FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2022
CONTACT Ashlee Niedospial ashlee@narrative-project.com 570.778.5916
Connecticut Voices for Children Releases Report on Supporting Young Adults Transitioning Out of the Child Welfare System During Challenging Economic Times, Set to Host 10th Youth at the Capitol Day
Youth at the Capitol Day Advisory:
Today, Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 10:00AM - 12:00PM | Via Zoom
NEW HAVEN, CT - Connecticut Voices for Children today released a report entitled, Rising Out of Recession: How Connecticut Can Support Young Adults Transitioning Out of the Child Welfare System in Challenging Economic Times, As discussed in the report, young people face immense barriers during economic recessions, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Young people aging out of foster care and older youth in foster care during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic face the dual challenges of being in State care and experiencing an economic catastrophe. These compounding challenges could negatively impact the life trajectories of youth. To combat and address these barriers, the report outlines six recommendations to ensure that youth transitioning out of state care can lead rich, stable, and independently sound lives, even when they no longer qualify for services through DCF:
Connecticut should have dedicated liaisons for system-involved young people in departments and agencies relevant to young adult stability, health, and security. The Connecticut General Assembly (CGA ) should provide funding for the creation and staffing of these positions.
Connecticut’s State departments should create priority hiring for young people with system involvement.
Connecticut should extend its higher education and vocational training tuition and fee exemption for young people who have left DCF care. The CGA should provide funding for this extension.
Connecticut should create a system to data match young people who have a history of systems involvement across systems and an advisory council to advise on policies to fill gaps in young people accessing services.
Connecticut should extend the age at which young people may age out of DCF care.
The Federal Government should make pandemic-related changes to the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood permanent.
View the full report here. View the Executive Summary here. View the Just Facts here. In conjunction with the report, CT Voices is scheduled to host their 10th Youth at Capitol Day Forum Today, Thursday, February 24, 2022, from 10:00AM - 12:00PM. During the forum, current and former foster youth, advocates, and legislators will discuss policy and practice change to support young adults transitioning out of the child welfare system in the wake of the COVID-19 recession as well as challenging economic times. Speakers include Keynote Chris Scott, Executive Director of SUN Scholars, Vannessa Dorantes, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, and Mark Polzella, Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Labor. WHAT: Connecticut Voices for Children 10th Youth at the Capitol Day WHO:
Connecticut Voices for Children
KEYNOTE: Chris Scott, Executive Director, SUN Scholars
Vannessa Dorantes, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Children and Families
Mark Polzella, Deputy Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Labor
Josh Elliot, State Representative, Co-Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee
Steven Hernandez, Executive Director, Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity
Young people with experience within the child welfare system
And more
WHEN: Today Thursday, February 24, 2022 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM WHERE: Via Zoom. Register in advance here. Spanish interpretation will be available during the event.
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About Connecticut Voices for Children Connecticut Voices for Children is a “think and do” tank working to ensure that Connecticut is a thriving and equitable state, and where all children achieve their full potential. In furtherance of its vision, Connecticut Voices for Children produces high-quality research and analysis, promotes citizen education, advocates for policy change at the state and local level and works to develop the next generation of leaders.