Creating an Independent Living Resource Center in Charlotte-Mecklenburg For Young People Aging Out of Foster Care, Group Homes and Other Youth Systems

Description:

Over the past several years, a local group of child advocates, service providers and faith leaders has been exploring ways Charlotte- Mecklenburg can address the significant challenges and needs of youth aging out of foster care, group homes, mental health programs and the juvenile justice system. Many of these young people have no family, community or other support. When they turn 18, they are left to fend for themselves, often ill-equipped to do so with no place to live and few, if any resources. Compared to the general young adult population, these unsupported and often disconnected young people are at much higher risk of negative outcomes such as homelessness, unemployment, poverty and long- term dependency on public assistance, addiction, teen pregnancy and incarceration. Currently, no coordinated community support system is in place in Charlotte-Mecklenburg to help these young people become economically independent and connected to and engaged in community life. The group looking at this issue---the Independent Living Steering Committee, a subcommittee of the Mecklenburg County Community Collaborative---explored what other cities are doing to help these vulnerable populations make a successful transition to adulthood. After much deliberation, the committee has concluded that a one-stop resource center or hub should be established in Charlotte to help these young people successfully make it on their own as adults. Cities such as Dallas, Austin, Philadelphia, Nashville, Seattle and Phoenix provide examples of various models of such centers. As envisioned by the Independent Living Steering Committee, the proposed resource center for Charlotte-Mecklenburg will be a safe, supportive and engaging one-stop “gateway” to services and support where judges, probation officers, social workers and ministers can refer young adults and others will come voluntarily. Its primary focus will be on helping young people develop daily living skills, continue their education, connect with job training opportunities and find employment in living wage jobs. Ideally, the center’s target population will be 18-22 year olds from all the identified groups at risk; however, youth aging out of foster care will be the primary target population, at least initially. The Committee advocates for the center to be community-based and to evolve through a true collaborative effort among local government agencies, non-profit organizations and area congregations, along with support from the business community.