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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: 

  • Undocumented

  • LGBTQIA

  • Runaway

  • Survivor of human trafficking/ sexual and/or physical abuse

  • System involvement- foster care, criminal justice system, juvenile justice history

  • Mental, behavioral, and/or health issues 

  • 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:

  • Unaccompanied youth under 25 years old /TAY-VI-SPDAT / Family VI-SPDAT

  • Referral to crisis housing if needed

  • 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

  • Transitional Housing (18 years and older)

  • Host Homes (16-20 years of age)

**Youth-specific transitional housing programs

​

Permanent Housing

  • 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

  • Use CQI framework to assess whether youth needs are being met through system and programs, including youth of color and LGBTQ youth

  • Promote programs that work, bring to scale

  • Identify gaps and how to fill them

  • 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:

  • Youth - driven 

  • Built on a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 

  • Rooted in community 

  • Viewed through a trauma-informed lens 

  • Easily accessible by Youth and Young Adults (YYA)

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