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9. Describe how adequate staffing will be maintained to ensure success of this program. <br />The Foster Youth Liaison Project will staff three part-time peer mentors. The peer <br />mentors will be currently enrolled in college level studies with a focus on counseling <br />and/or related fields. The peer mentors will also be youth who have emancipated <br />from the foster care system and have experienced success as peer mentors through <br />other Orangewood Children's Foundation programs. The use of part-time staff is <br />critical to this project. The Foster Youth Liaison Project will provide a 5 :1 <br />participant to case manager (peer mentor) ratio as well as provide the peer mentors <br />with valuable work experience and training. The peer mentors will be available in the <br />ORC 15 hours per week. Regular announced schedules will make it easy for <br />participants to know when they can visit with their assigned peer mentor in the ORC. <br />Peer mentors will also be available for appointments. hi the case a peer mentor may <br />have to resign their position prior to the program year end, we will hire another <br />qualified peer mentor and work hard to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, the <br />Education and Career Specialist who is located near the peer mentor workstation is <br />available as a supervisor for the Foster Youth Liaison Project peer mentors and acts <br />as a strong resource for the peer mentors and youth when needed. <br />B. Main Purpose of Program <br />1. Indicate what will the program accomplish and how it fits in with WIA goals. <br />The Foster Youth Liaison Project will increase employment/education rates, <br />diploma/certificate rates and literacy/numeracy rates, offer long-term support to help <br />foster youth with academics and occupational development and encourage further <br />education and training. We will serve 15 foster/emancipated youth and accomplish <br />the following objectives: <br />Participants <br />• Literacy/Numeracy Skill Attainment (TBD# participants will become proficient <br />in basic skills) <br />• Attainment of Diploma or Certificate (TBD# participants will attain a diploma <br />or certificate by the end of the third quarter after program exit) <br />• Entered Employment/Education Rate (TBD# participants will secure a job or <br />participate in post -secondary education and/or advanced training/occupational <br />skills training in the first quarter after program exit) <br />2. What is the length of the program, i.e., how much time will a youth need to be in this <br />program to get the full benefits of each component offered? <br />The length of the program is one year with one year of follow up services after <br />program exit. Although program participants can participate in the program for up to <br />one year, some participants may not need a full year to accomplish set goals. <br />However, it is our experience that participants enjoy and benefit from the services <br />offered in this program and most will participate for the complete year. The time <br />needed to complete each component of the program is dependent on the abilities and <br />motivation of each participant. <br />3. How often will the WIA participant need to attend the program and how often are <br />specific activities offered (daily/weekly/monthly)? <br />Activities and services are dependent on participant needs and interests and are not <br />time based. For example, if a participant needs to find a job the peer mentor may <br />OCF/Foster Youth Liaison Project 3 <br />