CHARTIABLE VENTURES OF ORANGE COUNTY (DBA PROJECT KINSHIP)

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pRO7 F.C'j. Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) Santa Ana Workforce Development Board: Youth Service Provider 4. Assessment (1 page max) A. Youth Service Providers are required to use the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABS) assessment tool, but may use other assessment tools upon approval. The proposed program will utilize the TABE tool with all participants to assess basic skills prior to enrollment (Pre) and monitor measurable gains each Quarter during enrollment (Post). B. Describe how your program will conduct assessments for youth participants, elaborate on the type of assessment tools or surveys that will be used. In addition to the TABE, all participants will complete a Work Readiness Survey pre - enrollment and post -discharge, as well as a "My Next Move" career exploration online assessment within two weeks of enrollment. The results of both of these assessments will be used to identify skills, interests, and level of work readiness to inform the development of the Individual Career Plan (ICP). All participants will complete the Insight tool, which is a criminogenic needs assessment to determine the level of risk for recidivism and identify needs and barriers that may affect program performance. This tool is completed within 30-days post - enrollment to inform the Individual Service Plan (ISP) goals and case management needs. C. Describe knowledge of the barriers that youth encounter. One of the unique needs of the target youth population is trauma -informed services and service delivery. Research published by the American Sociological Association shows a strong correlation between trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a history of incarceration and school failure. If left unaddressed, trauma can evolve into maladaptive behaviors due to the traumatized brain being on constant high alert, particularly in the lower regions, where survival instincts originate. These can include violence, depression, self -harm, high -risk sexual behavior, substance abuse, and many other safety and mental health related concerns such as difficulty problem -solving, goal setting, and performing in school or at work. Other major barriers for the target youth include being former foster youth, current or past gang involvement, homelessness, and struggles with substance abuse. They also struggle with limited transportation, income, family support, life skills, or professional skills; felony or criminal records and visible tattoos; and few positive role models, mentors, or relationships. D. Specify how your organization will address the barriers that youth encounter. To address these barriers, Project Kinship incorporates trauma -informed care into all programming. Services are based on relational bonds, trust, and mutual respect. Project Kinship specializes in strategies that engage hard to reach, underserved communities including: Restorative Practices; intensive case management; and peer navigation. Staff meet participants "where they are at" (mentally, emotionally, intellectually, and physically) including providing: evening and weekend meetings; phone and in -person interactions; and appointments offered in locations and at times convenient to the participant. Project Kinship also offers a computer lab with scheduled and drop -in hours; volunteer tutors; onsite certification trainings; orientations for facilitators to prepare them for unique learning needs of youth; volunteers to help with expungements and charge reduction cases; prosocial activities; peer mentoring; mental health and substance abuse counseling; and a gang neutral space for all activities.