Hanna Center provides next move for foster care youth
Youth aging out of foster care find it hard to find housing because they are significantly more likely to drop out of school, be involved in the juvenile justice system, struggle with employment, and experience mental illness.
Hanna Center has addressed the challenge by opening transitional housing on the grounds of its Glen Ellen campus. The program is certified for up to 36 young men and women, ages 16-20, to experience independence in self-contained group homes.
“We understand that launching into adulthood can be daunting, especially when it involves transitioning out of foster care,” said Vice President of Hanna Center’s Residential Program, Scott Singer. “Our goal with these programs is to provide youth with a safe place and the support they need to make informed decisions about their lives.”
The program offers a dorm-like environment where trained staff members reside on-site to provide supervision and access to trauma-informed treatment. The setting allows participants to build relationships, Singer said, a vital stage of development.
Services include trauma-informed philosophy and therapy for individuals, families, and groups to ensure that everyone’s unique needs are met and they are supported in making meaningful changes in their lives.
“At Hanna, we strive to create an environment where our youth can feel supported and empowered,” said CEO, Cameron Safarloo. “We are thrilled to offer these programs that will provide youth with the tools they need to become independent adults.”
Participants must be former foster care youth who can enter directly from a family-based foster care setting, probation, or congregate care. For more information about referral applications and eligibility requirements, visit Hannacenter.org/residential.
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My daughter and son-in-law, both with graduate degrees, wanted to adopt up to seven children. They were denied because they are Caucasian. They were told that!!!!