ORANGEWOOD CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION 2 - 2007

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Describe how adequate staffing will be maintained to ensure success of this program. The Foster Youth Liaison Project will staff 4 pan-time peer mentors. The peer mentors will be currently enrolled in college level studies with a focus on counseling and/or related fields. The peer mentors will also be youth that have emancipated from the foster care system and have experienced success as peer mentors through other Orangewood Children's Foundation programs. The use of pan-time staff is critical to this projcct. The Foster Youth Liaison Project will provide a 5:1 panicipant to casc manager (peer mentor) ratio as well as provide the peer mentors with valuable work experience and training. The peer mentors will be available in the ORC ]0 hours per week. Regular announced schedules will make it easy for participants to know when they can visit with their assigned peer mentor in the ORC'. Peer mentors will also be available for appointments. In the case a peer mentor may have to resign their position prior to the program year end, we will hire another qualified peer mentor and work hard to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, the Education and Career Specialist who is located near the peer mentor workstation is available as a supervisor for the Foster Youth Liaison Project peer mentors and acts as a strong resource for the peer mentors and youth when needed. Main Purpose of Program Indicate what will the program accomplish and how it fits in with WlA goals. The Foster Youth Liaison Project will increase employment, retention and earnings, offer long-ternl support to help foster youth with academics and occupational development and encourage further education and training. We will serve 20 foster/emancipated youth and accomplish the following objectives: Younger Youth . Skill Attainment (Four participants will become proficient in basic skills or meet skill goals - within onc year before program exit) . Attainment of Diploma or Equivalent (Three participants will earn a diploma or GED - during program through first quarter after exit) . Retention Rate (Three participants will remain in postsecondary education, advanced training. employment, military or qualified apprenticeship - during third quarter after exit) Older Youth . Entered Employment Rate (12 participants will be employed soon after program exit - during first quarter after exit) . Retention Rate (13 participants will remain employed after exit - during second and third quarter after exit) . Earnings Gains ($3,622 - increase in pre-program and post-exit earnings - compared second and third quarter before program registration and second and third quarters after pro gram exit) . Credential Attainment Rate (Six participants will eam a credential during prob'Tam through third quarter after program exit)