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Youth participants served by YouthBuild programs present a myriad of challenges that they bring with them at enrollment. Recognizing and assessing the individual and personal history of each participant to effectively address these challenges before they become barriers to success requires an effective and comprehensive case management approach. This month, we highlight some of the biggest and most common challenges with which programs are presented and identify some specific strategies to address them. Awareness of the specialized needs of our youth participants is integral to developing effective tools and resources to overcome them. ~ Jenn Smith, National YouthBuild Director, U.S. Department of Labor
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Substance Use, Trauma, and Other Challenges: Effective
Case Management Strategies
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YouthBuild participants most often enroll with a myriad of challenges that create barriers to their success during and after program completion. YouthBuild programs must employ strategies that support youth in developing the skills required for success after the YouthBuild program, whether in continuing education or training or in the workplace. Staff must understand the needs of participants to increase the effectiveness of program services. The personal challenges a youth participant brings can include:
- Childhood trauma
- Substance use disorders
- Homelessness
- Justice involvement
- Low self-esteem
- Lack of trust
- Extreme poverty
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- Learning differences and non-traditional learning styles
- Dysfunctional family situations
- Anticipation of discrimination
- Lack of positive role models
- Unsafe environments
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An effective case management system can provide the infrastructure for assessing personal barriers and delivering the appropriate mix of services, using the best approaches, to support the education, employment, and training needs for participants. Case management that is integrated during all phases of a program, from initial intake to placement and follow-up, is necessary to ensure the achievement of the participant’s educational, employment, and personal goals.
A consistent challenge for many YouthBuild programs is how to identify and address the issue of alcohol and drug use among participants. Over the years, a significant number of programs have reported that substance use not only contributes to work site safety issues, but also serves as an impediment to classroom success, program completion, and successful post-program placement. It is important for programs to recognize the need for holistic services that combat substance use, while promoting abstinence and harm reduction for the young adults enrolled in the program.
Also, programs’ recognition of how trauma plays a role in mental and substance use disorders, and its effect on participants’ behavior and success in the classroom or work site, is an essential piece of the case management process. Implementing a trauma-informed care approach, described by the Trauma Informed Care Project as “an organizational structure and treatment framework that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma,” will strengthen programs’ ability to support participants. Strategies for Implementing Trauma-Informed Care in a YouthBuild Program provides a variety of best practices to implement trauma-informed care at a YouthBuild program.
To learn some evidence-based best practices and strategies for addressing some of the key challenges listed above, be sure to check out the recording for our June webinar, Substance Use, Trauma, and Other Challenges: Effective Case Management Strategies.
Related Resources
Counseling and Case Management at a YouthBuild Program
Real Talk SBIRT Fact Sheet
Resources to Assist in Fighting the Opioid Epidemic
SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach
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Additional Information and Resources
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New Report from the Congressional Research Service - Youth Transitioning from Foster Care: Background and Federal Programs
This report provides statistics on youth transitioning out of foster care, and provides information on federal programs available to support these youth. It also provides evaluative information on the efficacy of the federal programs services to foster youth and those transitioning from foster youth. The full report can be viewed here.
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New Report from the Congressional Research Service - Programs Available to Unemployed Workers Through the American Job Center Network
This report aims to offer a brief overview of the programs administered through the American Job Center (AJC) system. It emphasizes eligibility requirements and the scope of benefits and services available to individuals. This is a helpful snapshot of the programs that are mandatorily required to support the AJCs, including YouthBuild. The full report can be viewed here.
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New Resource on WorkforceGPS: Construction Plus Promising Practices
In 2013, Department of Labor (DOL) YouthBuild grantees began implementing the Construction Plus (C+) model. This packet provides an overview of strategies and promising practices from six DOL YouthBuild programs in their C+ program design, implementation, and partnerships. A variety of in-demand C+ industries are highlighted, in addition to the successes, challenges, and recommendations for C+ program integration. The goal of this resource is to help grantees develop a strong understanding of the C+ model and framework and to offer recommendations and guidance for forming and sustaining strong partnerships, recruiting and retaining youth participants, and successfully placing participants into work opportunities after graduation.
Click here for Construction Plus Promising Practices
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Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA) Grants Announced
The Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA), a multi-stakeholder initiative led by New America, has awarded nine grants in late May in the first joint philanthropic investment to expand youth apprenticeship in the United States. These grants will support place-based partnerships of employers, educators, community partners, and policy leaders who are working together to build high-quality youth apprenticeship programs that promote inclusive economic development and create new opportunities for young people. To learn more about these grants and this initiative, visit https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/partnership-advance-youth-apprenticeship/.
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Visit the CoP for access to more resources.
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