Young Parents Resource Centre & Supportive Housing Program Design Charrette

Transcription

1 Young Parents Resource Centre & Supportive Housing Program Design Charrette COMPANION DOCUMENT May 6, 2010 Prepared by: Marie White Goss Gilroy Inc. Management Consultants 401 Empire Avenue St. John s, NL, A1E 1W6 Tel: Fax:

2 HERE IS THE LIST AND ORDER OF SECTIONS FOR THIS COMPANION DOCUMENT: Section 1: Findings Youth Focus Groups (St. John s Metro region) Presenters: Cheryl Coleman (CFY) & Ellie Jones (CYN) Section 2: Grace Haven Young Parent Resource Centre (Hamilton, Ontario) Presenter: Joanne Rochon Program Manager, The Salvation Army Grace Haven Section 3: The Jean Tweed Centre for Women and their Families The Pathways to Healthy Families Program (Toronto, Ontario) Presenter: Tammy MacKenzie Manager, Pathways to Healthy Families, Jean Tweed Centre Section 4: June Callwood Centre for Women & Families (Toronto, Ontario) Presenter: Heather Bergen Housing Access Counsellor, June Callwood Centre for Women and Families

3 Section 1: Findings Youth Focus Groups (St. John s Metro region) Presenters: Cheryl Coleman (CFY) & Ellie Jones (CYN)

4 Total of 12 young parents (16-25 yrs) 9 female 3 male Children s ages range from pre-birth 5 years Number of children range from 1-4

5 Finances (meeting basic needs) Appropriate housing Sleep deprivation Lack of support Feeling judged by adults Stress over CYFS involvement Scared/stress about being a parent/wanting to be a good parent Relationship issues/problems

6 Healthy Baby Clubs Choices for Youth/CYN Community Health Nurse Baby Group Family Some young parents who had no support were afraid to ask for support from agencies out of fear that CYFS would get called

7 Daycare Respectful staff and staff support Own apartments/privacy Parenting education Counseling (mental health, relationship, family) Flexibility Addictions counseling A common area for parents to socialize/ babies to play together

8 A doctor/nurse on site Life skills support (ie: cooking, budgeting, cleaning) Follow up programs once families move out Private office spaces (to talk to staff) A place where fathers are welcome First aid/ CPR training for parents (child focused) 24/7 staff support A place for pregnant mothers to live too

9 Child minding for a break when needed A private room where fathers can visit their children Internet access/computers/ library space Transportation support Parent support groups

10 Without exception, every parent stated that they felt the new center for young parents should be located anywhere near downtown. but should be close to An accessible garden or a park A bus route A low traffic area Hospital Parking

11 be a parent themselves Mature/experienced (with parenting experience) Not judgmental Available 24/7 Respectful/ treat young parents as equals To check on you even after you moved out Available for one on one time/ teaching skills Experienced/ understanding of people with brain differences A male to work with young fathers Female staff (for moms)

12 All parents stated that dads/partners should be permitted to visit with their children at the center Some parents felt that it would be ok for fathers to live on site. Others felt that it could create problems (specifically if there were relationship problems) and that partners should be able to visit but if couples wish to live together, perhaps they could do so in some second stage housing and still be supported by the center It was suggested that this should be reviewed on an individual basis

13 Parenting education should be like Youth at Promise Help with employment Small classes Individual learning plans Day classes and evening classes GED programs Child development classes Classes should be informal Literacy support High school credit programs and ABE should be like LEAP in Ontario or Murphy Center

14 Opinions varied between (age of child) 6 months to 5 years Most felt that 2-3 years felt right until they are ready to go.

15 Someone who cared (programs and/or family) Food (HBC, Food for 2 (Ontario), BIBS (Ontario)

16 Daycare for parents living there or not. Emergency supplies (diapers, formula, clothing) 24/7 support Baby equipment loan/exchange program Budgeting help Counseling (family violence, past family problems) Nurse Parenting education ( appropriate discipline) Groups Cooking Flexible services

17 One stable CYFS worker connected to the site 2 CYFS workers connected to site (personality differences/ relationships) Someone who they can build trust/relationship with Center staff to be present (during CYFS visits/meetings) as parent/child advocate CYFS workers with experience Someone who will show parents respect and who will listen with an open mind to what parents say

18 Childcare Staff : Respectful, helpful, knowledgeable, and someone you can build a relationship with. Parenting education Counseling

19 It s hard when other people think they know what is best for your child just because you are a young mother There should be a separate place to live for dads (with moms and children)who want to live there so moms don t leave just to be with the dads.

20 There should be role modeling support. Someone to show you how to parent (when a situation arises) on the spot I wish sometimes they (workers) would put themselves in our shoes

21 I wish the building was open now. There are 16 year olds with no place to live and they are going to have their children taken away from them. If they had a place like this to go, they would be able to keep their child.

22 Section 2: Grace Haven Young Parent Resource Centre (Hamilton, Ontario) Presenter: Joanne Rochon Program Manager, The Salvation Army Grace Haven

23 Investing in the lives of two generations THE SALVATION ARMY GRACE HAVEN Young Parent Resource Center

24 MISSION STATEMENT The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of the world. Through the demonstration of God s love. Grace Haven is committed to supporting the strengths and needs of pregnant and parenting youth and their children while respecting their cultural and religious diversity.

25 WHO DO WE SERVE?... Pregnant and Parenting Youth and Their Children

26 WHAT DO WE OFFER?... High School Program Child Development Program Residential Program Weekly Workshops Community Resources Parental Relief Donations 24 Hour Support

27 High School Program Grace Haven Partners with the Hamilton Wentworth School Board. We have three teachers on-site. Students work towards obtaining their high schools diplomas. This program is individualized to meet the needs of each student.

28 CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The child development program is free child care while students are in program. Child care is provided for children up to the age of 18 months. The child care team consists of Early Childhood Educators, Child and Youth Workers and Social Service Workers.

29 RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM The Residential Program is available for youth needing pre and post natal support. 24 Hour Support. Grace Haven can accommodate 14. This includes young moms and their children. Licensed under The Ministry of Community and Social Services and The Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

30 WEEKLY WORKSHOPS Life Skills is offered once a week. The topics include budgeting, healthy relationships, self esteem, cooking and nutrition. Bonding and Attachment is offered once a week by an Infant Parent Therapist. Infant Playtime Plus is offered once a week. The topics include child development, safety, play and interaction, literacy, bonding and

31 COMMUNITY PARTNERS Ontario Early Years Centre Infant Parent Therapist Alternatives For Youth (addictions) Mental Health Clinician Public Health Nurse Chaplain Youth Housing Support Child Welfare Ontario Works Nurse Family Partnership Young Parent Network

32 YOUNG PARENT NETWORK Grace Haven is partnered with Angela s Place and St. Martin s Manor. The purpose of this partnership is to focus on the needs of the young parent population within our community. Angela s Place is transitional housing for young women and their children. St. Martin s Manor is a young parent resource center.

33 PARENTAL RELIEF Grace Haven s Parental Relief program is called Taking Time For Me This service is offered to parents 24 and under. Children in this program are from the ages 4 weeks to 6 years. Parents receive 5 hours of free time

34 DONATIONS The donation room is open to youth age 24 and under. The items consist of diapers, wipes, gently used clothing and toys.

35 24 HOUR SUPPORT Residential staff are available 24 hours a day for residents. 24 hour phone support is available for community youth.

36 WE ARE... A positive influence in the lives of pregnant teens, young parents and their children.

37 CONTACT INFORMATION The Salvation Army, Grace Haven 138 Herkimer Street Hamilton, Ontario L8P 2H1 PH: FX:

38 Section 3: The Jean Tweed Centre for Women and their Families The Pathways to Healthy Families Program (Toronto, Ontario) Presenter: Tammy MacKenzie Manager, Pathways to Healthy Families, Jean Tweed Centre

39 The Jean Tweed Centre s Pathways to Healthy Families Program Presented by: Tammy MacKenzie

40 The Jean Tweed Centre Substance abuse and problem gambling services for women & their families We offer: o o o o Day & Residential programming Individual and group counselling Family support Trauma services

41 Mothers & Children at JTC Early recognition that services for substance using women and children are most effective when integrated: o o o o Early Commitment to childcare Involvement with IMP Founding Partner - Breaking the Cycle Residential supports for pregnant women

42 The Barriers for Mothers Stigma Child custody concerns Lack of resources Lack of awareness by service providers Lack of expertise and resources by substance abuse programs Attitudes of service providers Long wait times

43 So We needed alternatives

44 Pathways to Healthy Families The Ontario Early Years Addiction Initiative, 2002 Reaching Mothers & Children Affected by Substance Use Originally Five Year Pilot 17 Demonstrations sites across Ontario Addresses the impact of substance use and related issues on women and their children

45 Committee Structure Steering Committee Advisory Committee Implementation Committee Partnership Committee

46 Needs Assessment & Community Consultation Multiple service providers & stakeholders Child Welfare Shelters Children s Services Health Care Services Substance Use Services

47 Our Theory Increased system capacity Results in more appropriate services for mothers Results in healthier mothers with improved parenting skills Results in healthier babies & optimal development in children

48 Pathways Concept An interconnecting service network across the City of Toronto addressing barriers to services Building on existing services to increase capacity Outreach services aimed at reaching pregnant women and mothers with children (0-6 years)

49 The Partners Young Parent Resource Centres Community Health Centers Family Shelters Child Welfare System Withdrawal Management System

50 The Population Pregnant/Parenting Women Who Use Substances: o o o o o o Marginalized Culturally Diverse Concurrent Disorders Stigma Not Identified & Not Asked Low/No Income Inadequate Housing Lack of Basic Health Care Absence of Childcare

51 Pathways Approach Build capacity across systems Client-centered/directed Holistic Recognizes diversity Respects personal choice Harm Reduction approach

52 The Pathways Perspective Mothers and children are our clients Systems need to work together Parents and professionals need facts We need to meet the clients where they are at Recognize that change is a process It is our job to identify, engage & motivate

53 Objective for Community Build capacity for: Prevention Early identification Education Support & advocacy Timely intervention Collaboration and linkages with existing services

54 Pathways Team Outreach counsellors located in community partner agencies such as: Community Health Centres Young Parents Resource Centres Shelter System Aboriginal communities Early Childhood Development expert as part of the team Licensed therapeutic Child Development Centre

55 How We Support Women/Children Harm Reduction Respecting Complex Choices Information & Support Assertive Outreach Identifying & Linking Women to Care Advocacy/Mediation Child Welfare Health Care/Housing/Justice/Other Child Development Services Identifying & Linking children to services Providing parenting and attachment support

56 Pathways Services Information Support Counselling Advocacy Case management Referrals to service providers Parenting support/education Assistance with Child Welfare issues Access to culture-based services Childcare and Child Development Services

57 Child Development Services Providing Real Choice Integrated services Staff: Cross Training (ECE/Substance Use) Enhanced: Childcare Attachment Parenting Support/Consultation Child Development

58 Capacity Building Activities We offer to social service providers training, education and consultation focused on: Substance use as it relates to pregnant and parenting women Screening, early identification and options for referrals Building capacity to support this population Harm Reduction Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder We also provide coaching, mentoring and consultation services on the above topics.

59 Staffing Qualifications For counselling staff: Committed to the issues MSW/BSW and/or experience Substance use counselling experience Diversity Flexible time Community development experience Knowledge of Child Welfare and the issues Knowledge of children s issues/child development Experience working with high needs women

60 Staffing Qualifications For Early Childhood Education Staff: ECE registration Experience working with families Attachment expertise FASD knowledge Strong child development knowledge

61 Critical Staff training Motivational Interviewing Concurrent Disorders Harm Reduction FASD Infant/child Attachment Child development Working with Child Welfare Community development

62 Evaluation Goals To demonstrate whether there is increased capacity in addiction treatment services for pregnant women and/or women with children up to the age of six; and To demonstrate whether there are positive outcomes for the women who have participated and their newborns, infants and children up to the age of six years.

63 Performance Indicators Increased system capacity Healthier mothers Optimally developing children

64 Program Challenges Balance the needs of mothers & children Balance support & empowerment Bridge program philosophies & mandates Engagement of relevant stakeholders Resources $ Geographic area Case load Staff recruitment Partnerships differing philosophies space takes time

65 Lessons Learned if you build it they will come Ask for more as you will need it do not bite off more than you can chew Have guidelines, not rules Evaluation is important Choose staff that are committed to the issues

66 Critical Success Factors Outreach & timely, individualized services Working with child welfare to create opportunities for women Ongoing support and relapse prevention Linking women with other services Sharing best practices

67 Promising Practice Developed Mom and Kids Too Modified day program for women and children

68 Section 4: June Callwood Centre for Women & Families (Toronto, Ontario) Presenter : Heather Bergen Housing Access Counsellor, June Callwood Centre for Women and Families

69 Drop-In and Housing Models for Young Parents Wednesday, February 24 th 2010 Heather Bergen

70 Outline Drop-In Model - June Callwood Centre Housing Model Anna Hilliard Homes

71 June Callwood Centre for Women & Families was Established in 1982, as Jessie s Centre for Teenagers A Comprehensive Resource Centre for Pregnant Youth, Young Parents and Their Children We Provide Services for Woman 18 years old and Under at Intake. We offer our Services till their 20 th Birthday

72 Staffing Model Participatory Heirarchy Combination of Education and Experience Staffing Structure Core Competencies

73 Community Partners Young Parent Resource Centres Public Health Midwives Sexual Health Clinics Board of Education Children s Aid Societies

74 Services at June s Centre Counselling Health Services Housing Assistance Nursery High School Community Education Program Respite

75 Services Cont d Swap shop Free Transportation Meals Telephone, Internet Access Emergency Supplies Emergency Fund Groups Labour Support Celebrating Pregnancy/Parenthood Summer Outings

76 7 Principles of Service Delivery June s Centre Supports Participants in Making their Own Decisions

77 June s Centre Supports Participants in Learning how to Address Discrimination June s Centre models a Respectful, Supportive Environment for Youth

78 The Young Woman is the Initial Client at June s Centre. Balancing and Supporting the Needs of the Mother- Child Dyad is Critical a June s Centre Articulates and Responds to the Voice of the Child

79 June s Centre takes an Integrated View of Participants Needs June s Centre has an Accessible Service Delivery Model

80 Drop-In Model Philosophy Combination of Dropin and (flexible) Appointments Core Competencies Drop-in Nursery Time for Staff to do Admin work

81 Evaluation/Feedback Importance of Evaluation Eg- Housing Program Providing childcare, transportation, reimbursement for contribution, who evaluates? Multiple Avenues for Feedback -focus group -written - Comments Board

82 Key Challenges Money Staffing Model Vicarious Trauma/Workload Space to Expand/Flexibility of Space Earning Trust of Youth-Respite

83 Anna Hilliard Homes 16 Units of Permanent RGI Housing 8 2 Bedrooms, 8 3 Bedrooms Located Downtown Independent

84 Staffing Model 1 External Property Manager 1 Community Development/Case Manager Separate Board of Directors 1 Tenant on Board

85 Community Partners Community Health Centre Local Schools Food Banks Sexual Health Clinics Employment Agencies Community Parenting Programs

86 Integration of Service Delivery Principles Participation is not Compulsory Buddy System/Tenant Mentoring Participant Driven Programming Selection Criteria

87 Key Challenges- Philosophy Housing As a Right Minimum Rules Safety Involvement of other Family

88 Key Challenges- Organizational Ownership/Relationship to Centre Staffing Model 1 Property Manager, 1 Case Manager 1 person doing both Conflict of Interest Internal vs External Need to Provide Adequate, Well- Paid Staffing

89 Key Challenges- Programs/Support Need for Common Space Safety- Cameras, Staffing Emergency Supports Need to provide basic home maintenance support

90 Questions Selection Criteria Transition plan for leaving Complexities of being involved in people s homes- need to be clear around boundaries Staffing Structure Emergencies/Weekends Relationship to Centre