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Keeping children
connected
(October
2005 Issue)
By Phyllis Hanlon
Throughout New England, a number of new community programs were
created to try to maintain the successes achieved in residential
programs. New England Psychologist spoke to the Massachusetts Department
of Social Services (DSS) about one of these specialized programs.
Each year, approximately 600 children living in Massachusetts turn
18, according to the DSS Spokesperson Denise Monteiro. As these
youth "age out" of the system, many opt to leave the custody of
DSS without any social support system in place. Often, this sudden
immersion into the larger community results in homelessness, unemployment,
isolation, poor health and incarceration. "When kids reach 18, they
can sign out of our care, even if they're not ready. We are trying
to create a connection for keeping them in the community," says
Monteiro.
To assist this population, several state agencies and organizations
have partnered with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Children to develop "18 and Out," a program that emphasizes
family connection through some type of relationship with a supportive
adult while promoting independent living skills at the same time.
Under this program, after the age of 18, individuals can sign a
Voluntary Placement Agreement, which enables them to remain in DSS
custody and entitles them to receive housing, physical and mental
health care, educational assistance and social support until they
reach age 22. "Outreach workers will track the kids without visible
families. As they get to be 18, they will work with them on independent
living skills. They'll become advocates and follow them in the community,"
she says. Grant money is available for rent and students have access
to several scholarship opportunities.
According to Monteiro, the pilot program is currently in place
in the main DSS office. "Hopefully, all 28 offices will have the
program next year," she says. Through this cooperative effort of
families and state agencies, the Commonwealth hopes to avoid creating
"lost souls," says Monteiro.
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