Hope Tree Research Paper

HSM/240

Creating a Social Program
June 17, 2012

Hope Tree Introduction Although it may not be cost effective now, young adults with more adequate life skills will have a more positive effect on society as a whole. Hope Tree is a community based social program creating a safety net for young adults about to “age out” of the foster or group home system. For these youth with already troubled pasts of neglect, abuse, and abandonment issues; running as far and as fast from the system seems like a good idea. The problem with this logic is that many of them are unprepared for actual if on their own, often having no means to fall back on and nowhere to go. Being one of these “aged out” youth myself, I am all too aware of the challenges
They are unable to fend for themselves and have no support or resources to fall back on. I have learned that there is an exception to this that even I was unaware of, and that is that they are able to sign themselves back into the foster system as long as they are continuing education. However, this does not include those discharged from group homes still leaving many youth still homeless. The consequences are that these youth are homeless, jobless, have no support system and are then forced to do things to support themselves that may have legal ramifications. Littlefield (n.d.), “Foster care studies show that 25 percent of “aged out” foster kids must earn a living without a high school diploma or a GED. At least 20 percent of have been homeless and fewer than 20 percent are able to support themselves. Nearly a quarter of former foster care children are incarcerated within two years of their emancipation. Because they lack the support systems most young adults take for granted, aged out foster care teens are at high risk for substance abuse, domestic violence and poverty.” The gainers to this program are the teens and young adults that are able to benefit from the services provided. Another gainer is the federal system that funds welfare programs that these youth would be reliant on without help and further education. The
The programs objectives are to increase responsibility and self reliance using techniques learned through our program. Create a family environment of support through counseling, peer tutoring, all while adjusting to dormitory living where responsibilities are spread equally amongst residents. Another objective is assessing applicant’s needs and connecting them with resources to help them on their way to a successful transition (school, employment and so on). Housing and food allowances are provided under the conditions that they must attend school, be working, or seeking employment. Food allowances will be given and supervised to teach techniques on how to budget money as well as how to make the most out of the funds available. Communal dinners will be held on Sundays, and each resident is to help with the preparation of this meal to build on cooperation skills. Residents upon employment will pay a percentage of their money to Hope Tree, so that they can get used to paying bills. They must also open a bank account were we will teach them how manage and save money properly, this will also prepare them to have their own money upon exiting the program. Eligibility rules include that no weapons, drugs or alcohol are permitted on premises and we will have a no tolerance policy on violence of any sort. This program is open to any 16 to 24 year old who has