One of the areas never adequately addressed in child welfare is what really happens to our collective ‘kids’ after they leave the foster care system.
- What keeps them from making it to the finish line?
- Why can’t they take advantage of what Virginia can offer them post-high school?
- Who picks them up when they fall?
When former foster youth reconnect with People Places staff, they often do not have the benefit of family resources. While each has a varying degree of need, all share a commonality of the desire to connect with someone who knew their past and with whom they could talk about their present. They need someone to listen, help problem-solve, and offer advice. Some need jobs, money, and housing; others need counseling and legal help; but all need encouragement and someone to care and show a measure of pride in who they have become...the gifts of validation that a parent offers to an adult child. Their stories inspired the development of a pilot program in 2007 called COACH(Community Offered Adult-Child Help). A solid collaborative partnership has been established with the Independent Living (IL) teams representing Albemarle and Charlottesville Departments of Social Services. COACH has been well-received in the local community with recognition that former foster youth struggle with their transition to adulthood more than those who have never been in this system.
COACH Client Referrals: After an informal assessment with a solution
focus, we facilitate referrals to community resources, offer
appropriate financial assistance, and ENCOURAGEMENT to live in the
real world of our community.
Former foster youth, ages 14-21, may also qualify for other Independent Living Services and they may
also seek support through the Foster Care Alumni Association.
Mentoring: If you would like to learn more about the COACH Program
and/or an opportunity to serve as a volunteer mentor, please contact
us using the information below.
If you know of a client that would benefit from the COACH program, are interested in donating time or program funds, or are interested in providing mentoring to help clients achieve independence, please contact your local People Places office to discuss opportunities that will allow us to continue COACH's valuable presence and momentum in our local community.
| People Places of the Valley Phone: (540) 885-8841 Fax: (540) 886-6379 |
People Places of Charlottesville Phone: (434) 979-0335 Fax: (434) 979-0202 |
