
WHAT
WE DO
A4C believes in being active in all aspects of life and promotes a varied array of projects, programs and initiatives geared toward youth throughout 20 counties in Western Pennsylvania.
OUR CoC YOUTH SUCCESS MAP
A4C worked throughout the 20-county region to map how youth are accessing services. You can view the system map here and below. We recognized that navigating the system was difficult, not client-centered or set up for youth to succeed. Instead youth felt like the odds of success were up to chance.
Together we created a map of how we wanted the system to work, and the four steps are outlined below.
1
IDENTIFICATION
Youth entering the system may identify with one or more of the following sub-population groups:
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Undocumented
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LGBTQIA
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Runaway
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Survivor of human trafficking/ sexual and/or physical abuse
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System involvement- foster care, criminal justice system, juvenile justice history
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Mental, behavioral, and/or health issues
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Parenting/ pregnant
Youth may call 211 or go to CoC General or DV Assessment Center in their county
2
ASSESSMENT, PRIORITIZATION & REFERRAL
Diversion/screening for prevention services for youth who are at risk of homelessness. Literally homeless youth.
Standardized assessment tool used for Coordinated Entry:
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Unaccompanied youth under 25 years old /TAY-VI-SPDAT / Family VI-SPDAT
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Referral to crisis housing if needed
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Eligibility for housing programs
*Under 18: only host homes currently
**Youth system Navigator **Youth-specific Diversion
3
PERMANENCY THROUGH ACCESS TO HOUSING INTERVENTIONS & SUPPORTIVE CARE
Housing (CoC, ESG, RHY and other funding sources)
Non-Permanent Housing
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Transitional Housing (18 years and older)
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Host Homes (16-20 years of age)
**Youth-specific transitional housing programs
Permanent Housing
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Youth-specific RRH • RRH • PSH • Other Permanent Housing
*Youth specific non-time-limited supportive housing **Youth-specific TH-RRH
**Youth-specific Rapid Exits/short-term RRH
Programs
Health: physical, mental and/or behavioral health providers & treatments, etc
Economic Security: workforce development, connection to benefits, job training, apprenticeships, etc.
Education: high school, GED programs, college, after-school programs
Well-being and community supports: LGBTQ-centered services, services for survivors, family strengthening and kinship-building programs, and youth-focused services
4
SYSTEM EVALUATION, IMPROVEMENT & INNOVATION
Stakeholders evaluating youth systems
Advocates 4 Change (YAB)
• Youth Committee (includes YAB member)
• CoC Board (includes YAB members)
• Systems Performance Committee
Ongoing evaluation of the system and programs
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Use CQI framework to assess whether youth needs are being met through system and programs, including youth of color and LGBTQ youth
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Promote programs that work, bring to scale
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Identify gaps and how to fill them
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Monitor system/project performance
Youth Homelessness is NOT a Game
A4C and the CoC believe that everyone deserves a home that is safe, affordable, & stable. We envision a youth homelessness response and housing stability system that is:
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Youth - driven
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Built on a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
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Rooted in community
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Viewed through a trauma-informed lens
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Easily accessible by Youth and Young Adults (YYA)
