Supported Housing Program (SHP) - Detailed Report

Scientific Rating:

Lacks Adequate Research Evidence
See scale of 1-6

Scientific Rating:

4 - Lacks Adequate Research Evidence

On a scale of 1-6

Relevance to Child Welfare Rating:

High
See scale of 1-3

Relevance to Child Welfare Rating:

1 - High

On a scale of 1-3

Type of Maltreatment: Not specified

Target Population: Foster youth ages 16-23 who are, or are at-risk of, becoming homeless. The program is designed to allow teen parents and their child(ren) to participate.

Brief Description:

Supported Housing Program (SHP) has been rated by the CEBC in the area of Youth Transitioning to Adulthood. SHP, developed and implemented by the First Place Fund for Youth, provides emancipated foster youth with access to safe and affordable housing coupled with services necessary to achieve long-term self-sufficiency. SHP participants receive a wide range of support, including: a 24-month graduated rental subsidy; permanent access to a First Place Fund for Youth's apartment; economic literacy; move-in and transition support; individual counseling; and community support.

Please fill out this form to send us feedback on the rating of Supported Housing Program (SHP). Starred fields are required.

Provisional feedback form not available in printout. Please access the website to use the form.

Essential Components

Show Essential Components

Economic Literacy: Prior to moving into an apartment, all Supported Housing Program (SHP) participants must attend a two-week intensive training class. Numerous skills needed for independence are addressed and honed in a project-based curriculum format. Financial literacy, relationships, employment, and social skills are addressed in the 16-hour course. Youth receive a stipend of $10/hour.
Access to a First Place Fund for Youth's Apartment: Once youth have passed economic literacy, they are eligible to live in a studio, one bedroom, or two-bedroom scattered-site apartment located in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. After the 24-month program has ended, youth are eligible to retain the lease on the apartment and assume full responsibility for paying rent on the unit.
Monthly Rental Subsidy: Each month for 24 months, First Place Fund for Youth assists participants in the payment of their rent. When youth enter the program, they pay 10 percent of the market rate rent and First Place Fund for Youth pays the remainder. As their participation in the program continues, participants pay an increasingly greater percentage of the market-rate rent for the unit.
Weekly Youth Advocacy: Youth meet weekly with their Youth Advocate (Case Manager) to discuss the specific steps that they are taking to meet their individual goals. These can be in the areas of employment, health, education, financial management, and personal relationships.
Weekly Transition Support Groups: Youth exit foster care with few of the practical and emotional skills required to face the challenges of young adulthood. SHP addresses this issue by providing a weekly two-hour transition support group, where youth learn these critically needed skills.
Monthly Community Building Events: All youth greatly benefit from monthly community-building events. These events help to decrease the level of isolation youth experience during the transition from foster care to independence.
Move-In Assistance: Participants receive a great deal of assistance when they move into their apartment. First Place pays for the cost of a rental truck, and staff members assist each client with their move and spend part of the day acclimating the youth to their new neighborhood. Mattresses are also provided, as are essential items to help furnish the apartment (dresser, lamp, nightstand, etc.). For mothers, cribs and small kitchen tables may be provided.
Move-In Stipend: First Place awards a $200 move-in stipend to all participants who successfully complete Economic Literacy and move into a First Place apartment.
Monthly Food Stipend: Many youth barely have enough money to pay their rent, let alone buy healthy food. Through the SHP, single youth participants receive a $50 grocery voucher to Albertson's or Safeway. Mothers and pregnant youth receive $75.
Child-rearing Assistance: The children of the youth have a high risk of being removed from their parents and placed in foster care themselves. Financial support is offered to help pay for day care and ongoing case management services. SHP is an intervention designed to keep families intact and to support youth who have children develop the skills to raise healthy children.

Group Format

Supported Housing Program (SHP) was designed to be conducted in a group.

Supported Housing Program (SHP) has not been tested for use in a group setting.

The recommended group size is: The group size varies in order to meet the needs of the youth. Ideally the class is of moderate size (10 – 12 youth), which allows for a very cohesive cohort.

Recommended Parameters

Recommended intensity: Youth meet at least once per week with a Youth Advocate (Case Manager). Weekly support groups are also available.

Recommended duration: 6-27 months. It is recommended that each youth meet with their Youth Advocate (Case Manager) at least once per week for the first 12 months of program participation. Optional weekly support groups are two hours in length.

Homework

Supported Housing Program (SHP) does not include a homework component.

Delivery Setting

Supported Housing Program (SHP) is typically conducted in a(n): Community Agency.

Parent Component

Supported Housing Program (SHP) was not designed with a Parent Component.

Child Component

Supported Housing Program (SHP) was designed with a Child Component.

Supported Housing Program (SHP) addresses the following presenting problems and symptoms: Living in foster care and at risk of becoming homeless, or aged out of foster care and already homeless.

Age range(s): 16-23

Supported Housing Program (SHP) was not developed for children with developmental delays.

Supported Housing Program (SHP) has not been tested for children with developmental delays.

Racial/Ethnic Diversity

Supported Housing Program (SHP) was not designed for specific racial/ethnic/cultural groups.

Supported Housing Program (SHP) was not tested in specific racial/ethnic/cultural groups.

Education and Training Resources

There is not a manual that describes how to implement this program.

There is training available for Supported Housing Program (SHP).

Training contact: Deanne Pearn, Director of Community Relations, First Place Fund for Youth, 510-272-0979

Number of days/hours: Informal training/consultation is available to those who are interested.

Training is obtained: Via phone consultation

There currently are not additional qualified resources for training.

Identified Resources Necessary to Implement Program

The typical resources for implementing Supported Housing Program (SHP) are: One Youth Advocate for every 12-15 housed clients; one Housing Coordinator for every 85 housed clients to secure apartments and act as liaison with property owners; one Program Manager; resources for food vouchers, move-in stipend, and move-in support; classroom for economic literacy trainings and transition support groups; emergency pager for youth to reach staff; cell phones for all staff to be used in emergencies; and workshop materials and supplies.

Minimum Provider Qualifications

Youth Advocates require a BA, ideally an MSW or MA in related field, to help focus on Mental Health and Substance Abuse issues more effectively. Clean driving record since they transport the youth often.

Housing Coordinators require a BA and experience being part of a management team. Members of the Housing Staff require a background in fair housing laws, property management, and affordable housing.

Program Coordinators require experience in supervising staff. Ideally they have a strong clinical background (i.e., MSW with experience) in order to best supervise staff.

Program Managers require an MSW, supervision experience, background in working with at-risk youth, housing, and a strong clinical background.

Relevant Published, Peer-Reviewed Research

No research studies have been published to date on Supported Housing Program (SHP).

References

No articles have been published to date on Supported Housing Program (SHP).

Contact Information

Contact name: Deanne Pearn

Affiliation/Agency: First Place Fund for Youth

Email: deannepearn@firstplacefund.org

Phone: 510-272-0979

Fax: 510-272-9303

Website: http://www.firstplacefund.org

Date reviewed: September 2006