Adverse experiences are made easier with a caring and attentive support network. By creating genuine connections with mentors and peers, individuals will be both empowered and affirmed in their experiences.
Develop training and support for youth on building and maintaining healthy relationships with peers and adults.
Tasks:
Identify healthy relationships and healthy support content to incorporate into life skills classes and that is inclusive of the unique experiences of populations that are disproportionately impacted by housing instability including youth of color, LGBTQ+ youth, youth who have immigrated to the U.S., pregnant and parenting youth, and youth who have been system-involved.
Identify existing curriculum/class models in the local community and nationally and assess for relevance and adaptability.
Work to identify effective strategies for implementation.
Identify program models in other communities that have been successful in building sustainable permanent connections and mentoring relationships for youth experiencing housing instability.
Tasks:
Identify group mentoring programs implemented successfully in other communities for youth experiencing housing instability.
Identify individual mentoring programs implemented successfully in other communities for youth experiencing housing instability.
Identify peer mentorship models implemented successfully in other communities for youth experiencing housing instability.
Develop and encourage use of screening and assessment tools to be used in existing and new programs and services for youth experiencing housing instability that will assist with identifying existing natural supports, as well as opportunities to enhance permanent connections for youth.
Tasks:
Identify existing screening tools to assess a youth’s support network and permanent connection opportunities with particular attention to those that are sensitive to the unique experiences of youth of color, LGBTQ+ youth, youth who have immigrated to the U.S., pregnant and parenting youth, and youth who have been system-involved.
Assess tools for relevance and adaptability.
Work with programs and providers to implement, evaluate, and revise screening tool.
Develop and implement a pilot permanent connection/mentoring program specifically for youth experiencing housing instability.
Tasks:
Based on research and identified program models from other communities, adapt/develop a model for implementation that meets the needs of youth in the Richmond community.
Identify a community partner and funding source for implementation.
Evaluate and adapt the model for replication.
Conduct a research study on local assets that youth who have experienced housing instability have identified and benefited from for their permanent connection – both peer and adult connections – needs.
Tasks:
Work with Advocates for Richmond Youth to design and conduct a research study.
Analyze data using methods that allow for a disaggregated look at the unique experiences of youth of color, LGBTQ+ youth, youth who have immigrated to the U.S., pregnant and parenting youth, and youth who have been system-involved.
Based on research findings, develop a strategic plan for enhancing existing resources and opportunities used by youth to establish and maintain permanent connections.