News

Latest Statewide News

April 23, 2008

Youth at State Summit Tell What Works - What Doesn't

The Pennsylvania Youth Summit, Partner for Change was held on March 25 and 26, 2008 in Mechanicsburg PA.  The summit was led and directed by youth who are or have been involved with Child Welfare Services. Youth from across the state, family advocates, providers, and local and state government representatives attended. The event was an opportunity to discuss areas that can be improved within the child welfare system. This two-day solution-focused summit provided opportunities for youth to sharpen their advocacy skills, and make recommendations for inclusion in Pennsylvania's Program Improvement Plan. The development of this plan is part of the Federal Child and Family Service Review that is currently underway in our state.

Speakers included the youth and Richard Gold, Deputy Secretary, PA Office of Children Youth and Families. Deputy Secretary Gold closed the 2 day event with a pledge that he would work to make sure that every youth leaving the Child Welfare system has a job, or is enrolled in an educational program, and has a home and significant social and/or family connections.

A number of youth were key speakers and presented on their experiences within the children’s system of care. In addition, youth led discussion groups which generated recommendations on a number of topics.  An initial list from the first day included recommendations for minimizing or eliminating disconnects from family, friends, community, education and health services when child welfare becomes involved. Other recommendations focused on accountability for the services that are provided and reform for the way youth are supported as they reach adulthood. The complete set of excellent and far-reaching recommendations can be read by clicking here.

Youth were organized from the state and regional Youth Advisory Panels and Independent Living PA. The Pennsylvania Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is made up of youth who are currently in substitute care or have been in care. The purpose of the YAB is to educate, advocate, and bring about positive change in the substitute care system. The goal is to represent the voice of older youth in the system and work with others for positive change. The YAB’s Independent Living PA committee maintains a Web site and conducts other activities which support youth involvement in system and self advocacy.