What we’ll cover - Introductions - Mine Field Activity - The MYTH of Independent Living - Permanence: What is it? - Role of Supportive Adults - The Permanency Pact - All-Star Stories
About FosterClub The national network of young people in foster care Built for youth, powered by youth, changing life in foster care.
Activity: Mine Field • The ‘Walker’ is blindfolded • The ‘Supporter’ will give verbal instructions to the Walker about how to get through the mine field. • If the Walker steps on a mine, they must start over. • Supporter must stay in the entry area of the mine field.
Activity: Mine Field DEBRIEF: • Walkers — what part of the mine field was easier to get through - the beginning or the end? WHY? • Supporters — what made your job difficult? • Did the group that had the FOLLOW ALONG rule have an advantage?
The MYTH of Independent Living
Defining permanence The Government’s definition • It’s your legal case plan – determined by the foster care agency and approved by the Courts • Could include reunification, adoption, kinship (relative) care, legal guardianship, or APPLA • Do you know yours? You have the RIGHT to know what it is! Ask!
Defining permanence The YOUTH definition • It’s about connections to Supportive Adults • People you trust to lead you through the mine fields in life • Having someone you can turn to for advice and support — not just for now, but for a lifetime
So… what IS the role of supportive adults?
What is a Permanency Pact? A promise between a supportive adult and a young person about the kind of support the young person can turn to the adult for.
45 suggested supports • Home for the holidays • Relationship/ marriage advice • A place to do laundry • Transportation • Emergency place to stay • Assistance with medical appointments • Food/occasional meals • Storage • Care package at college • Motivation • Employment opportunity • Spiritual support • Job search assistance • Legal troubles • Recreational activities • Cultural experience • Mentor • More... • Mental health support
Why get a Permanency Pact? Provides you with a safety net you can count on. Having a defined and verbalized commitment ensures there won’t be misunderstanding - everyone is on the same page. Helps to educate supportive adults about why their role is so important to a youth transitioning from foster care.
Ground rules for a Permanency Pact • The young person identifies the supportive adult(s) • Somebody they already know • The adult must be willing to commit to a long-term (or lifetime) role in the young person’s life • The adult must be able to provide the young person with specific, positive supports
Who can help you? facilitator Supportive Youth adult
Right People = Right Roles • You can have as many Permanency Pacts as you would like! • Could include biological relatives • Remember YOUR ROLE in the relationship?
All-Star stories
Thank you For more information, contact FosterClub: www.fosterclub.com 503-717-1552
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