former foster youth will assist in training CD staff on the Older Youth Program sharing their perspective on why CD’s philosophy and tools will help youth transition successfully from foster care.

Family Support Services

Keeping Kids Safe

Payments

Learn More About

Child Care Providers

Child Welfare Providers

MO HealthNet Providers

Family Support Division Providers

Become a DSS Provider

Chafee Foster Care Independence and Education and Training Vouchers Program 2005-2009