Youthnet

Programs: Emerson high school - youthnet provides a secondary education program that is an alternative to conventional public high school. Emerson serves students from multiple school districts. The program serves a significant number of youth at-risk of school failure due to homelessness, poverty, pregnancy, family violence, substance abuse, mental health, or other issues. Were it not for the program, many of the students would never be able to complete high school. It provides personalized instruction, comprehensive student support services, engagement to school and community through social, recreational and service learning activities. It places a strong emphasis on development of self-sufficiency and independent living skills. Students receive a regular diploma from their home district and the majority continue on to post-secondary college education.

community and family services - youthnet provides independent and transitional living skills training/services to youth who are currently in or have been in foster care. They receive one-on-one independent living skills training and case management services at no cost to them. All clients have individualized plans based on an assessment. Youth receive hands-on training in self-sufficiency skills such as obtaining housing, creating and managing a budget, career and education planning, engaging in safe and healthy relationships, and securing employment. While the primary goal is safe housing and financial literacy (in an effort to decrease homelessness and dependence on public resources), these youth will also be connected to service learning opportunities and receive assistance in the application process for post-secondary or vocational training. Youthnet provides foster care services through the recruitment, licensing, supervision and support of foster families for children in need of safe, loving homes. In addition, we provide ongoing case management, training and respite care. In cases where children cannot be reunified with their relatives, many of our homes become permanent adoptive families for the children in their care. Youthnet provides in-home family services to support families referred to child protective services. We have three evidence-based parent education programs: triple p - positive parenting program, promoting first relationships, and safecare. These programs provide parent education to families at risk of losing their children to out-of-home placement due to abuse, neglect or severe family conflict. It is also used to help caregivers with behavioral issues of their children to help maintain placement, and can be used to facilitate a child's return home. Youthnet strives to keep children at home with their families and out of the foster care system. These family preservation programs are an important part of youthnet's support services to the community.