New Avenues’ commitment is not only to assisting homeless youth in exiting street life, but also in preventing at-risk youth from becoming homeless. By addressing the root causes of teen homelessness in Portland, we are able to reduce the number of youth who are at risk of becoming homeless.
Fostering Independence
Nationally, teens exiting foster care are at higher risk of negative life experiences, including homelessness, unemployment or low-paying jobs, and school failure, compared to non-foster teens. The Fostering Independence Project, a collaboration between the Oregon Department of Human Services--Foster Care (DHS), Portland State University's Child Welfare Partnership (CWP) and New Avenues For Youth, is designed to prevent teens 13 to 17 from running away from foster care placement or exiting foster care without the supports and skills needed to prevent homelessness and to thrive.
Through early identification of youth at risk of foster care disruption, the Fostering Independence project collaborates with youth to identify their real-life goals, develop a personal plan to help them reach their goals, and connect youth to needed resources and supports. A Master's-level case manager uses strengths model case management to engage youth, assess their strengths and needs, and develop a relationship wherein youth are empowered to achieve their goals.
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