Many efforts are underway around the state to PRESERVE THP-Plus, the state's only program providing housing and support for former foster youth ages 18 to 24. To recap, Governor Schwarzenegger has proposed eliminating THP-Plus entirely if his request for $7 billion in federal aid ultimately fails.
Journalist Daniel Heimpel of Fostering Media Connections has written a piece for the Huffington Post proposing a grassroots call to action to get the wide media exposure this issue merits. In the piece, Heimpel recounts the story of 19 year-old Suahmirs Rivera, a current THP-Plus participant whose incredible story of survival was told on Channel 10 News in San Diego and then picked up by Good Morning America. Getting national exposure of this story would have a profound impact so it was especially disappointing that GMA opted to drop the segment. Read Heimpel's blog post above, listen to Rivera's story, and then as Heimpel proposes, send a note to Good Morning America, urging the producers to run this important story.
Let's keep sending the message loud and clear: Save THP-Plus for the thousands of youth aging out of foster care in California.
Alameda County SSA Releases THP-Plus RFP
Alameda County Social Services Agency (SSA), Dept. of Children and Family Services, released a new request for proposals (RFP) for the procurement of Transitional Housing Program – Plus (THP+). A total of $2,600,000 has been allocated for this RFP for a 12 month award period beginning July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011. The contract award is contingent upon receipt, by Alameda County, of adequate State funding. Community-Based Organizations and Public or Private, For-Profit or Non-Profit Agencies with experience are invited and encouraged to participate in this RFP process.
Promotes
long-term self-sufficiency among emancipated foster youth by providing
them with the skills, resources, and support to make a successful
transition to adulthood.
Administers a full service health center, provides transitional housing, and links former foster youth to education, job training, mentors and other housing.
Provides mental health services to promote the healthy development of children and families through therapy, education and advocacy, regardless of family income.
Serves adolescents in out-of-home care through long-term residential programs emphasizing youth development, educational achievement, self-sufficiency training, permanent relationships with adults, self-awareness, and health within a therapeutic milieu. Also provides supported housing for current and former foster youth ages 18 to 21.
With a Community Service Center and a Shelter Program, provides outreach, a safe environment, and comprehensive services with an emphasis on the advancement of educational, vocational, and social achievement of at-risk youth ages 13 to 22.
Alameda County CASA is a member of the National CASA Association, and is one of more than 900 CASA programs nationwide. CASA is jointly overseen by the Alameda County Health Care Service Agency, the CASA Executive Director, and the Presiding Juvenile Court Judge.
Provides a wide range of residential, mental health, special education, and community-based services for severely emotionally disturbed youth ranging in age from 4 through 24.
Protects and advances civil rights of people with disabilities through legislation, litigation, advocacy, technical assistance, and education and training.
Provides therapy and case management to clients with mental health issues while teaching youth how to access community resources and become more independent adults.
Provides a wide array of community-based, school-based, and residentially-based services to support children, youth and families through their most difficult times.
Improves the outcomes for Alameda County's low income and vulnerable children and their families through cross-system collaboration in county sponsored services.
Families First, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
bettering the lives of vulnerable children and families through foster,
adoption, treatment and advocacy.
Provides a comprehensive program of individual, group, and family therapy for over 500 children through community-based intervention programs in nine public elementary schools, a residential program, and a nonpublic school program.
Improves the services and outcomes for youth, ages sixteen through twenty-four who are experiencing severe mental illness, in making successful transitions towards self-sufficiency and independent living.
