YOUTH TRANSITIONAL Housing Toolkit YOUTH TRANSITIONAL Housing Toolkit Table of CONTENTS

1 PURPOSE OF THE TOOLKIT 4 CREATION OF THE TOOLKIT 5 YOUTH HOMELESSNES OVERVIEW 10 ABOUT COVENANT HOUSE 17 TRANSITIONAL HOUSING OVERVIEW 21 TRANSITIONAL HOUSING AT COVENANT HOUSE 22 THE RIGHTS OF PASSAGE PROGRAM

22 ROP Overview in and Vancouver 23 Steps to Progress in Vancouver 30 Program Elements 51 Mentorship Program-Covenant House Toronto 54 Rules 62 SCATTERED SITE TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAM AT COVENANT HOUSE 75 STAFFING 82 THEORIES TO SUPPORT THE WORK 95 EVALUATION AND MEASURING PROGRESS 107 FUNDING 109 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 110 CONCLUSION 111 FURTHER READING 111 REFERENCES Purpose of the Toolkit — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 1 [email protected] [email protected] Toolkit

ail: ail: ail: ail: e Canadian Observatory on /Homeless Hub Observatorye Canadian Homelessness/Homeless on ame: Julie Neubauer Julie ame: itle: Transitional Housing Manager Housing Transitional itle: hone: 416-204-7049 hone: [email protected] Em T P Em t N Th

ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ PURPOSE PURPOSE For more information on Covenant House Vancouver please contact: Vancouver House Covenant on information more For For more information on Covenant House Toronto please contact: Toronto House Covenant on information more For For more information about the Toolkit please contact: the Toolkit about information more For Please note: the information contained in the toolkit is accurate as of March 2015, but the 2015, but March of as accurate is in the toolkit contained the information Please note: they serve. the youth meet the needs of better to evolving continually are programs This toolkit is designed for shelters, housing providers, youth-serving agencies and other and youth-serving agencies providers, housing shelters, for is designed toolkit This some outlines in . It youth at-risk and homeless about concerned organizations a provide to meant is model but the Foyer incorporating housing transitional ideas for arebased materials resource and studies Thecase adaptable. and flexible is model that Covenant at House programs Toronto housing transitional and Passage of the Rights on this consider to encouraged are (CHV). Groups Vancouver House Covenant (CHT) and meets that a program modify necessary to where create to it practice but a promising model as part one in adapting interested are groups Whether their community. needs of the unique the program, develop help to resources and support provides the toolkit model, the entire or procedures thepolicies, create and expectations funding understand roles, staffing establish possible. as smoothly and quickly running as and rules up it and needed get to of the Acknowledgements — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 2 Administrative Assistant Administrative , Life Skills, Life Coordinator Manager, Rights of Passage of Rights Manager, Certified ETO Site Administrator CertifiedSite ETO age 26 - Past Participant - Past 26 age age 21 - Current Participant - Current 21 age atrick", anniele Livengood, anniele helsea Minhas, innia Sandoval, isa Ronaldson, Case Manager , Youth Support Worker , Youth Sutton-Fregin vonne ennifer Morrison L Y “ "P J D C J Z

• • Kevin”,• • Services Program Harvey- Director, ohn • • • • • ROP VANCOUVER YOUTH PARTICIPANTS YOUTH ROP VANCOUVER COVENANT VANCOUVER COVENANT HOUSE

Housing Worker Housing Mentor Program Coordinator Program Mentor Manager of Transitional Housing Housing Transitional of Manager Current Mentor Current age 28 - Past Participant Past 28 - age age 25 - Current Participant Current 25 - age age 24 - Current Participant Current 24 - age age 18 - Current Participant Current 18 - age age 22 - Current Participant - Current 22 age

, age 25 - Current Participant - Current 25 orian", age isha", Team Leader illon Dodson, Team Aguilar, anny Past Mentor Past Brown, anna Youth Worker Youth enieve Tan,

Team Leader Team éline Callender, Director of Program Services Program of Director Howes, arol Overnight Youth Worker Overnight Youth pril Tomczak, Youth Worker rodie Montreuil, Youth Executive Director ruce Executive Rivers, anessa, anessa, rrica, Research Coordinator Research aviola Fernandes, tacey Rees, Skillstacey Life Coordinator Mark”, Mark”, ewela Cabrera, ulie Neubauer, D G A J S F D C B B C J D "A J E "D “ V A

• • • • • • • • • • • • • annit Luu, • • • • • • • licia, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS COVENANT TORONTO COVENANT HOUSE ROP TORONTO MENTORS TORONTO ROP ROP TORONTO YOUTH YOUTH PARTICIPANTS TORONTO ROP Thanks to the staff, volunteers and service users (past and present) of Covenant House Covenant of present) and serviceand (past users volunteers staff, the to Thanks toolkit the of development the in assisted who Vancouver House Covenant and Toronto information. reviewing or resources and data providing interviews, in part taking by Acknowledgements — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 3 Principal Investigator and Director and Investigator Principal Research at York Student York at Research Communications Manager Communications Research at York Student York at Research CANADIAN OBSERVATORY ON HOMELESSNESS/HOMELESS HUB HOMELESSNESS/HOMELESS ON OBSERVATORY CANADIAN The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness acknowledges with thanks the financial financial the thanks with acknowledges Homelessness on Observatory Canadian The Foundation. Canada Depot Home The of support Research at York Student Student York at Research Woolley, Emma Volunteer Rocha, Julie Graduate Student Bahen, Graduate Julia Campney, Alicia Assistant Research Tavares, Vander Research Assistant Research Pettes, Tyler Assistant Research Malenfant, Jayne Vineeth Sekharan, Assistant Research Castaneda, William Web Assistant Web Sebastian Wan, Communications Officer Communications Roudenko, Oxana Graphic Designer Graphic Lacroix, Patricia Stephanie Vasko, Stephanie Sarah Coordinator Hamdi, Communications Research Coordinator (primary author) Coordinator Research Gulliver, Tanya Dr. Stephen Gaetz, Stephen Dr. Marsolais, ProjectAllyson Manager A special thanks to Hollyburn Properties staff for assisting with our understanding of of understanding our with assisting for staff Properties Hollyburn to thanks A special Christina Communications), and (PR May Katrina offer: they program unique the Manager. Building Asimetay, Petrit Owner) and and (Principal Sander Paul Digan, Thanks to the staff, students and volunteers at the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness/ on Observatory Canadian the at volunteers and students staff, the to Thanks reviewof transcription, material, the analyzing and collecting in efforts their for Hub Homeless toolkit. the of creation and materials Creation of the Toolkit — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 4 Toolkit

eview of literature related to Foyers and Transitional Housing was conducted conducted was Housing Transitional and Foyers to related eview literature of e video interviews were edited to create over 20 short videos to supplement the videos supplement to 20 short over create to e video edited interviews were onthly meetings were held with Covenant House Toronto to discuss progress and and discuss progress to Toronto House Covenant with held were meetings onthly ll of the materials were analyzed to determine what information needed be to included information what determine to analyzed were the materials ll of oth agencies provided copies of their materials, including policies, forms, guides etc. policies, forms, including their materials, of copies provided agencies oth oth organizations had an opportunity to review content of the written toolkit. Special toolkit. the written of review to content opportunity an had organizations oth ach video subject had the ability to review their contribution and confirm confirm their and review to their contribution video the ability had ach subject hone and in-person interviews (the latter were filmed) were completed with a variety with completed were filmed) were interviews in-person and (the latter hone ranscriptions were made of each interview. of made were ranscriptions

B Toronto House Covenant at Manager Housing Transitional Neubauer, Julie to thanks House Covenant at Program Passage of the Rights of Manager Chelsea Minhas, and feedback. their continual for Vancouver direction. in the toolkit. Th content. written E in the videos. included the content of acceptance B M A (this toolkit is not a literature review and this research was conducted primarily for for primarily conducted was this research review and a literature not is (this toolkit also was conducted. concepts theories key and into Research material). background P Toronto House at Covenant programs housing of the transitional users and staff of staff. Properties Hollyburn with as well as Vancouver, and T A r

» » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » CREATION CREATION

As with most projects of the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness/Homeless Hub the Hub Observatory the Canadian of Homelessness/Homeless on projects most with As process. a very through developed was collaborative toolkit of the Youth Homelessness Overview — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 5

includes individuals between 20 and 29 (Public 29 (Public between 20 and individuals includes

Depending on the jurisdiction, the state will define the ages for which child child which for ages the define will state the jurisdiction, the on Depending supports health mental of kinds what care, for responsible services are protection and welfare obtain independently, live can one when age the and accessible are p. 13). 2014a: (Gaetz, etc. school, leave or benefits, government other

YOUTH HOMELESSNES HOMELESSNES YOUTH The category of youth therefore can range from 12 to 29. According to the census youth youth to census the According to 29. 12 from range can therefore youth of category The those 12-19, while aged youngmeans adults The child welfare mandate is determined by the provinces and territories and the age of age and the territories and provinces by the is determined mandate welfare child The leaving youth that example, for means, 19. This under 16 to under from ranges protection Health Agency of Canada, 2011). A young person under the Youth Criminal Justice Act is Act Criminal Justice the Youth under person 2011). A young Canada, of Agency Health considered is majority of the age 18. Federally, than younger 12 and of the age over someone alcohol buy cannot youth provinces in many but vote) to allowed are beto 18 (when youth Alberta, Legal the 2013; Raising Roof, Public Education for (Centre age of 19 years until 2009). Even within the proposed definition there is recognition that it is being created to help help to is created it being that recognition is there definition the proposed within Even program, reflecting necessarily specific not despite coherence definitional some provide exist. already that policy jurisdictional definitions and There is no formally agreed upon age definition of a homeless youth (or in many cases, even a many (or in youth homeless of a definition age upon agreed formally no is There received has that Homelessness of Definition a Canadian is there in Canada. However, youth) of definition A youth researchers. and government groups, community from wide support Definition the Canadian will it follow While being created. of in the process is homelessness follow youth that pathways the unique will it distinguish types homelessness, of of in terms homelessness. into Many different terms are used to describe young people who are homeless, including street including homeless, are usedwho to describepeople are young terms different Many people young to refers homelessness Youth etc. youth, homeless kids, runaways, street youth, the of many lack importantly, and caregivers, and/or parents of independently living who are such childhood In adulthood. from to social deemed necessary the transition supports for do nor income, of source or residence consistent or a stable have they do not circumstances, and a safe needed foster to networks the support to access adequate they have necessarily choose be people to young Few adulthood. of the responsibilities into transition nurturing distressing. and stressful unpleasant, the negative, experience generally and is homeless, Overview Youth Homelessness Overview — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 6 of foster care care foster of 1 youth). Segaert reports that 63% of youth in shelters are are in shelters youth Segaert 63% of that reports youth). 2 rans* is an umbrella term that signifies the broad diversity of gender variance found within the variance of gender diversity the broad signifies that term is an umbrella rans* homeless youth have become too old to remain under the jurisdiction of the child welfare system system under the jurisdiction remain old to of the child welfare too become have homeless youth lack the necessaryand yet skills independently. live to T bigender, agender, transsexual, transgender, to, but not limited community including, transgender genderfluid, non-binary etc. genderqueer, R

The Government of Canada estimates 1 in 5 shelter users in this country are youth betweenyouth usersare in countrythis shelter 1 in 5 of estimates Canada The Government (very little shelters 2:1 in most of a ratio by females outnumber 24. Males 16 and of the ages trans* is collectedabout specific data Over the course of the year the number of young people who become homeless in Canada is in Canada who homeless become people young of the number the year Over of the course (Gaetz, night given any on youth 7,000 homeless as be many as may there 40,000 and least at 2014). Richter, & Gulliver, Most youth homeless services in Canada provide supports beginning at 16 or 18 and 18 and 16 or beginning at services supports homeless provide in Canada youth Most important an is Age 2009). the (Raising Roof, 25th birthday the youth’s to up continuing also but varyadults, those of from youth needs of because the developmental consideration emotional and physical and “needs,circumstances, The itself. category vary the youth within different] [are old a 23 year or old 18 year an to compared old a 14 year of development youth sustain and produce that the factors also that be acknowledged must it (though developmental to also contribute may abuse, and trauma violence, – including homelessness 13). (Gaetz, 2014a, p. youth)” older for impairment and restrictions may be placed on new entries. This is particularly true in Ontario where new is particularly This newtruewhere be entries. in Ontario placed on may restrictions and the before bill A olds. 17 year 16 and for limited extremely is system the welfare child to access be could approved it before papers the order died on this issue address to Legislature Ontario 2011). Portal, Research Child Canadian 2013; Welfare Youth, and Children for (Justice law into 2 1 Many system. thechildwelfare andleaving independent ofachildbecoming theprocess to efers home or being removed from their home under these ages fall under the responsibility of the of fall these the under responsibility under ages their home from being removed or home ” out be can “aged children these ages above However, system. welfare child Pathways into and out of homelessness vary. We know that over 40% of homeless youth have have youth homeless 40% of over that know We vary. homelessness of out and into Pathways previous have youth homeless half of over and system the welfare child with been involved experience greater youth homeless Additionally, system. the criminal with justice involvement Health (Public youth) housed 10-20% for only to (40-70% compared health issues mental 2006; Gaetz, 2014a). Canada, of Agency Additionally, as with the homeless adult population, there is significant overrepresentation overrepresentation significant is there population, adult the homeless with as Additionally, in the be increase an may there location upon depending Furthermore, youth. Aboriginal of & Roswell, Lum, (Springer, in Toronto) youth black (i.e. colour of youth homeless of number 2013; Baskin, 2013; Gaetz, 2014a; 2014b). lesbian, gay, gay, lesbian, who identify as youth homeless amongst overrepresentation is significant There of theup 25-40% make to estimated are . They (LGBTQ2S) 2-spirited or queer trans*, bisexual, (Abramovich, population the general 5-10% of only to compared population, homeless youth 2013; Gaetz, 2014a; 2014b). male, and 37% are female. Because of violence encountered by young women on the streets on women young by encountered Because violence female. of 37% are and male, (Segaert, 2012; shelters to alternatives access males to young than likely be more they may Gaetz, 2014a; 2014b). Youth Homelessness Overview — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 7 ). A main cause of youth homelessness is a is homelessness youth of cause A main - - This includes ongoing problems that a young person cannot cannot person young a that problems ongoing includes tructural - This factors - Sometimes young people become homeless after after homeless become people young - Sometimes failures system nstitutional ndividual and Relational factors factors ndividual Relational and slipping through the cracks of our “social safety nets” (such as child protection, protection, child as (such nets” safety “social our of the cracks through slipping in government people young Many justice). juvenile , mental health and leaving down breaks when their placement homeless become protection) (child care been have and/or their placements; choose leave to or live, to a place them without of a place without non-compliance) for (e.g., care of a situation from discharged from people young we discharge That will which they or to return. can residence increases supports ongoing and planning discharge adequate without care of systems homelessness. the of risk I S breakdown or conflict in key relationships within the home. The vast majority have majority vast The home. within the relationships key in conflict or breakdown neglectful otherwise or abusive, untenable unsafe, an leave to been or chosen forced or health problems mental because of home leave people young Many situation. experiencing. is elsetheir in household someone they either or that issues addictions a broader at exist and the family of outside originate which largely and control, inadequate like poverty, conditions societalsocial and economic includes This level. also the frame which may stability, housing of lack and underemployment education, lead can that the family within stressors underlie can and people young experience of form in the Discrimination option. a viable no longer is “home” meaning conflict; to factors. also can be bullying contributing and racism transphobia, homophobia, of I

Youth homelessnessYouth is defined by inherent instability, profound limitations and loss experiencing are people young these when a time At poverty. and a diverse managing with charged simultaneously are they trauma, potentially making food, and income shelter, obtaining including tasks, of set complex and 9). 2014a: p. (Gaetz, relationships healthy developing and decisions good 2. 3. 1. Homeless youth may be physically on the streets, staying in emergency shelters or youth youth or shelters in emergency staying the streets, on be physically may youth Homeless houses in boarding rooms cheap renting or family, with friends “couch-surfing” hostels, lead which may situations, housing risky these All are of in squats. staying or hotels, or housing between various move to also tend youth, . of loss imminent to the been which has from expanded in the typology outlined time as below, over situations their housing of the instability is “it that Gaetz argues Homelessness. End to Alliance National (www.homelesshub.ca youth” homeless as their status characterizes that situation The key causes of youth homelessness include a) individual / relational factors, b) structural b) factors, relational / a) individual include homelessness youth of key causes The failures: systems and c) institutional and factors Youth Homelessness Overview — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 8 Becoming homeless then does not just mean a loss of stable housing, but rather rather but housing, stable of a loss mean just not does then homeless Becoming dependence, of thus relations in embedded they are which in a home leaving parents with relations social in rupture potential and interruption an experiencing 2014a: (Gaetz, community and neighbours friends, members, family caregivers, and 7). p. Errica, a current ROP participant at Covenant House Toronto. House ROPErrica, participant a current Covenant at The diversity of homeless youth notwithstanding, the lack of experience with of experience with lack the notwithstanding, youth homeless of diversity The supported of models presents toolkit This factor. important an is living independent the develop and the adjustment make youth homeless help can that housing transitional their own. on thrive skills necessary and live to Youth homelessness then must be considered separately from adult homelessness. Just as Just homelessness. adult from separately be considered then must homelessness Youth and solutions. interventions the possible are so different, are homelessness into the pathways or welfare child family, is – whether it a situation leaving are generally youth Homeless their overall for caregivers adult services upon correctional dependent they – where were support. Youth Homelessness Overview — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 9 Temporarily Disconnected Temporarily of majority the vast out, (1998) point Culhane and Kuhn As very a time,so do for short who homeless become people little with homelessness of out way find their typically as is true This homelessness. to return rarely and assistance between that suggests NAEH The youth. for is it as adults for this category into fit youth homeless of 86 percent 81 and generally as beingcharacterized is 2012). This group (NAEH, with relations redeemable or stable more having as younger, and homelessness history of extensive a less members, family needfor strong is a There in school. remain to likely more are this population divert to intervention early and prevention system. the homelessness from ConnectedUnstably complicated more a has youth homeless of This population repeated and longer have to likely is history and housing more are 2011). They et al., (Toro homelessness episodes of challenges will school and have from be to disengaged likely will have Most employment. maintaining and in obtaining members family with connection of level some retained health experience or to serious mental likely less are and is This youth. homeless chronically than issues addictions as interventions, reconnection which family for a group recommended, are programs housing transitional as well 18. under youth particularly for Disconnected Chronically of this will be the numbers, smallest group of terms In the with time the group the same at but youth, homeless the on reliance the needs heaviest with complex most This group sector. homelessness in the youth resources a and greater homelessness by longerterm defined is episodes. They will repeated likelihood also of more be issues addictions health problems, mental have to likely most the They willhave a diagnosed disability. and/or cases in some there and families with relations unstable in this category adults all. Young at will be connections no as well as interventions, comprehensive more require may programs. housing longer-term and supportive more (from Gaetz, 2014a). Gaetz, (from YOUTH HOMELESSNESS YOUTH THE NAEH TYPOLOGY OF TYPOLOGY NAEH THE FIG.1 About Covenant House — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 10 CONTINUUM OF CARE OF CONTINUUM FIG.2 COVENANT HOUSE COVENANT

There are also two toll-free crisis lines for youth in the US, Canada and that answer answer Mexico that and in US, the Canada youth for toll-free crisis lines also are two There calls a year. of thousands of tens These core services are made of a large array of programs, depending upon the city and city upon the depending programs, of array of a large servicesmade These core are employment support, educational healthcare, housing, shelters, emergency needs, including legal services, mental prevention, and treatment drug skills training, abuse and readiness supports. health services, aftercare and skills training life Covenant House has three core services that make up their Continuum of Care, including including Care, of services their Continuum up make core three has that House Covenant services), drop-in services, and support outreach community (including Outreach Street (longer- Passage of Rights beds) and shelter short-term emergency, (including Crisis Program housing). term transitional Covenant House is one of the best-known international charities helping homeless youth. It It youth. homeless helping charities international the best-known of one is House Covenant youth. exploited and homeless in the for funded charity privately alsois the largest 50,000 youth serves than more House Covenant priests, Franciscan in 1972, by Founded Central America (Anchorage, and Mexico States, in Canada, the United in 21 cities a year City, Mexico , , , Lauderdale, Fort , City, Atlantic , Louis, St. , Oakland, Orlando, York, , New Newark, Altas, Milpas D.C.). Washington, and Vancouver, Toronto, , Covenant House International About About Covenant House — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 11 ) ROP Participant Guide and speak and to Guide Participant (CHV) ROP Vancouver’s House Covenant CHI) and (

Sanctuary means that ROP is meant to be a safe place for all. Our staff are committed committed are all. Our staff for place be to a safe meant is ROP that Sanctuary means Homeless kids arriving at our door are often frightened and mistrustful. Young men and men Young mistrustful.and frightened often are door our at kids arriving Homeless Homeless kids come to Covenant House in crisis. Immediately and without question, we question, without and crisis. Immediately in House Covenant to kids come Homeless

SANCTUARY IMMEDIACY to maintaining an environment where all the residents can feel secure, build trust, and be trust,free secure, build and feel can all where the residents environment an maintaining to You this environment. creating to contribute to has Everyone pressure. negative and abuse of willYou be unsafe. or emotionally physically feeling are you if once at staff inform should the sanctuary others. of threaten that behaviours expected from refrain to CHV: CHI: them from protects House secure – Covenant and when they safe feel only grow can women of security. sense important that offers the and perils the street of Immediacy also means that communication about needs and other important issues should should issues important other needs and about communication that Immediacy also means keep should you but Worker, Youth Key your with meetings regular will have You be timely. able be might staff that dealing with something are you whenever informed duty on the staff your about (e.g. you with recognizesomething need to address the staff When with. help to expect they can will that you do so promptly. plan) your or behaviour Immediacy means that needs are addressed as quickly as possible. ROP is staffed 24 staffed is ROP possible. as quickly as addressed needs are that Immediacy means CHV: support. for ask to talk to or to available someone have always you so that hours, CHI: medical attention, clothes, clean meal, a shower, needs – a nourishing meet their basic human the street. of the dangers from away place a safe and These principles are important for an agency to consider as it develops its program. As anAs program. its it develops as to consider agency an for important are principles These House all to Covenant apply that philosophies key are there organization international contrast The programs. multiple agency with be truemay a large with The same agencies. presented is the principles interpreted has Vancouver House in which Covenant the way with and understanding their own create may agency an within a program how you show to here principles. the broader of implementation Covenant House International International House Covenant from come citations the below, principles the five outlining In website ROP. of in the work out plays these principles each of how The work of all Covenant Houses is governed by five core principles, which are built into theinto built are which principles, core five by governed is Houses of all Covenant work The that work tointegral the are so principles The training. staff delivery and program philosophy, procedures. policies and also embeddedthey into are Five Basic Principles Basic Five About Covenant House — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 12 At CHV, we support your right and responsibility to make choices for your own life. life. own your for choices make to responsibility and right your support we CHV, At If you have been staying at the CHV Crisis Program, you have experienced structure have you the CHV Crisis Program, at been staying have you If Moving away from street values and developing a healthy set of personal values is part is personal values set of a healthy developing and values street from away Moving Homeless kids never know how they will get their next meal or where they they where will will meal their next or how sleep. get know kids never Homeless Lying, cheating, and stealing are common survival tools on the street. Covenant House House Covenant survival the street. on tools common are stealing and cheating, Lying, CHOICE STRUCTURE VALUE COMMUNICATION VALUE CHV: will We things. other doing not by certain and things doing by every choices make day, You the all little of recognizing and you, to open are that the options in exploring you support that a plan in forming will you also support We every make to day. have you that choices you help to is staff of work of the Part dreams. and preferences own your on based you, fits with you empower Our to goal is make. you that choice each of results the possible evaluate decision-making. positive skills for and information Young people often feel powerless to control their lives and fall into a self-defeating a self-defeating falland into lives their to control feel powerless often people CHI: Young to in believe people young encouraging confidence, fosters House Covenant failure. cycle of their lives. for choices smart make and themselves For example, once on your own you will be able to live by a budget, get enough sleep, get to get sleep, enough get a budget, by will live to be you able own your on once example, For dishes, will decide do your when you destructive triggers to behaviours, avoid time, on work is facilitated independently structure to setting move The gradual etc. will study when you the of more and more the steps, through move you As program. the ROP of the six steps by you. lies with responsibility You will be involved in the process of setting expectations for yourself as you identify goals you as yourself for expectations setting of in the process will be involved You you by the time is aim that those The goals. toward working for take responsibility you as and are that self-discipline and the routines up setting and practice in deciding will have you leave, do so to independently. continue can so you you to important in the form of strict schedules and rules that are needed for establishing stability in that in that stability establishing needed for are rules strict and that of schedules in the form by be followed must rules and that also schedules some are there ROP, At environment. internalized. be and to individualized also is structure meant but everyone, CHV: Covenant House provides the stability and structure necessary to build a positive future. necessary structure a positive build and to the stability provides House Covenant of the work of ROP participants. Honesty, caring, accountability and mutual respect are values respect are mutual and accountability caring, Honesty, participants. ROP of the work of model. and live all to we strive that CHI: CHV: CHI: honesty. based trust, respect, and on are relationships caring that example by teaches About Covenant House — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 13

). ruce Rivers, Executive Director, Covenant House Toronto House Covenant Director, Executive Rivers, ruce

—B “The whole Covenant approach is that we would basically sit down, contract with contract down, sit basically would we that is approach “The Covenant whole the they’re that and here be to choice their it’s that understanding person, young the together plan that piece we basically, But plan. the drive and focus to have that ones way.” the along it customize We person. young that for work will that a way in

When a youth comes to our doors, we make a covenant, or a promise, to support them support to a promise, or a covenant, make we doors, our to comes a youth When them, with principles guiding our share We independence. to every the way of step communicating and modeling sanctuary, and care immediate providing which include House (Covenant choices helpful and structure offering as well as values, positive website Toronto

These plans are particularly important for the Rights of Passage program and willand be explored program Passage of the Rights for particularly important are plans These on. detail later in greater

Every Covenant House creates a ‘covenant’ with each young person. The word covenant covenant word The person. each young with a ‘covenant’ creates House Every Covenant a relationship agreement, a mutual involve “Covenants CHV says, together’. coming ‘a means doing.” to committed they are what out in which each party lays Worker. their Youth with plan a create rules to and follow to required are youth return, In alternative an or work education, include could and the youth to individualized is Each plan overallgoal is The health concerns. other health or mental focused addictions, plan on in the community. life productive and a healthy live to the youth enable to independence Covenanting with the Youth "We would basically sit down, contract with the young person, understanding that it's their choice to be here and that they're the ones that have to focus and drive the plan."

-Bruce Rivers, Covenant House Toronto About Covenant House — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 15 Vancouver, BC. Vancouver,

nd Vancouver Overview Vancouver nd ). There are also a high number of youth who have “aged have who youth of number also a highare ). There website Vancouver House Covenant Toronto, ON. Toronto, Following the continuum of care model both Covenant House Toronto and Covenant House House Covenant and Toronto House model both Covenant care of the continuum Following but betweenthe varyThese by supports. location, different a variety of provide Vancouver training employment education, health care, counselling, 24/7 crisis care, include sites two to homelessness from they as move youth support and housing transitional assistance, and young person’s increase to each and life-skills build confidence to work They independence. success. greater achieve to ability The youth that are served by Covenant House vary in the needs and events that brought brought that vary House and needs in events the servedare by Covenant that youth The 70%) as much (as youth of a majority Vancouver, and both Toronto For seekthem to shelter. In home. of their out had or been kicked sexualabuse and/or emotional physical, fled have serious with presenting youth of “in been increase has the number an there years recent more seen in Vancouver the youth half of as many as including issues”, addictions health and mental ( an estimated report that agencies The go. to place no have and system care the foster of out” the sex trade of form in some been involved have with they people work the young 30% of sexual to subjected exploitation. and/or a Covenant House Toronto Toronto House Covenant About Covenant House — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 16 eds in the Crisis Program (30 for males and 24 for females) 24 for males and (30 for eds in the Crisis Program 12 males and (13 for program Housing Transitional Passage of eds in the Rights eds in the Rights of Passage Transitional Housing program (18 for males and 10 males and (18 for program Housing Transitional Passage of eds in the Rights helter beds (58 for males and 36 for females) 36 for males and beds (58 for helter 54 b 25 b females) for 28 b 94 s females) for » » » » » » » » COVENANT HOUSE VANCOUVER (CHV) VANCOUVER HOUSE COVENANT COVENANT HOUSE TORONTO (CHT) TORONTO HOUSE COVENANT Covenant House Vancouver currently has: currently Vancouver House Covenant During the fiscal year 2013-2014, a total of 1,375 youth accessed the youth servicesof 1,375 Duringtotal of the fiscal a 2013-2014, year Covenant and shelter (food, counselling, support ongoing the provides agency and Vancouver House in Vancouver. living youth 700 homeless the approximately to clothing) Covenant House Vancouver opened in September 1997 with 12 beds and was full was 12 beds 1997 with in September opened and Vancouver House Covenant House Covenant by initially full Supported ever since. remained CHV has immediately. of the streets on living youth of high numbers a crisis of address to formed CHV was Toronto, youth. for supports housing transitional and shelter of a lack and Vancouver There are about 250 youth coming and going every day. everygoing and day. coming youth 250 about are There Covenant House Toronto currently has: currently Toronto House Covenant Covenant House Toronto was the second international Covenant House site and opened in opened and site House Covenant international the second was Toronto House Covenant agency youth homeless largest The Carter. Cardinal the late idea of an from 1982, stemming and City) York New (after in theworld House Covenant largest the second CHT is in Canada, it since served CHT has 90,000 youth about annually. people 3,000 young of serves average an doors. its opened Transitional Housing Overview — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 17

permanent housing for the residents. the residents. for housing permanent

Histories of abusive treatment, residential addictions, instability, and mental housing Transitional itself. homelessness of trauma the to add issues health tools and opportunities, environment, living supportive a offer to is intended among community of development the promote and development, skill for employment in participate to people enabling in critical be can These residents. or addiction address facilities, educational in enrol programs, training or larger the in living independent to move ultimately and issues, health mental 1). 2009, p. & Bourbonnais, Brown (Novac, community

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING HOUSING TRANSITIONAL The primary difference between supportive housing and transitional housing is that isthat housing and transitional housing supportive primary between The difference a different to on move to and expected “graduate” to are housing in transitional residents the former Canada, under 1999). In & Zimmer, (Barrow program or type housing of the federal funded by Initiative) Partnerships Community (Supporting program SCPI permanent not but housing, transitional build to available was funding government, except that has meant country, in this housing affordable of however, lack The housing. of units the many housing, to the attached was program a specific or mandate age an where de become factohave Length of transitional housing programs can vary can –especially the population— on depending programs housing transitional Length of Most 1999). & Zimmer, (Barrow years three to months three from range generally but the use of increasingly but a building, within housed are programs housing transitional space private less offers housing used. of is This type supports program with scattered-sites or shared include may and smaller often is Space housing. in permanent found usually is than all residents. by space shared common is there usually and rooms single

Transitional Housing refers to temporary housing that acts as a stopgap measure between measure acts a stopgap as that housing temporary to refers Housing Transitional usually is it in particular, youth to applies it As housing. permanent and homelessness independently. live to people young enable the necessary with that supports housing Overview Transitional Housing Overview — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 18 can help increase opportunities opportunities increase help can 3 C person is 16 or 17 and too can be used when a young This time. an appropriate person at young a to It housing. may into transition person’s a young facilitate or to the legal agreement, sign to young a youth. housing to about providing hesitant who are of landlords also ease concerns

3 lease anagency that transition onvertible allow leases initiallyholdaleaseintheirnamebutto to Creating a sense of permanency then is very difficult for youth. Using a scattered site approach approach site a Using scattered youth. permanency a sensefor very then of is difficult Creating leases” “convertible for which allows housing, transitional to Transitional housing for youth is always limited because of age restrictions. In most most In restrictions. age because of limited always is youth for housing Transitional in some While their 25th birthday. on mandate exceed the program youth programs, do this to funding no is there support, minimal follow-up provide may agency cases an very usually is limited. therefore and This combination of on- and off-site transitional housing is a component of the Foyer’s Hub Foyer’s ofthe component is a housing transitional off-site and on- of combination This which will model, be discussed Spoke section.and in the next Covenant House Toronto and Vancouver are gradually increasing their scattered site site their scattered increasing gradually are Vancouver and Toronto House Covenant their or care their shelter/crisis leaving cases, youth many In usage. housing transitional with living independent to transition to supported are program housing transitional on-site an in- provide in locations both Staff House. Covenant by still provided minimal supports to Covenant out reach to encouraged are in sites both youth and program aftercare depth housing cases, a few this off-site 25). In needed as age (especially to support up for House company management a property with a partnership through supported and obtained is (The Daniels a builder/developer or Toronto) and in Vancouver Properties (Hollyburn in Toronto). Corporation for permanency. Program supports can continue until the age of 25, at which point the youth the youth which point 25, at of the age until continue can supports Program permanency. for which serves may adults, agency, another or living independent completely for be ready may component. the support take over An apartment building Toronto, ON. (photo by Shane Fester) by ON. (photo Toronto, apartmentAn building Transitional Housing Overview — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 19 What Works Works and What and there is an extensive body of extensive an is there and 5 Live, Learn and Grow: Learn and Live, Toolkit The Foyer . and Australia Kingdom in the United velopmentally-appropriate environment to build competence and a feeling of of a feeling and competence build to environment velopmentally-appropriate ocus on helping disadvantaged young people who are homeless or in housing need in housing or homeless who are people young disadvantaged ocus helping on is a great example of a unique way of providing support to youth through through youth to support providing of way a unique of example a great is e research on transitional housing models for youth – including the Foyer – has the Foyer – including youth for models housing transitional on e research 4

– including young people leaving care - to achieve the transition to adulthood and adulthood and to the transition achieve - to care leaving people young – including independence. dependence to from achievement. A de A f Th models. housing transitional of effective characteristics important some identified These include: A with the goals consistent at achieving a specific aim or outcome, effective the practice is proven that their effectiveness demonstrate Practices Promising and objectives of the activity Ideally, or program. evidence is not enough generalizable there however research, scientific the most rigorous through and entities other organizations for promise hold do however They ‘best practices’. them label to complete a more For based on the soundness of the evidence. adapt the approaches wish to that practices see: and emerging promising best, between discussion of the differences F Supporting Transitions to Adulthood for Homeless Youth – A Framework for the Foyer in Canada. the Foyer for – A Framework Youth Homeless for Adulthood to Transitions Supporting the Homeless Hub. published by Practices Promising for A Framework Whom? For

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4. see: modelplease Foyer The or afulldiscussionon 5. toclaim evidence issufficient whenthere Practice beaPromising to n intervention isconsidered

The Foyer The Foyer – Hub and Spoke Model Spoke and – Hub Foyer The Foyer model can be considered a best practice a best model can be considered Foyer The transitional housing. Popular in the UK and Australia in particular, it is gaining support support gaining is it in particular, Australia in the and UK Popular housing. transitional New the Calgary Club, at Girls Boys and Way Haven’s in Canada, including popularity and Homeward by operated project alsoFoyer in Calgary The Homes, and Wood’s at Horizon their integrated have Vancouver and Toronto House Both Covenant in Edmonton. Trust model. the Foyer with programs housing transitional The Foyer is very flexible and models of accommodation have included congregate living facilities,living congregate included have of accommodation very and is models flexible Foyer The The Rights models). Spoke and (Hub the two combine that approaches and models site scattered discussed –which is generally in the elsewhere toolkit—has House Covenant at program Passage of expanding) (but limited have Vancouver and Both model. Toronto living a congregate followed model. Spoke and a Hub be to developing themselves consider therefore and housing site scattered of how it has been has it how of ofexamples range broad a are There the model. on research evaluative forms in various applied housing, casenormally the is in transitional than longer for youth modelhouses Foyer The both. or school/training attending employed, generally are the residents skills and life provides detention/ juvenile and those leaving teens younger of in casethe is helpful particularlyThis welfare. child or centers corrections Transitional Housing Overview — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 20 nd Scott, 2012, p. 29). 2012, p. Scott, nd upported transition that is not time limited, in which young people can practice can people in which young time limited, not is that transition upported ormal plan and agreement between the Foyer and young person as to how the Foyer’s the Foyer’s how to as person young and between the Foyer agreement and plan ormal e provision of a community of peers and caring adults with emphasis on peer on emphasis with adults caring peers and of a community of e provision to successful transitions to ensure aftercare necessary appropriate of and e provision n investment in education, training, life skills and meaningful engagement in order in order meaningful engagement skills and life training, in education, n investment mentoring. Th living. independent adulthood and (Gaetz a A chances. life long-term improve to Th A f adulthood. will to be used resources the in making transition local and facilities community A s living. independent A h development. adolescent of » » » » » understanding needs based an on person’s the meeting young to approach olistic » » » » » » »

Transitional Housing at Covenant House — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 21

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING AT AT HOUSING TRANSITIONAL This toolkit will explore the Rights of Passage program and will also touch on the off-site off-site on the willand touch also program Passage of the Rights toolkit will This explore housing off-site The at location. each offered is that housing independent and transitional the Yet, location. each small at fairly is and House each Covenant for component a newer is especially post-transition, provided is that the support and implementing they are model that youth for housing to solutions develop helping to key are Toronto, House Covenant at experiencing homelessness. The Spokes component refers to off-site community, scattered-site apartments. Youth in these Youth apartments. scattered-site community, off-site to refers component Spokes The Covenant by still supported cases in some are but independently more much live locations aswell as Vancouver, and Toronto in available units housing transitional are There House. living. independent facilitate to support As mentioned previously, both agencies follow Covenant House International’s Continuum of of Continuum International’s House Covenant follow both agencies previously, mentioned As program, shelter/crisis emergency the includes Foyer of the component Hub The model. Care of Rights services, housing the transitional as well onsite as other and meal programs drop-in, supports. with living congregate on-site, which offers program, Passage Covenant House Toronto and Vancouver are in the process of aligning their services of in the process with are Vancouver and Toronto House Covenant they are examples, be to “best yet practice” they While are model. Spoke’ and ‘Hub the Foyer supported, theyhave youth of number practices, on based extensive the promising definitely date. to their evaluations and reported the they successes have Covenant House Covenant The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 22 ruce Rivers, Rivers, ruce

—B

independent living; rather rather living; independent

“We have a similarity in terms of the principles that guide our work, but the the but work, our guide that principles the of terms in a similarity have “We and customize would programs House Covenant the of each of feel and look set.” its which within cities the of needs the to respond Executive Director, Covenant House Toronto House Covenant Director, Executive THE RIGHTS OF PASSAGE PASSAGE OF RIGHTS THE

This is to be expected, as it is ideal for a community to customize its program to suit localthe suit to program its to customize a community to is idealis for it be expected,This as of result the are differences serves. cases, it program some that In population and climate with present may cases, youth other In climate. legislative and funding space, logistics, including to address to adapt prepared be should Agencies focuson. must a community specificneeds that flexible. and sensitive culturally are their programs that ensure and youth needs of changing

ROP Overview in Toronto and Vancouver and OverviewROP Toronto in differences, and similarities have Vancouver and Toronto in programs Passage of The Rights the Americas. across programs House all truewhich is Covenant for While it provides more independence than a shelter, it is not is it a shelter, than independence more provides it While Created in 1986, Rights of Passage (ROP) is designed to focus on the longer-term needs of the longer-term designed focus is on to (ROP) Passage of in 1986, Rights Created ROP into enter can Youth setting. in a crisis shelter address to harder are that youth homeless agencies. other services by be outreach referred or the crisis program, from The duration of stay and the living conditions vary in each Covenant House but the overall the but House vary in each Covenant conditions living and the stay of duration The live to or independently the skills needed live develop to youth helping focus the same: is never have House Covenant to who come youth Most minimal supports. with their own on cooking, and grocery including shopping learned the skills necessary independently, live to their education completing a job, keeping and finding bills, paying and a budget maintaining these helps teaches skills and Passage of Rights themselves. of taking care generally just and permanent including housing, of form another (or living independent to on move youth housing). further or transitional housing supportive Program rules to subject are Youth housing. skills-based, life transitional semi-independent, is it skills classes, life attend a personal plan, develop must the housing, within guidelines and etc. workers meet with The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 23 The 6 Step 1 is a time to adjust to living at ROP. The focus is on making a successfulmaking a on focus is The ROP. at living to adjust a time to 1 is Step ake contact with staff at least twice a day. at least twice a day. staff with contact ake dhere to your case plan, including your plan for school or work. work. school or for plan your including case plan, your to dhere ttend a weekly case planning meeting with your Case Manager. Case Manager. your with meeting case a weekly planning ttend ake medications as prescribed. as medications ake ay program fee of $300 on the first of each month, unless otherwise arranged. A prorated prorated otherwise A unless arranged. month, of each the first $300 on of fee program ay ign in and out every time you enter or leave the building. leave or every enter out time you ign in and S amount is due by the day you move in, unless other arrangements have been made. have arrangements in, unless other move you the day by due is amount A A T P M

—“Kevin”, 26, former ROP participant, Covenant House Vancouver House Covenant participant, ROP 26, former —“Kevin”, I period. during the transition “The steps sort of help you showcase your commitment to a certain goal. It sort ofIt sort goal. certain to a commitment your showcase you help of sort steps “The you commitment; need you something, achieve to want you if ‘Hey, you teaches progress’.” to able be to responsibility show to need you initiative, show to need

4. 6. 2. 3. 5. 1.

STEP 1: GETTING1: CONNECTED STEP first step is designed to take a minimum of four weeks, while each of the other steps takes at steps takes other weeks,of the while each four of is designedto a minimum take step first any on extra three weeks than take more to going is a youth that appears it If weeks. eight least takes It discuss the to issues. will team the meet youth with 6), the support (besides Step step in a designed be to completed which are the six steps, complete to 36 weeks of a minimum they as long as step one any on the minimum than spend longer may period. Youth 12-month Given goals. life their own and the program of the basic requirements toward working are as mandate) the age for deadline (except completion no 6 has the new Step change, the recent their program. on working is a youth as long 6 we filmed as steps five to hearreferences thetoolkit may you accompanies n theSTEPSvideothat Requirements: transition into the program: getting used to your new environment, getting acquainted with acquainted getting new environment, used your to getting the program: into transition staff. with relationships build to starting and planning co-residents, Summary: With the recent change to the length of stay, the steps were expanded from five to six. five from expanded were the steps stay, the of length to change the recent With In order to better understand program elements and rules, and the way in which the two rules, the way and and elements program understand better to order In program. Steps the to understand important it’s different, are programs One of the biggest differences between the two programs is that Vancouver uses a six-step uses six-step a Vancouver is that programs between two the differences the biggest of One and new rights brings Each step in the program. progress guides youth’s that framework and enter youth a helping towards geared are steps These privileges. as well as responsibilities, way. in a supported the program through then move and ROP to acclimatize Steps to Progress in Vancouver The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 24 ake contact with staff at least once each day. day. once each at least staff with contact ake ake you up and remind you to take your meds as needed. as meds take your to you remind and up you ake ake up and get yourself to appointments/work/school as needed and without reminders. without needed as and appointments/work/school to yourself get and up ake o chores and room cleaning with you as needed, and make sure you know what is what know you sure make needed, as and you with cleaning room and o chores elp you to make appointments and remind you of them. of you remind and appointments make to you elp o overnights or extended curfews. extended or o overnights omplete weekly program requirements. program weekly omplete omplete Life Skills assessment. Skills Life assessment. omplete dhere to your case plan, including your plan for school or work. work. school or for plan your including case plan, your to dhere dhere to behavioural guidelines. behavioural to dhere ttend a weekly case planning meeting with Case Manager. Case with meeting Manager. case a weekly planning ttend ttend Life Skills sessions as assigned. as Skills Life sessions ttend per month. once Meeting House and every Dinner Wednesday Community ttend eep apartment clean, clean after yourself in the common area, and complete complete and area, in common the yourself after clean clean, eep apartment ay program fee of $300 on the first of each month, unless other arrangements arrangements other unless each month, the of first $300 on of fee program ay W need to do independently). this you step, to the pass but needed, if you remind will (Staff have been made. have M A A P To pass this step, you must demonstrate that you know how how know you that demonstrate must you step, this pass (To do it. to expected how and bathroom, your cleaning and dishes, as cleaning such tasks, household basic the all do to ). it need you if help for ask so please W H D common area chores daily. daily. chores area common A A C A K M week). per off days N C

4. 5. 2. 3. 1. 3. 1. 2. 11. 12. 13. 14. 9. 10. 7. 2 on days/12:00am school or work on (10:00pm curfeweet daily requirements 8. STEP 2: ESTABLISHING ROUTINE ESTABLISHING 2: STEP Requirements: meeting all of (meeting the successful weeks four have you Once 4 weeks. of a minimum 1 is Step 2. Step to on will move ), you requirements establishedgetting on focus is The plan. your with forward moving Summary: are 2, you During Step skills. life practicing and stability, maintaining routines, healthy and/or school work, with Staff will:Staff The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 25 By Step 3, you are expected to have achieved a stable routine and are ready to add to ready are and routine a stable achieved expected have to are 3, you Step By eet daily curfew requirements (12:00am on work or school days/2:00am on 2 2 on school days/2:00am or work on (12:00am curfeweet daily requirements eet daily curfew requirements (11:00pm on work or school days/1:00am on 2 2 on school days/1:00am or work on (11:00pm curfeweet daily requirements ake up and get yourself to appointments/work/school as needed and without reminders. without needed as and appointments/work/school to yourself get and up ake vernights (up to 3 per month) or extended curfews only with pre-approval. with curfews extended only or 3 per to month) (up vernights vernights (up to 2 per month) or extended curfews only with pre-approval. with curfews extended only or 2 per to month) (up vernights pen a bank account and get all get necessary and identification. pen a bankaccount omplete weekly program requirements. requirements. program weekly omplete dhere to your case plan, including your plan for school or work. work. school or for plan your including case plan, your to dhere dhere to behavioural guidelines. behavioural to dhere ttend Life Skills sessions as assigned. as Skills Life sessions ttend ttend a weekly case planning meeting with Case Manager. Case with meeting Manager. case a weekly planning ttend ttend Community Dinner every Wednesday and House Meeting once per month. per month. once Meeting House and every Dinner Community Wednesday ttend ttend Life Skills sessions as assigned. as Skills Life sessions ttend eep apartment clean, clean up after yourself in the common area and complete complete and area in common the yourself after up clean clean, eep apartment eep apartment clean, clean up after yourself in the common area and complete complete and area in common the yourself after up clean clean, eep apartment ay program fee of $300 on the first of each month, unless otherwise unless arranged. month, of each the first $300 on of fee program ay ake medications as prescribed. Be responsible for remembering to do this. to remembering for Be prescribed. as responsible medications ake ign in and out every time you enter or leave the building. leave or every enter out time you ign in and ign in and out every time you enter or leave the building. leave or every enter out timeyou ign and in K daily. chores area common M week). per off days O A W T S P A A A C K daily. chores area common A days off per week). week). per off days O A O T S M

10. 5. 7. 8. 9. 3. 4. 6. 2. 1. 12. 14. 15. 11. 13. 8. 9. 10. 6. 7. prescribed. as medications ake STEP 3: SKILL BUILDING SKILL 3: STEP Summary: Requirements: to your skills for independence. skills for your to The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 26 By the time you reach Step 4, you should be actively practicing in all of the the in all practicing of be actively should 4, you Step reach the time you By er leadership within your community. community. your within er leadership sure that you are up-to-date in filing your taxes. your in filing up-to-date are you that sure eet daily curfew requirements (12:00am on work or school days/2:00am on 2 days 2 days on school days/2:00am or work on (12:00am curfeweet daily requirements ake up and get yourself to appointments/work/school as needed and without reminders. without needed as and appointments/work/school to yourself get and up ake vernights (up to 4 per month); must notify staff. notify staff. must 4 per to month); (up vernights omplete weekly program requirements. requirements. program weekly omplete omplete weekly program requirements. requirements. program weekly omplete dhere to behavioural guidelines. behavioural to dhere dhere to your case plan, including your plan for school or work. work. school or for plan your including case plan, your to dhere dhere to behavioural guidelines. behavioural to dhere ttend Community Dinner every Wednesday and House Meeting once per month. per month. once Meeting House and every Dinner Community Wednesday ttend ttend Life Skills sessions as assigned. as Skills Life sessions ttend eep apartment clean, clean up after yourself in the common area and complete complete and area in common the yourself after up clean clean, eep apartment egin a move-out plan or create an extension plan with Key Worker and Case and Manager. Worker Key with plan extension an create or plan egin a move-out ay program fee of $300 on the first of each month, unless otherwise unless arranged. month, of each the first $300 on of fee program ay ake medications as prescribed. Be responsible for remembering to do this. to remembering for Be prescribed. as responsible medications ake ign in and out every time you enter or leave the building. leave or every enter out time you ign in and upply and prepare your own breakfast and lunch. and breakfast own your prepare and upply tart developing your own case plan for review with your Case Manager weekly. weekly. Case Manager review your with for case plan own your tart developing B Off A C S K daily. chores area common A M week).per off O A W T S P S A En A A C

16. 12. 13. 14. 15. 10. 11. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 4. 1. 2. 3. 14. 11. 12. per month. once Meeting House and every Dinner Wednesday Community ttend 13. STEP 4: CONTRIBUTING TO THE THE COMMUNITY TO STEP 4: CONTRIBUTING Requirements: Summary: to leadership contribute to ready and so achieved far have skills you living independent community. ROP your The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 27 ). During Step 5, you should be generally independent. You are almost ready for for ready almost are You be independent. generally should 5, you During Step No saved dinners will be dinners saved meal. (No own your prepare and supply dinner, miss you hen ake up and get yourself to appointments/work/school as needed and without without needed as and appointments/work/school to yourself get and up ake o curfew, but must check in daily by phone when staying out late or when taking or late out when staying phone by in daily check must but o curfew, omplete weekly program requirements. requirements. program weekly omplete ase plan reviewed weekly with Case Manager. Case with reviewed weekly ase Manager. plan dhere to behavioural guidelines. behavioural to dhere dhere to your case plan, including your plan for school or work. work. school or for plan your including case plan, your to dhere ttend Life Skills sessions as assigned. as Skills Life sessions ttend per month. once Meeting House and every Dinner Community Wednesday ttend eep apartment clean, clean up after yourself in the common area and complete complete and area in common the yourself after up clean clean, eep apartment ay program fee of $300 on the first of each month, unless otherwise unless arranged. month, of each the first $300 on of fee program ay ake medications as prescribed. Be responsible for remembering to do this. to remembering for Be prescribed. as responsible medications ake ollow your move-out plan or create an extension plan with Key Worker and Case and Worker Key with plan extension an create or plan move-out your ollow ign in and out every time you enter or leave the building. leave or every enter out time you ign in and C F Case and Manager. Worker necessary Key as plan your with your Adapt Manager. common area chores daily. daily. chores area common W A A K A provided S N a will prompt ROP from away per month 5 nights than more (Spending overnights. the program). from on move time to is whether it about discussion A W reminders. T P C

14. 9. 10. 11. 13. 6. 7. 8. 12. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. STEP 5: TAKING RESPONSIBILITY/PREPARATION TAKING STEP 5: Requirements: your transition from the program or to tackle additional long-term goals. Step 5 gives you you 5 gives Step goals. long-term tackle to additional or the program from transition your in place. plans all get your time to some Summary: The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 28 Mentorship, Youth Advisory Committee, Youth Mentorship, ). During Step 6, you should be generally independent. You are almost ready for for ready almost are You be independent. generally should 6, you During Step eate your move-out plan and adapt it as necessary with your Key Worker Worker necessary Key as it your with adapt and plan move-out your eate No saved dinners dinners saved meal. (No own your prepare and supply dinner, miss you hen ake up and get yourself to appointments/work/school as needed and without reminders. without needed as and appointments/work/school to yourself get and up ake o curfew, but must check in daily by phone when staying out late or when taking or late out when staying phone by in daily check must but o curfew, omplete weekly program requirements. requirements. program weekly omplete ase plan reviewed bi-weekly with Case Manager. Casewith Manager. reviewed bi-weekly ase plan dhere to behavioural guidelines. behavioural to dhere dhere to your case plan, including your plan for school or work. work. school or for plan your including case plan, your to dhere ttend Community Dinner every Wednesday and House Meeting once per month. per month. once Meeting House and every Dinner Community Wednesday ttend ttend Life Skills sessions as assigned. as Skills Life sessions ttend eep apartment clean, clean up after yourself in the common area and complete complete and area in common the yourself after up clean clean, eep apartment e a leader within the ROP Community (e.g. Community e a leader the ROP within ay program fee of $300 on the first of each month, unless otherwise unless arranged. month, of each the first $300 on of fee program ay ake medications as prescribed. Be responsible for remembering to do this. to remembering for Be prescribed. as responsible medications ake ign in and out every time you enter or leave the building. leave or every enter out time you ign in and Cr Caseand Manager. A C B A W will be provided ). others and activities, implementing and planning overnights. (Spending more than 5 nights per month away from ROP will prompt a will prompt ROP from away per month 5 nights than more (Spending overnights. the program). from on move time to is whether it about discussion A K daily. chores area common T S N P C A W

14. 13. 11. 12. 15. 7. 8. 9. 10. 5. 6. 2. 3. 4. 1. STEP 6: MOVING FORWARD FORWARD MOVING 6: STEP Requirements: Summary: place. in plans all get your time to some you 6 gives Step the program. from transition your The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 29

At

Past Participant, ROP Vancouver ROP Participant, Past —"Kevin", responsibility.

more more "With each step comes comes each step "With " freedom... comes more responsibility responsibility more the same time with with time the same 30 als

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Elements included here are: here included Elements Program Elements primary of are that elements program of a number this section, included In we refer, These youth. for program housing a transitional of the creation for consideration a for be could adapted but program, the ROP as such housing onsite to primarily, model. site scattered uses a pure that program HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB The way in which youth are challenged to take on not just personal responsibility but alsobut responsibility just personal not on to take challenged are youth in which way The self- build to nice way a really is in their community leadership show in and involved get to another develop to members community also for allows It in youth. independence and esteem youth. homeless of positive—understanding more –and The inclusion of Step 6 and the expansion of the program to allow youth to stay until until stay to youth to allow program of the expansion and the 6 Step of inclusion The their development and the youth on the Steps the focus of put really their 25th birthdays graduation. on than rather Often, programs create a set of expectations and work to push participants through through participants push to work and expectations a set of create Often, programs At graduates. of number and rates completion are success of Markers graduation. to the requirements, graduation set of a forced than rather Vancouver, House Covenant supports. while still providing responsibility and independence a sense of foster Steps encouraged are youth that bursary means graduation increased an of incentive The time in which to a good which is of 5 (36 weeks), length Step through least at stay to skills. life and lessons core some provide We particularly like this model. It was originally designed to be completed in a year as the as in a year be designed originally was to completed It particularly this model. like We who organizations means This option. stay of length its extended recently only program Step themselves. this model for still in their can time frame adopt limited are The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 31

illon Dodson, Team Leader, Covenant House Toronto Toronto House Covenant Leader, Team Dodson, illon —D “Case management is a collaborative process at ROP. We are client-driven client-driven are We ROP. at process is a collaborative management “Case is a residential it that balancing time same the at while client-focused and commit to and goals these identify to participants its ask does that program and time their spend to want they how program the and themselves to find to trying is about process management Case them. to important what’s ROP.” at they’re while time their spend to want they how in meaning CASE PLANS AND CASE MANAGEMENT CASE AND PLANS CASE When a youth seeks help and support voluntarily, it signals that they are ready to begin begin to ready they are signals that it voluntarily, support and seeks help a youth When will It easier. their will goals achieving be this stage, much At changes. positive making comply to external pressures by forced feels or forced is difficultbe when a youth more be believes to their the youth what match do not that objectives and goals program with objectives.” and goals Vancouver’s Case Plan Reviews Policy says “Youth have aspirations for themselves that do not do not that themselves for aspirations have “Youth Case says Reviews Plan Policy Vancouver’s them brought that reasons a variety of for decisions made Youth the streets. on living include and Theyneed support intentions. speak this does their long-term not to but the streets, to and mature to and their full reach potential, to knowledge the skills and develop to assistance environment. in a safe their mistakes learn from Both sites have an extensive orientation period to help youth adjust to living at ROP. In In ROP. at living to adjust youth period help to orientation extensive an have Both sites period the orientation and Worker Support the Youth by conducted is the intake Vancouver the with take part in the orientation workers a variety of Toronto In a month. 1) lasts (Step staff. of the majority with interact and know to get to will be required the youth that intention weeks. two about period usually lasts orientation This The application procedure is quite in-depth and includes a written application with support support with application a written includes and in-depth quite is procedure application The During the application the facility. of interview a tour an and worker, the referring from help to intent and ideas person’s young a deeper into to delve able are staff ROP process a good is fit). the program sure make as well (as the case plan develop Youth entering the Rights of Passage program have a referring worker (internal in another another in (internal worker a referring have program Passage of the Rights entering Youth program the They also enter external in the community). or department House Covenant discussedis initially andplan This term goals. long and short has that in place a plan with worker. their referring and person the young by upon agreed The case plan is used to structure activities during the participants’ stay at ROP. Youth must Youth ROP. at stay during the participants’ used activities structure is to plan caseThe health mental if dealing with or education, and/or a primary employment focus on have those dealing with issues. looks at that track alternative an follow may issues addictions or identification, skills, health, legal life issues, include could activities in a case plan Additional volunteering, issues, financial and budgeting personal goals, curfews chores, or of discussion the youth help to important are arise that that issues other any and plans housing future living. independent to transition successfully The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 32 During Steps 1-3 the case plan form is filled out by the Case Manager and is discussed and Manager by the Case filled is out form 1-3 the case plan During Steps The case plans in Toronto are developed by the Consistent Worker in partnership with in partnership Worker by the developed Consistent are Toronto in plans caseThe There is also a Case Management Residential Log, which is a narrative written by the Case written Residential narrative Log,is a which is alsoManagement a CaseThere the team to update an when they or need relay to each time they a youth meet with Manager etc.). health team the mental with consultation (strategies, The Case Plan document has multiple components (see example – CHV ROP - ROP CasePlan – CHV (see example components multiple has document The CasePlan notes areas, key in a variety of updates information, basic demographic includes It Sample). staff. of request their own make to the youth a section and for new areas/goals/dates on It is a very collaborative document. In Step 4, the youth begin developing their case plan for for their case plan begin developing 4, the youth Step In document. a very is collaborative It presenting and themselves plans writing are 5, youth Step By review the Case with Manager. bi- to move meetings case 6, the weekly planning Step In their Case session. them during Plan their plans. write to continue the youth and weekly CHV: Case the youth, by attended which is session, case weekly planning the youth’s during needed.as attends Skillsworker The Life Worker. Key and Manager, At the 9 month mark planning begins for discharge and involves the youth’s Consistent Consistent the youth’s involves and discharge begins for planning mark the 9 month At very a includes planning This Workers. Housing and Workers in Transition Youth Worker, and their own on will need live the skills to a youth looks at that assessment comprehensive including plans, housing determine future these skills.helps This in obtaining theywhere are independent for ready is or program housing transitional needs another whether the youth in the focused be skills through can development addressed life cases, some the gaps In living. need to address may workers (aftercare) in Transition the Youth others, In months. few last the youth. with these issues of some CHT: the Consistent by A summary person. (Case Reviewthe young prepared is Summary form) each meetings; (CMT) Team Case the weekly Management of one taken to and Worker bytheConsistent attended reviewedare file is every The CMT meetings weeks. two youth’s and Coordinator Mentor Skills the Life as Coordinator, Leaders, well as Team and Workers Team meeting, At CMT each the partners. or community House Covenant staff from other the Consistent of based the input report upon Notes a Case Management Leader completes CMT attendees. the other and Worker In developing case plans both locations use the SMART goal concept. This means ensuring ensuring means This goal concept. use the SMART both locations case plans developing In iteasier to makes This Timely. and Realistic Achievable, Measurable, Specific, are plans that sense a develop quickly can the youth so that chunks manageable into down the plans break success. and possibility of In Vancouver, the majority of the 22 youth (19 out of 22 as of November 2014) are engaged engaged are 2014) November of 22 as of (19 out the 22 youth of the majority Vancouver, In could person young (a possibility stay by extended the supported is This plans. in educational extensive and ROP) at residing while college/university complete and high finish school are youth more Toronto, In available. made are that scholarships through support financial also in are school. number a significant however in employment, engaged Both Toronto and Vancouver have a significant focus on education, which differs from most from differs which focuson education, a significant have Vancouver and Both Toronto the focus employment. is where programs ROP American 33

isa Ronaldson, Case Manager, Covenant House Vancouver House Covenant Manager, Case isa Ronaldson, —L “Our goal is to have one youth, one file, and one Case Manager that will will that Manager Case one and file, one youth, one have is to goal “Our don’t they way This old. years twenty-five they’re until up them with work of them—one help will it and again, over and over stories their repeat to have was youth the every time over, starting were is we seeing were we things the leave, may they that though even way So this building. the into back coming them.” with forward moving continue can we and back come still can they HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB Case plans are excellent for tracking goals and activities. The plans are always always are plans activities. The and goals tracking for excellent are Case plans skills and planning develop to person a young which allows youth-driven, situation. living housing/congregate a transitional even within autonomy Now, youth are assigned a Case Manager when they enter any Covenant House Vancouver Vancouver House Covenant any when they enter a Case assigned Manager are youth Now, youth the support and with willstay individual That entry of point. regardless program the on between stages move youth If/when journey the agency. with their entire through them in support them and with work to continues the Case Manager Care, of Continuum focus. of their new area Covenant House Vancouver recently transitioned to a new Case Management Model. Under Under Model. a new Case to Management transitioned recently Vancouver House Covenant in the ROP the 22 youth for responsible Case Manager one was model there the previous Other Case Managers Hollyburn. with living in independent the youth as well as program, services. a youth the outreach When through and program in the shelter youth followed a new Case given Manager. they were between programs transitioned A Program Tracking Sheet forms part of the residential log. This contains steps and progress progress and steps contains log. This the residential part of forms Sheet Tracking A Program community case meetings, plan, worker key curfew, including requirements, program with (the Outcomes to in Efforts tracked formally is information skills This etc.). life dinners, metrics of usedthe toone and becomes weekly basis on a software) database evaluation in the Case but Plan, be this section mentioned from may Information the program. evaluate Worker. the Key by monitored is it as a requirement not is The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 34

rol Howes, Director of Program Services, Covenant House Toronto House Services, Covenant Program of Director Howes, rol —Ca “I think the difference for our young people when they come to us, around around to us, come they when people young our for difference the think “I They situations. family stable in been haven’t they is that skills, life their cooking; around together come would they where families of part been haven’t Or meal. the to contribute to a piece have would family the in kid each where understanding and groceries buy to out going of part be would they [where] those I think cheaply. groceries get to how and groceries get should you where about talk people where a family in have you that conversations normal are of kind this take can we or this, do can ‘we and constraints, and budgets for hamburgers have can We holiday. of kind that take can’t we or holiday meal.’ of kind occasion a special it’s every night, steak have can’t we but dinner they us, to come they when So, that. to exposed been haven’t kids these And them give or them help that experiences family sort of normal that got haven’t own.” their on go they when up a leg of a bit LIFE SKILLS LIFE Life skills are extremely important for this population and are skills that a youth might might a youth skills that are and this population for important extremely skillsLife are environment. family in a stable up when growing obtain normally Both programs are life skills-based meaning the development of a youth’s life skills comprises skills comprises life a youth’s of skills-based thedevelopment life meaning are Both programs the stay. during done is that the work of component a large A youth at ROP Vancouver cooking meal. their own Vancouver ROP at A youth The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 35

ployment ployment oney management oney ousing after ROP after ousing well-being ealth and skills living aily ducation and training and ducation egal rights and responsibilities and egal rights ersonal and social and ersonal development ob training ob anessa, 28, past ROP participant, Covenant House Toronto House Covenant participant, ROP past 28, anessa, L H D P Em H E M J Patrick”, 21, Covenant House Vancouver current ROP participant ROP current Vancouver House 21, Covenant Patrick”, —V —“ “I think it’s just more of setting a routine of doing these things so that way when you when way so that things these doing of a routine setting of more just it’s think “I today’.” laundry do to I have and own my on I’m ‘oh, that, shock a big such not it’s leave “Well, we have life skills workers who do weekly sessions with us on skills for for skills us on with sessions weekly do who workers skills life have we “Well, need might kids some laundry; do to how learn to need might kids Some life. planning.” goal and budgeting of a lot been it’s me, For cook. to how learn to » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » Early on in their stay each youth at ROP conducts an assessment to determine what life skills life what determine to assessment an conducts ROP at each youth their in stay on Early of a leadto development the This can need support. theywhere may and they have already at also done are Assessments stay. a youth’s be which can revised skills throughout plan, life their residency. during gained skills they have many how the youth show to departure Life skills are designed to meet an individual youth’s needs and “help facilitate healthy, positive positive healthy, facilitate “help needs and youth’s individual designed meet an to skillsLife are growth.” productive and Life skills may include, but are not limited to – to limited not are but include, skillsLife may The Covenant House Vancouver Participant Guide defines life skills as “the skills and abilities and skills “the skills as life Guide defines Participant Vancouver House The Covenant skills needed to are carry They day- the out face in life. you deal challenges with you help that lead.” to want we the lives live us help that and living independent of operations today "I think it's just more of setting a routine of doing these things so that way when you leave it's not such a big shock that, 'oh, I'm on my own and I have to do laundry today.'"

-Vanessa, Past Participant, ROP Toronto 37

ife skills programs are offered in both class/workshop format and as one-on-one one-on-one as and format class/workshop in both offered are skills programs ife L the youth. by meet needs expressed to lessons “Within the budgeting spectrum, we might have youth track their spending for for spending their track youth have might we spectrum, budgeting the “Within habits. spending their at look can we so that receipts their of all keep and a week their what over go would we and youth that with down sit would we then And their of some what and are, habits spending their of some what and are expenses them.” for sense make it make to start really and wants, their versus are needs » » HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB Agencies looking to develop their own transitional housing program are advised to consider advised consider to are program housing transitional their own develop to looking Agencies House: Covenant at ROP skills from life about the points key of some Life skills are the foundation of the Rights of Passage program and are essential to providing providing to essential are and program Passage of the Rights of the foundation skillsLife are that suggest First Best practices in Housing homelessness. leaving people young to support the person meet the needs of and individualized are that supports necessary is it provide to 2013; Gaetz, 2014b). The & Gulliver, (Gaetz, Scott, beenwho has experiencing homelessness individualized providing of means a core form ROP by offered programs skills training life supports. Vancouver uses a six-step program as a framework that guides youth’s progress in the progress guides youth’s that a framework as program uses a six-step Vancouver CHV: program. the step of component a key skills Life are the stay. during program A Life Skills assessment is completed at intake and reviews are undertaken at the six month the six month undertaken at reviews are and intake at completed is SkillsA Life assessment shared is skills plan which leadto a life skills assessments life The departure. upon and point youth of the progress the follows CMT (CMT) meeting. The Team the Case Management at in growth map to look and assessment to the similar reviewsare The skillsin their plan. life skillsareas. specific life Toronto uses its life skills program to provide rewards, such as overnight privileges and and privileges overnight as such rewards, provide to skills program life uses its Toronto CHT: each month. required skills are life two of curfews.extended A minimum Life skills are also broken down into practical, manageable chunks. Learning to manage manage Learning to chunks. practical, manageable into down also broken skillsLife are budget, a monthly create bank accounts, need open to skill. Youth important an is money Covenant at Skills the Life Worker Morrison, Jennifer etc. plans repayment debt set up says, Vancouver, House At times, life skills are offered as part of a class, while at others youth work one-on-one or one-on-one work youth others at class, while of a as part offered skills are times, life At House Covenant at example, their skills. For develop help to worker a with in a small group youth – skillsbreakfast life session morning Wednesday a offer staff the overnight Toronto, meal. a bonus get learn skill a and The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 38 ife skills are mandatory and are connected to rewards and privileges. At CHT this At privileges. and rewards to connected are and mandatory skills are ife ife skills are also considered quite broadly – for some youth it is specific is skills such it youth some – for broadly quite also considered skills are ife reward system is clear and immediate: completing life skills earns credits, which are which are skills credits, earns life completing immediate: and clear is system reward through necessary skills progress are to CHV life curfews. extended with At equated returned fee program of the affects the percentage the steps of Completion the steps. their stay. of the end at the youth to as cooking, financial management or job search – but for other youth, inter-personal inter-personal youth, other for but – or job search management cooking, financial as important. as be to just considered social are anxiety addressing skills and L A This youth. with the skills life do allsessions can staff both locations, at coordinators theyas ariseissues to respond to opportunities mini-learning of the creation for allows adults. helping a variety of with work and bond to youth for and L » » skills life are Whileskills. there life provide, and in, trained are ROP at ll staff » » » » SPACE In both locations rooms are furnished with a bed, dresser, desk and nightstand. Both nightstand. and desk furnished a bed, with dresser, are rooms both locations In have to youth allowing a window has each room that ensure Vancouver and Toronto this Toronto In kit. a small start-up given are residents intake, Upon light. natural to access a supplies, cleaning also includes it while in Vancouver items, hygiene primarily includes a lamp. and linens radio, clock Rooms range in size from about 100 to 300 sq. ft. in Toronto and the average footage is 245 footage average and the Toronto 300 sq. ft. in 100 to about from in size range Rooms area a smalland kitchen bathroom a private full at CHV alsohave Rooms Vancouver. sq. ft. in amenities. additional no have the rooms mini-fridge) in Toronto, whereas sink and (microwave, In both locations, youth have their own private room. This is not the same for ROP all for the same not is This room. private their own have youth both locations, In youth. 4 other 2 to with rooms share youth example, for Orleans in New programs; Covenant House Toronto houses their ROP program in the old 21 McGill Club building, an building, Club 21 McGill in the old program their ROP houses Toronto House Covenant originally housed thebuilding brick 1924, the in five-storey Built health club. upscale women’s from support extensive in 2002 with began theirprogram House Covenant Central YWCA. the main as their status of (CIBC); Commerce in recognition Bank of Imperial the Canadian Passage. officially called is the CIBC of program Rights Toronto’s funder, Covenant House Vancouver houses their ROP program in space originally designed in space originally and program their ROP houses Vancouver House Covenant Youth for Place Services. Community the Opened Vancity in 1998 by James St. by operated youth, street-involved for housing affordable safe, “create to goal was the board’s Society, 2000, In independently.” live them to assist to training and programming by supported the in supporting involved agencies community needed get to it decidedthe board that responsibility on “take to agency an (RFP) for Proposals for a Request issued and program Vancouver House Covenant the residence.” of governance and funding the operation, for https:// 2001 (from: 1st, April on operations over took and the selectedwas proponent www.vancity.com/AboutVancity/News/MediaReleases/Archives/MediaArchive2001/ ). Feb5CovenantHousetoOperateVancityPlace/ 39 Covenant House Toronto also full-sized a has gymnasium Toronto House Covenant 7 T while in the common spaces to use would be able They with permission of staff. a youth ROP by be in may youth shelter however, in ROP, visitors any not allow of their ROP CHT does host. presence a staff member. by skills if accompanied life class etc. a meeting, for the space

HOMELESS HUB THOUGHTS: HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB 7 into besigned to residents shelter policy for doesallow onvisitors Vancouver House he Covenant Recently, CHT added full-length mirrors to the rooms allowing youth the privacy to really the privacy to youth allowing the rooms to CHT added full-length mirrors Recently, themselves. look at It is important to get youth input into the space. Certain fixtures, images, colours and smellsand colours images, Certain the space. fixtures, into input youth get to important is It they also agency An decide will needs are what to do when there be a youth. triggers to may for not a trigger is it ensure to away issue right an to fix they can afford example, for concerns; in the future? youth other Since Toronto focuses on a shorter term stay, the single rooms with shared common spaces common shared with the rooms single term stay, a shorter focuses on Toronto Since but living, independent for they the independence with need start preparing to youth provide to ready are youth most year, a the space; after to too attached get them to encourage do not on. move For programs that are considering lengthier stays in their transitional housing (longer (longer housing in their transitional stays lengthier considering are that programs For more are that spaces create mini-kitchen and bathroom private ensuite an year) one than by limited is amenities such provide to the ability While years. multiple of stays to conducive a deeper of independent develops sense inclusion their considerations, financial space and used one is bathrooms and micro-kitchens with small fact, rooms this model of In living. Multifaith Clare’s St. including homeless-serving programs many by housing permanent for City. York in New Ground Common and in Toronto Housing Both locations provide kitchen access even though CHT allows youth to access the shelter the shelter access to youth CHT allows even though access kitchen provide Both locations kitchen a communal providing that found They their stay. of length the entire meal program cooking. For and the necessary shopping develop meal to skills planning, of youth for allows their own prepare to youth require steps later since a necessary is component a kitchen CHV, meals. The differences between the two locations in terms of how the space is designed is an aspect an is designedhow is the space of terms in two betweenthe locations differences The depend on this may of Much need consider. to housing transitional developing agencies that new build. or a renovation is whether the building and budget Both locations share some amenities with the crisis/shelter program, while also maintaining while also maintaining program, the crisis/shelter with amenities some share Both locations use to able are youth ROP that this means Primarily, ROP. space for unique privacy and into come to allowed not are residents shelter however, certain the shelter; within spaces in specific cases. except ROP, Both locations have common areas including kitchens, living spaces (including TVs,spaces (including living kitchens, including areas common have Both locations also are Laundry rooms showers. with washrooms common Toronto, in and computers) laundryin the local of the cost to similar is community. a small that fee for on-site provided refurbished by the Toronto Raptors. the Toronto by refurbished 40

hat are the legislative guidelines that affect duration? affect that guidelines the legislative are hat longer require to going these issues are and with presenting the youth needsare hat ow many spaces are available and does a longer stay reduce access for other youth? youth? other for access reduce stay does a longer and available spaces are many ow W W H longer youth fewer or stays shorter youth more allow to better it – is words other In stays? interventions? shorter or ulie Neubauer, Transitional Housing Manager, Covenant House Toronto House Covenant Manager, Housing Transitional Neubauer, ulie Youth in Toronto are able to stay for one year. Occasionally, short extensions are are extensions short Occasionally, year. one for stay to able are in Toronto Youth —J “For the first time they can probably stand, without clothes, in front of a of in front clothes, without stand, probably can they time first the “For themselves. love to Learn themselves. at look really and mirror, full-length had never have they them, of a lot for And have. they that issues with Deal granted.” for us take of so many that opportunity that » » » » » » HOMELESS HUB THOUGHTS: HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB LENGTH OF STAY OF LENGTH Agencies setting up a similar program need to take a few factors into consideration when consideration into need take factors a few to program a similar up setting Agencies stay. of duration establishing The length of stay at Covenant House Vancouver was recently increased from “one “one increased from recently was Vancouver House at Covenant stay of length The CHV: 25th birthday”. the youth’s to “up to years” two to extension of the possibility with year 16 are the time they from program ROP in the technicallystay could youth a means This Services, the that Program of states Director Harvey, John age. of 25 years to up age of years (based estimate a realistic thinks that He 13 months. was stay of length average previous the account in Project Calgary) into takes the thethat experiences Infinity in part on of years. three between is to two extension CHT: CHT: – issues addictions health or mental addressing who are youth – particularlymade for their of length extend to like CHT would While 18 months. to up the duration increasing time of the length on limits puts that legislation provincial by limited they are options, stay youth. house this can like a program In order to stay in the program, a youth must work their program, follow the rules their of follow their program, work must a youth in the program, stay to order In plan. in their day engage and ROP respective As will be discussed in the LGBTQ2S and Gender section in Program Elements, it is it Elements, will Gender section be and As in Program discussed in the LGBTQ2S also gender-neutral are there that ensure washrooms shared with agencies that important – available. – especially showers washrooms The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 41

hat kinds of partnerships can be established to provide support to youth in the youth to support provide to be can established partnerships of kinds hat oney is refunded in full or in part to the residents upon departure. upon in full in part the residents refunded is to or oney y simulating a rent payment it creates a practice of regularly budgeting and setting and budgeting regularly of a practice creates it payment a rent y simulating t is made clear that this is not a rent payment. It is critical to avoid fees/payments fees/payments critical avoid is to It payment. a rent this not is that clear made t is anessa, age 28, past ROP resident, Covenant House Toronto House Covenant resident, ROP 28, past age anessa, B I both parties for obligations and this rights as then leads to rent as being construed legislation. landlord/tenant relevant under M person. the young the part of on costs housing for money aside program that cannot be met in-house? For example, a mental health agency may may health agency a mental example, For be in-house? met cannot that program to him/her services allowing support a youth and to counselling provide to be able longer. in the program remain W (if any)? population W Residents of ROP in Toronto pay into a Trust Fund. The amount of the payment is of the payment amount The Fund. a Trust into pay in Toronto ROP of Residents

—V “When I first came here they set up a budget of how much I was making making was I much how of budget up a set they here came I first “When hygiene on spend to I need do what ’Okay, to down it broke we and monthly Food?’ Entertainment? month? the for budget clothing my What’s products? $500 every away put to going so I’m ‘Okay, allotting of kind just then and as put tryto you that is idea The be.’ would rent what that’s because month that get you here leave you when way so that budget can you as away much to able I was because me for opportunity good a really was It back. money have I would here come I hadn’t if think I don’t savings. some with here leave own.” my on that do to able been » the same for inthe community exist programs housing transitional other hat » 3. 2. 1. » » MONEY – TRUST FUND VS PROGRAM FEE PROGRAM VS FUND TRUST – MONEY Within the first two weeks of arrival the youth will develop a budget and savings agreement agreement and savings budget a willarrival develop youth of the weeks two the first Within chequing/ establish will to be supported youth necessary, If Worker. their Consistent with institution. a financial at accounts savings determined in conjunction with staff and is individualized based upon a youth’s income, as income, youth’s a upon basedis individualized and staff with determined in conjunction receiving social is who youth a For ROP. of out theymove after rent their anticipated as well child from funds who receiving is be a youth $180, whereas might the amount assistance a re- require amounts or sources in income $600. Changes pay to be asked might welfare be. should the payment what determine to the budget of working CHT: ROP residents in Toronto pay into a Trust Fund. In Vancouver they pay a monthly program program a monthly they pay Vancouver In Fund. a Trust into pay in Toronto residents ROP (which willthey below) be explained contributions different require these While plans fee. commonalities: big three have The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 42 . This rule ensures that only the monies monies only the that . This rule ensures 8 f the fees paid if departing according to plan after successfully completing Step successfully completing after plan to if departing according paid f the fees f the fees paid if departing while on Step 3 if departing while Step paid f the fees on 4 if departing while Step paid f the fees on 5 if departing while Step paid f the fees on 5 or 6. 5 or 100% o 25% o 50% o 75% o Residents of ROP in Vancouver pay a monthly program fee amounting to 60% of 60% of to amounting fee program a monthly pay in Vancouver ROP of Residents T bursarygraduation for the effect in working in October out possible options 2014 so CHV is to figure this new context. » » » » » » » »

8 changesonlytook These withthechangeinlimitsofstay. ofbeingreviewed his isintheprocess Program fees are set aside and potentially available for reimbursement. The policy notes “this The policynotes reimbursement. for available potentially set and aside are fees Program income agreement, a youth on are while paid you are that fees program include does not paid are that fees program also include does not (EI). It insurance employment or assistance, year the first beyond paid fees program any or late” income up to an absolute maximum of $300 per month. This is due on the 1st of each month. month. of each on 1st the due is This $300 per month. of maximum absolute an to up income standard as this the indicate guidelines Steps the rate, the $300 flat pay youth most While ROP. in to in which they move the month for made is payment A pro-rated payment. CHV: CHV: As youth get closer to discharge (usually around the nine month mark), the youth begins to the youth mark), month the nine around (usually discharge closer to get youth As they amount The payments. Fund Trust making than rather account in their own money save a require may This payment. rent a future with match realistic will be to a more increase save Worker. their Consistent with in consultation their budget of reworking When the Trust Fund account reaches $5,000 the youth meets with their bank and makes plans to plans makes their meets bank with and the $5,000 youth reaches account Fund the Trust When the All of account. a tax free savings example, for secured their savings; own into this money move through made were contributions Fund whether person, the Trust the young to returned are savings payments). disability social (i.e. assistance, assistance government of a form or scholarships earnings, Frequency of Trust Fund payments will depend on the schedule by which a youth is paid/ is which youth a will by the schedule depend on payments Fund Trust of Frequency period get they hour a 48 paid after have Youth bi-weekly. pay youth most income; receives overnight in an do so result to can Failure payment. Fund their Trust make in which to shelter. youth a homeless to a referral and the program from suspension For example: A youth who pays the maximum $300/month and who leaves after one year one after who leaves and $300/month the maximum who pays A youth example: For they left $3,600. If be reimbursed therefore 6, would 5 or Step of a successful completion with bursary would be $900. 3 Step their graduation stillon were but year a after The value of the bursaryfollows: of as the is value The Known as a “graduation bursary” the assistance is designed to help youth transition and and transition youth designed help is to bursary” the assistance a “graduation as Known as such a vendor to a directly be paid may assistance The living. succeed in their independent institution. educational or landlord If a youth moves out during Step 1 or Step 2 they are not eligible for reimbursement. If they If reimbursement. for eligible not 2 they are Step 1 or Step during out moves a youth If a cheque, of in the “form returned is fee their program 3-6, a portion of Steps during out move scholarship.” educational new and/or place your for deposit damage or items, start-up the youth themselves pay (as opposed to a government agency) is returned to the youth. the youth. to returned is agency) a government opposed to (as pay themselves the youth 43

HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB The question of returning funds to a youth when the income source was government funding government was source income when the youth to a funds returning of question The they make the payments that states agreement if a government Certainly, a tricky one. is are particularly if the payments (and itself organization that for only are organization an to However, the youth. to be returned cannot then the money organization) an to directly made then are and payments) disability social (i.e. directly funds assistance, receiving are if youth should believe the money we themselves, contribution theirmaking expected practice rent at practiceCovenant is This the source. other any from came if it as the youth to be returned by the graduation provided start-up funds The a good is think one. we it and Toronto House independently. themselves establish youth critical helping is to system Fund bursary/Trust We also feel that Toronto’s Trust Fund payments provides youth with a more realistic sense realistic a more with youth provides payments Fund Trust Toronto’s also that feel We particularly the gradual like We rent. of the models actual payment better and budgeting of budgeting of idea with the get comfortable first youth so paid that the amount of increase based their post- on more then begin contribute and to payments “rent” regular making and realistic contribute the youth have to work to organizations encourage We plans. discharge rent a post-graduation/discharge that unlikely is it in small communities, Even payments. youth get to better is so it in Vancouver) fee the program of will be $300 (the amount payment instead). debt off paying and addressing (unless they are a higher amount paying to accustomed We understand that the change to length of stay is new in Vancouver, and we support their support we and new is in Vancouver, stay of length to the change that understand We term stay a longer develop to looking agency Any bursary cap. the graduation review of more will recoup several to be years able for who stays a youth how consider should program paid. is what of a percentage just is even if it their funding of Whether or not money is reimbursed, getting youth in the practice of paying rent is a is rent paying in the practice of youth getting reimbursed, is money not or Whether around youth to the provided support with along habit, of that creation The concept. great rental will person maintain to be able the young that likely more much it makes budgeting, living. independent into when they move payments From a legislative perspective, the act of reimbursing all or a portion of funds to the youth the youth to funds a portion of all or perspective, reimbursing the act of a legislative From under the being agency seen a landlord and as the program against be argument an should legislation. landlord-tenant provincial/territorial We support a zero discharge into homelessness policy and do not feel that missing a payment a payment missing that feel policy do not and homelessness into discharge zero a support We understand we While a suspension. for be grounds should in Toronto) payment Fund Trust (i.e. be needs to a secure housing transitional consequences, have actions that showing of the intent homelessness. of even a night in resulting without mistakes make to youth for allows that place The ability to reimburse youth is definitely an ideal goal. However, it may not always always be not may it However, an ideal goal. is definitely youth reimburse to ability The the youth from cases, some the contribution In view. of point operational an from feasible However, program. housing the transitional of budget the operating part of need form to may on count to agencies be for risky would so it their payments make always not may the youth support. of form a guaranteed as the payments The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 44

rol Howes, Director of Program Services, Covenant House Toronto House Services, Covenant Program of Director Howes, rol A limited supply of groceries is available for youth on Steps 1-3, which is intended to intended 1-3, which is Steps on youth for groceries available is of supply A limited —Ca “Cooking would be another example that’s really critical. Before we really beefed up beefed really we Before critical. really that’s example another be would “Cooking program… the from graduated had that kids have would we program kitchen our they but successfully pretty community the in living were they that hear to sad was it me; concerned really So that every night. dinner their get to place food a fast to went to how know really didn’t they clearly and program the from kids graduating were we kids so that program the of side that up beefed really so we’ve piece, that do and cook food.” fast on money their all spend shouldn’t they know and leave MEALS A weekly Community Dinner is hosted by ROP and unless excused by their Key Worker (for a (for Worker their Key unless excused by and ROP by hosted is Dinner Community A weekly required are in ROP residing school), all youth or work i.e. their case to plan connected reason A dinner is served nightly from 5:20pm to 6pm in the main floor dining room. One of the One room. dining floor in the main 6pm to served is 5:20pm A dinner from nightly social for opportunity an providing by community a sense the build meal of to is of goals in Steps youth for in advance) be requested (must available are dinners Saved interaction. can bewhich on a tray They time. will dinner kept school during be or work at 1-4 who are not are dinners 6 and saved 5 Steps on youth For floor. the youth’s on in the kitchen reheated meal if they the their dinner. own miss prepare and supply must the youth and available Youth are responsible for preparing their own food for breakfast and lunch, either individually individually either lunch, and breakfast food for their own preparing for responsible are Youth providing for fully responsible 4-6 are Steps on Youth residents. other with cooperatively or meals they participate communal include (exceptions snacks and lunch breakfast, their own special meals or events). class cooking brunch, in, Sunday CHV: CHV: in food items their own store may Youth it. replace grocery not budget, a youth’s supplement marked. clearly are and too big not they are freezer fridge providing or the kitchen CHT has fairly strict rules in place about kitchen access. In particular, a staff member must member a staff particular, In access. strict kitchen rules fairly about CHT has in place need to may youth times, this means At use a stovetop. to allowed is a youth before be present meal. their preparing to be a staff person free before for wait Youth are also able to go to the Crisis shelter for lunch and/or dinner. The ROP residents go over as over go residents ROP The dinner. and/or lunch for the Crisis shelter to go to also able are Youth lunch a appointment) approved or work school, (i.e. offsite who are youth a set For time. at a group may sign dinner during reasons program for offsite are them. be take Those with can to made who Ifthe must be accessed staff. via and fridge in lounge the mealstored This is dinner. a saved for up consumption. general fridge for the kitchen to transferred it’s day the next 5pm by eaten meal not is Limited quantities of basic food staples are always available in the ROP kitchen, kitchen, in the ROP available always are basic food staples of quantities Limited CHT: juice, their Services Food bread, milk, through cereal, includes This provided Department. store to in the refrigerator a bin with provided are Youth carrots. and rice, pasta, onions soup, dry for goods. a small area food locker their fresh and Both organizations have rules and guidelines around meals and kitchen use. These include orientations These use. include kitchen meals and around rules guidelines and have Both organizations meals. their own made never have ROP at the youth of Some assessments. safety and the kitchen to they graduate. meals before their own create to how the youth teaching of means a key skillsLife are 45 e kitchen passport is overly complicated and does not model what is done in a done is model what does not and complicated overly is passport e kitchen e suggest that agencies developing their own program consider easing the guidelines easing consider program their own developing agencies that e suggest ccess to the stove is an area of concern brought up in the interviews also up noted and brought concern of area an is the stove to ccess o deep frying nives are locked so they have to sign them in and out as needed as out sign them to in and so locked they have are nives W hasor skills life of cooking number a certain completed has youth a after so that to move may youth the few a times that staff of in front usedsuccessfully the stove use. independent home kitchen (and perhaps not even a professional one). While recognizing that safety that recognizing While one). even a professional not perhaps (and kitchen home skills as their kitchen begin to develop to youth assist to also we want important is requirements its passport of modified some CHT recently While possible. as quickly necessary ascertain skills. are to tasks/learnings a baseline of they that feel A also is important it key, is safety while that recognizing policies. Again, in the review of years is 16 ROP in participant youngest The independence. a sense of youth give to with can least unsupervised at (or use a stove to be able should age that by and old were grease fires two exists, that the training despite that CHT notes training). some staff. of the presence because of quickly contained Th n k » » » » » » » » » » HOMELESS HUB THOUGHTS: HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB We found Covenant House Toronto’s kitchen access to be to too access strict: kitchen Toronto’s House Covenant found We Vancouver’s Step program is useful in that it gradually increases independence by ensuring ensuring by independence increases gradually useful it is in that program Step Vancouver’s the dining to Access meal preparation. their own of more and more of take charge youth that meals), saved not (although steps even in the later dinners for exists meal program room otherwise or funds on unable running low if they are eat to able are youth that which ensures a particular on day. themselves a meal for prepare to It is critical to develop the skills associated with meal preparation, including budgeting, budgeting, including meal the with skills preparation, associated critical develop is to It especially stages, time, the same in the early At clean-up. and cooking shopping, planning, that options of mix meals. The their own prepare to ability the or funds have not may youth and mealplanning shopping, to introduction staples, of basic provision – offer both locations a good – is program meals the crisis/shelter with have to skills, ability life through cooking the barriers. address to way Youth are free to use the stove without a staff member present and have access to the common to common the access have and present member a staff without use free the to stove are Youth unsupervised. kitchens At CHV, youth have open access to their common kitchens with two exceptions: two with kitchens their common to access open have youth CHV, At to attend. Former ROP residents who are 25 and under are allowed to attend as long as theyas are long as attend to allowed are under 25 and who are residents ROP Former attend. to may Youth CHV. by suspended/banned) (i.e. or mealcarded during the the influence under not Policy. Visitor’s the ROP of the guidelines under friends attend to or family invite "Clearly they didn't really know how to cook and do that piece, so we've really beefed up that side of the program so that kids leave and know they shouldn't spend all their money on fast food."

—Carol Howes, Covenant House Toronto 47 A monthly house meeting is held to allow two-way communication between staff and between staff communication two-way allow to held is meeting house A monthly A monthly house meeting is held with staff and residents. This is primarily an primarily is This residents. and staff with held is meeting house A monthly HOMELESS HUB THOUGHTS: HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB MONTHLY HOUSE MEETING MEETING HOUSE MONTHLY We particularly like the residents-only option available in both cities, as it does provide does provide it as in both cities, available option particularly the residents-only like We We staff. or the program with have grievances they air to may youth space for a safe their organize to the youth to available funding space and make to all agencies encourage events. or meetings own Allowing youth and staff an opportunity to discuss issues is key to building a harmonious harmonious a building keyto is to discussissues opportunity an staff and youth Allowing ensure helps it as also is important the mandatory meetings Making environment. living time. the same at information the same everyone receives Youth are encouraged and supported –including funding—to organize their own resident- their own organize funding—to –including supported and encouraged are Youth in this regard. very is take-up there little however events, and meetings only residents. Anyone who has an issue to discuss can have it placed on the agenda. placed on it have discuss can to issue an who has Anyone residents. CHV: CHV: Residents also hold their own meeting as desired, organized by a youth, to discuss issues of of discuss issues to a youth, by organized desired, as meeting their also own hold Residents of issues are these whether there depend seems meetings on to in holding Interest concern. are Minutes organize. to who inclined is a youth is whether there and in the program concern staff. senior to then given taken and CHT: upcoming house, the around concerns and to discussissues residents and staff for opportunity events. share to and changes, policy procedural or House Meetings at both ROP programs are mandatory. They provide an opportunity opportunity an They provide mandatory. are programs both ROP at Meetings House promptly shared is information ensure to a whole as the group to communication for conflicts if it Meeting be a House excused only from can Youth efficiently. and must and requirement, program another or school schedule, or their work with their worker. this to communicate The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 48 , an organization founded by Cyndi Lauper. While it is still rolling still is rolling it While Lauper. Cyndi by founded organization , an LGBTQ2S AND GENDER AND LGBTQ2S They are both part of a Covenant House International initiative that has joined with the with the has joined that initiative International House of a both part are Covenant They Fund Colors True Both agencies have policies around discrimination and harassment. The CHT Rights of CHT The Rights harassment. and discrimination policies around have Both agencies all sexual of people orientations, for community a welcoming is “ROP states manual Passage and/ comments derogatory or racist, homophobic, Any racial diversity. and identity, gender be will tolerated.” not participant program another hurt to intended actions or their strengthen a goal to with assessments cultural/inclusion on working they are out, inclusion. and openness around culture organizational Both agencies have made a concentrated effort to develop programs and and programs to develop effort a concentrated made have Both agencies homeless 25-40% of that Given youth. LGBTQ2S support policies that all youth- for consideration important this an is identify LGBTQ2S as youth committee cross-agency LGBTQ2S serving standing a CHT has agencies. is also in service There gaps practice, supports. and reviews policy, that by Rainbow meets everytrained are that All weeks. staff two group youth LGBTQ2S an youth. of community the LGBTQ2S to sensitivity and awareness ensure to Ontario Health a regular on a local by (PRISM) agency provided training LGBTQ2S mandatory CHV has in all working community LGBTQ2S of the members theyhave staff, all program for basis referrals. for relationships community established have and departments Since CHV youth have their own private bathroom in their individual in their individual bathroom private their own have CHV youth Since the However, privacy addressed. is bathroom of issue the overall room all with floors on facilities restroom gender-neutral shared has agency signage. appropriate At CHT, the youth share bathrooms. Bathrooms and shower facilities are gendered – that – that gendered are facilities shower and Bathrooms bathrooms. share the youth CHT, At the bathroom, shared Within the bathrooms. female-only has floor the female-only is, parts in other showers private access can youth requested, If individual. stalls are shower the program/agency. of This is a recent switch for Covenant House Vancouver, which had co-ed floors until co-edhad floors which Vancouver, House for Covenant switch recent is a This increased in result would floor male-only a that fears were October There 2014. dealing and with on de-escalation received training staff a result as and aggression materialize. not did fear This confrontations. physical Both locations have a floor for male residents and a floor for female residents. Youth identify Youth residents. female for a floor and residents male for a floor have Both locations on. put are which this floor they determines and process the application during their gender 49 suring that all policies are reviewed through an LGBTQ2S lens. LGBTQ2S an reviewed through all policies are that suring suring that non-LGBTQ2S agencies to which youth are referred have training, have referred are which youth to agencies non-LGBTQ2S that suring iring people from the LGBTQ2S community to work in the organization in a variety in the organization work to community the LGBTQ2S from people iring eveloping inclusive forms (i.e. additional options to male/female for gender). for male/female to options additional (i.e. forms inclusive eveloping eveloping and enforcing a strong policy against harassment and discrimination. and harassment policy against a strong enforcing and eveloping llowing youth to attend LGBTQ2S events and support groups (i.e. through curfew through (i.e. groups support and events LGBTQ2S attend to youth llowing uilding networks and partnerships with LGBTQ2S agencies in order to refer youth, youth, refer to in order agencies LGBTQ2S with partnerships and networks uilding roviding gender-neutral washrooms, including shower facilities (especially facilities if youth shower including washrooms, gender-neutral roviding roviding information and holding awareness workshops for youth. for workshops awareness holding and information roviding roviding ongoing and mandatory information and training for all staff (no matter matter all (no staff for training and information mandatory and ongoing roviding oliciting volunteers and mentors from the LGBTQ2S community. community. the LGBTQ2S from mentors and volunteers oliciting En D H positions. and roles of S A external support. other any to apply would that criteria the same under extensions) do not have their own private bathroom). private their own have do not B etc. counsellors/mentors find En them with providing or youth LGBTQ2S support to in place programs policies and space. a positive needed create to support P D P P their role). what » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » HOMELESS HUB THOUGHTS: HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB For an agency to truly make itself an LGBTQ2S positive space there are other factors that that factors other are space there positive LGBTQ2S an truly to itself agency make an For includes: This play. into come Allowing youth to self-determine/select their gender (and therefore their floor) is a goodis a their floor) therefore self-determine/select (and to their gender youth Allowing or transgender who are youth allows it a certain extent, To trans-inclusivity. start towards fear be a reduced with to housed non-conforming”) otherwise (or “gender genderqueer youth means floors “female-only” or “male-only” of the limit However, discrimination. of they choose feel the one must and limited are a binary identifywith gender who do not required not are youth as trans-inclusive more sense, Co-ed is in that space, to”. “closest the other. select over to one The issue of co-ed or sole gender floors is going to be one for an agency to consider based consider on agency to an for one tobe going is floors gender or of co-edsole issue The can made be that arguments definitely are There etc. applying youth of numbers layout, space, experienced have who women young make may floors female (segregated each viewpoint for inter-personal to develop youth for safer; feel co-edallow violence floors or sexual assault people).skills a wider variety of with "For the first time they can...... really look at themselves. Learn to love themselves. Deal with issues that they have. And for a lot of them, they have never had that opportunity that so many of us take for granted."

-Julie Neubauer, Covenant House Toronto The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 51

isha", 25, ROP Participant and Mentee and Participant 25, ROP isha", anna Brown former mentor anna ROP

D a staff member, with whom they can build a relationship. relationship. build a they can with whom member, a staff is not — "The best part of being a mentor is to see how much she's grown since we met. met. we since grown she's much how to see is mentor a being of part best "The now is she person the think not did I met we time first the gosh, my oh like, It's mentees your meet you I mean, But her. know didn't I just or there, under was face they how watch to amazing it's and life in situations difficult with faced them overcome the and challenges how and they grow." - "A “The mentorship program has been a very blessed experience for me. My mentor mentor My me. for experience veryblessed a been has program mentorship “The qualities same the contains mentor my because to lookup do I actually is someone I can that a pace at going are things that I like I had. wish I always that traits and control any if little I have that life my in variables many too I have because control work to much have I still alive. buried I'm being if as I feel sometimes and over change wont things I know and aspirations my and character my concerning on to job mentor's my not its that know I also to. them expect I don’t and overnight and/or tools the acquire me help to job mentor's is my it situation; my change There doing. been has mentor my which forward myself move to I need resources want they what know who souls lost program; mentorship the in me like many are because not means the lack they but there get to needed willingness the have and like situations broken from come have we but capabilities lack or bright aren’t we times at and judgement our impaired have that disasters or abuse or homelessness forward.” move to need we skills the possess to abilities our crippled

There are very strict rules that are in place for the mentors/mentees to follow during during the follow to mentors/mentees the veryfor place in are strict are There rules that including: program The matches are made through a meet and greet process where mentees and mentors get an opportunity to opportunity an get mentors and mentees where process greet a meet and through made are matches The that questions answer to one-on-one down they sit games, introductory some After each other. know to get to their choices submit the to able are mentors and the youth the evening of the end At a jar. pulled from are will together. the two connect then the Coordinator a match, is there If Coordinator. Mentorship Mentors apply to the program and are interviewed, screened and reference checked. Volunteers go through go Volunteers checked. reference interviewed, screened and are and the program to apply Mentors expectedare to They Groups. Support in Mentor participate as well as training ongoing and intensive weekly to agrees mentor the volunteer matched, Once the program. with timeframe a one-year to commit their youth. with meet-ups twice with monthly emails) calls and/or phone texts, (including contact Similar to the more familiar "Big Brothers" or "Big Sisters" programs, the Mentorship program program the Mentorship programs, Sisters" "Big or Brothers" "Big familiar the more to Similar housing transitional site the scattered Passage, of Rights from – primarily youth up matches an adult, youth the goalto give is The a mentor. –with Program Transition In the Youth and who The Mentorship Program exists only at Covenant House Toronto, while Vancouver is in the Vancouver while Toronto, House at Covenant only exists Program Mentorship The initiative. an such creating of phase exploratory Mentorship Program - Covenant HouseToronto 52

Danna Brown, (past ROP mentor) speaks (past ROP mentor) Danna Brown, with relationship a close about having her mentee.

e mentor is allowed to share certain personal information but must be aware of what they share. what of be aware must but certain personal information share to allowed is e mentor outh and the mentor must meet in the community, not at Covenant House except except House Covenant at not meet the in community, must the mentor and outh anna Brown, past ROP Mentor ROP past Brown, anna They are not allowed to introduce the youth to their friends/family, take them to their home etc. their take home them to their friends/family, to the youth introduce to allowed not They are helps them with their budgeting. It also reduces the likelihood of a dependence upon the mentor the a dependence upon likelihood also of reduces It their them budgeting. with helps financial offerings.for Y group House, Covenant at Lounge the Girl's the use of (i.e. in certain circumstances mentors/mentees). other activities with E Th —D "When we graduated I knew that it was a fear for her for a fear was it that I knew graduated we "When end the be would that and own her on be she'd that with time more I spent me, for And friendship. our of the during life my in people other so many than her a of all that unimaginable was it that year the of course be I wouldn't and over be would program the sudden eight about been It's continued. we've So, support. that and much as just other each see still we and months the of boundaries the without And touch. in more we're almost into shaped it's and natural more it's program less are there because of friendship kind a different each in us being I see ourselves, I see But boundaries. her." I need and me needs she as long as for lives other's » » and the youth the part of on independence encourages This themselves. for pay must person ach » » » » HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB This kind of initiative is extremely beneficial to the youth. It may be seen as an "add-on" mayto be an "add-on" as It seen youth. tobeneficial the is extremely of initiative This kind extremely is it time, the same at but is, it ways in many and program, housing a transitional time-limited in cases of Particularly, person. a young of success the long-term for important a with a relationship maintain and develop to person a young of the ability accommodation, independence. to the path on success their overall help can mentor community Once the program is completed and the youth graduates than these rules are removed as the as these removed than rules are graduates the youth and completed is the program Once often This adults. independent as the mentor and between the solely youth is continues, if it relationship, evolve. to able is the relationship House—and Covenant of the hope indeed, part is of –and happens 53

Past ROP Mentor Past —Danna Brown,

unimaginable than so many other other so than many

I spent more time with with time more I spent support." be that be that I wouldn't and the course of the year the year the course of program would be over that it was it that her during people life in my all a sudden the of that " The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 54 rfew ug and Alcohol Use Alcohol ug and edication vernights isitors M Dr Cu O V

» » » » » » » » » » Rules included in the toolkit cover the following topics: following the cover toolkit the in included Rules Below we outline some of key rules that should be considered in the development of a of in the development be considered should ruleskey of that some outline Below we need be rules to developed other may that understanding program, housing transitional offerings. program or needs a specificagency’s on depending Other general rules apply to the use of space and safety. Both agencies have rules about have Both agencies safety. space and the use to of Other rules general apply keys/ smoking, noise, as such issues address to in place are Rules example. for use, computer attire, pornography, weapons, sexual activity, laundry, cable/internet, pets, damages, fobs, etc. belongings These chores are also used to help incentivize youth. In Toronto, for example, completion of completion example, for Toronto, In youth. incentivize alsoused help are to chores These curfews extended (conversely, and overnights for the criteria of one is room a clean and chores per chores do two youth in decreased Toronto curfews). In result could do chores to failure they do Vancouver In per day. one than period more no in a two-week and chores four week, week.per chores five There are also general rules that would apply to most transitional housing programs around around programs housing most transitional to apply would general also are rules that There that understanding cleanliness. locations, and Both bedroom chores oneself, after up cleaning maintain to how certain chores, complete to youth teach the knowledge, have all youth not check to in Vancouver) weekly Toronto, in (daily take place Room inspections etc. their room nono dirty dishes, including cleanliness, and visitors of unauthorized presence safety, fire for dirty laundry etc. excessive no bins, garbage spoiled food, empty Per the case plan all youth must be in school, working or following an alternative track to address to track alternative an following or be working in school, must all the case youth plan Per etc. violence discrimination, for tolerance is zero There issues. addictions health or mental Rules are created to match youth where they are at based on their age and stage of life. life. of stage and based their age on at they where are youth match to created are Rules at in is youth the stage and the Steps by the also the rules influenced are Vancouver In up, waking with staff from support get can 1 a youth Step at example, For the program. these need be stages to done in later but taking medication, appointments, remembering assistance. staff without There are a number of rules to help ensure the smooth running of the Rights of Passage Passage of of the Rights smooth the running ensure of help to rules number a are There of principles International House cases, the these Covenant also support many In Program. Structure. Sanctuary and Rules The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 55 ientation period: 10pm. is Curfew ientation fter orientation it is 11pm Sunday through Thursday and 1am Friday and Saturday. and Friday 1am and Thursday through Sunday is 11pm it orientation fter outh who are enrolled in high school generally have a school night curfew 11pm a school night of have in high school generally enrolled who are outh f they are continually late they will meet with their Consistent Worker to create a plan a plan create to Worker they will their late meet Consistent with continually f they are f a youth is late for curfew they must meet with a staff member the next business day day business next member the a staff meet with curfew they for must late is f a youth and they have not contacted ROP staff ROP contacted not past they curfew hour have and one than more is f a youth t is possible for curfews to be decreased if a youth fails to attend life skills sessions life attend to fails curfews be to decreased for if a youth possible t is t can be increased to 3am/3am depending upon life skills completion. Each month Each month skills completion. life upon depending be 3am/3am t can to increased to overcome this challenge. overcome to I lateness/ the for reason the staff do contact youth When AWOL. considered then they are be not might AWOL who are youth the discussed. reason is absence Depending upon The the night. for a shelter to be referred may instead and ROP at their room into allowed actions. Leader follow-up determine to speak the Team with must the youth day next I their lateness. explain to I or is having other challenges meeting the expectations of the case plan or the overall the overall or the case plan of the meeting expectations challenges other having is or and themeeting weekly would caseat management be discussed These the program. a privilege. removing of a means as the curfew be of could applied reduction Y I regular they Once show completed. skills they life have of the number of regardless their will upon impact that concern of area an curfew not is that prove and attendance their curfew extended. have they schooling may I Or A skills which earn them life skills workshops, life two least at attend to required are youth a 30-minute curfew by extended every is they earn their weekday credits two For credits. they 1am/1am), time (i.e. the weekend to up time catches the weekday interval. When 3am. of intervals a maximum to 30-minute by together up both go » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » CURFEW Curfew time is strict and the policy manual states: “late is late.” late.” is “late states: strict the time policy is Curfew and manual The curfew changes as the youth moves through the program and is primarily is and program the through moves youth as the The changes curfew CHT: skills workshops. life of the completion upon dependent Both locations have curfews for their youth. In the policy manual for Covenant House House Covenant for the policy In manual their youth. curfews for have Both locations of Principle our of expression a concrete is “Curfew the purpose as: explained is Toronto living their daily the skills discharge to in developing serves the residents assist to It Structure. the from graduation upon and in, their stay during etc.) chores, work, (school, responsibilities program.” Passage of Right 56 - 11:00pm on work or school days/1:00am on 2 days off week. per off 2 days on days/1:00am school or work on - 11:00pm gencies may wish to set a stricter curfew time for youth engaged in school (or just for for just in school (or engaged set to youth a stricter wish curfew time for may gencies gencies may choose to develop a graduated curfew skills CHT) time based (like life a graduated on choose develop to may gencies - 10:00pm on work or school days/12:00am on 2 days off week.per off 2 days on days/12:00am school or work on 1 - 10:00pm tep tep 2 week.per off 2 days on school days/2:00am or work on 4 - 12:00am 3 and tep away. or late out when staying phone in by check must curfew but 6 – No 5 and tep ome communities have established a curfew for youth. While in most cases it applies applies cases it in most While youth. a curfew for established have communities ome n some ROP programs the majority of youth are employed, while in others the focus while others in employed, are youth of the majority programs ROP n some t is recommended that agencies do not penalize youth for missing curfew by referring curfew by missing for penalize youth do not agencies that recommended t is those in high school). I a critical rule breaking in cases (violence, of Except the evening. for a shelter them to be used not should housing of loss etc.) in the building weapons drugs or of possession into discharge a “zero have to aim should programs housing Transitional a penalty. as principle. that violates a shelter to a night even for policy discharging and homelessness” A A they what a youth to communicated be clearly should so it doing CHV). If (like steps or in which a curfew be can their the reduced. curfew ways extend and need do to to to those under 16, in some places it includes 16 and 17 year olds. Agencies establishing establishing Agencies olds. 17 year 16 and includes it places thoseto 16, in some under aligncurfews legislation. with should I for CHV) and at CHT both are (as bethey flexible should Curfews education. on is allow to school) night job (or evening or in a night-time employed if they are youth time home. travel for allow to and required as class work/attend to youth for S S S S S » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB Many youth who come to Covenant House have never had the benefit of a curfew. This of a curfew. the benefit had never have House Covenant to who come youth Many experience and home in their family’s who live youth most that something is structure the curfew what Determining responsibility. and the curfew age with generally time increases factors. a variety of will will upon be it be dependent enforced will how be and Youth who want an extension to a curfew need to make a request in advance. Any time time Any in advance. a curfew a request to need make to extension an who want Youth an as it will count or unapproved) approved it was (whether 3am after returns a youth and this point at their room into allowed are Youth curfew. a late than rather overnight a shelter. to they be will referred not The curfew is determined according to the step the youth is currently working on. As on. working is currently youth the step to the The curfewis determined according CHV: their curfew the accordingly: increased steps is through they work The Rights of Passage Program — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 57 No overnights are allowed during Step 1 (the first four weeks at least) because youth youth at least) because weeks four 1 (the first Step during allowed are overnights No Youth are not allowed overnight passes during orientation period are (unless there orientation passes during overnight allowed not are Youth OVERNIGHTS If a youth is absent without approval for more than 72 hours it may be considered grounds for for grounds beconsidered may it 72 hours than more for approval without absent is a youth If will report beno contact. is filed if there person’s a missing and discharge It should be noted that during Steps 2 and 3 overnights must be pre-approved, while from be pre-approved, must 3 overnights 2 and Steps during that be noted should It at one night for granted only generally is Permission only neednotified. be staff 4 on, Step be pre- must night one beyond Absences discouraged. are absences extended a time and level. Step of regardless approved, are settling in and it is deemed important for them to develop the routine of returning to the to returning of the routine develop them to for deemed is important it in and settling are Two that). with security comes and that stability every the resultant location (and same night allowed are four 3 and Step during allowed are 2, three Step during allowed are overnights overnights of number 6. The 5 and Step during allowed are overnights 4. Five Step during being upon dependent is in the program participate to ability because a youth’s limited is need the not may the program from away frequently who are Youth consistently. present a prompt willSteps of two last the either during overnights five than More anymore. ROP on. move time to is it not whether or about discussion CHV: Youth complete an Emergency Contact Form when they arrive in ROP (mandatory under (mandatory when in ROP they arrive Form Contact Emergency an complete Youth prior or staff with contact without nights two for absent is a youth 18). If over 18, optional stillis the deemed missing, youth If willthe be contact notified. the emergency approval the seven nights After report. Services Person a Missing Police will issue to be asked Toronto discharged. be could automatically individual The youth must return by curfew the next day or they will be considered AWOL. Youth who Youth AWOL. or they willby curfewnext day be considered the return must youth The Leader. discuss the re-entry Team with must and return be upon suspended may AWOL are Consecutive nights are rarely allowed except during the holiday periods. A maximum of four four of periods. A maximum the holiday during except allowed rarely are nights Consecutive in special circumstances. except each month allowed passes are overnight In order to leave for their overnight the youth must have completed their chores and have a have and their chores completed have must the youth their overnight for leave to order In staff with check-in must Youth issued). is the pass confirmed before (these are room clean a task to complete asked be Theymay leaving. before approved is the request that ensure to Fund their Trust submitting or a chore completing their room, cleaning as such leaving before lead to may and overnight” “unauthorized an do these to considered is tasks Failure payment. return. on suspension extenuating circumstances). An overnight pass is considered an earned privilege rather than a than rather earned privilege an considered is pass overnight An circumstances). extenuating earn Youth their plan. of the meeting requirements not is if a youth be can revoked and right time ahead their pass of request must skills. Youth life completing by overnights to the right Team. the Case Management by made is the decision and CHT: Both CHT and CHV allow for a limited number of excused overnight absences each absences excused overnight of number a limited for Both CHV allow CHT and earned by are away Nights time. ahead of be approved these must both locations In month. (Vancouver). steps or skills (Toronto) life completing 58 ey are allowed to wait in the lobby for five minutes maximum and and willthen bemaximum minutes five for in the lobby wait to allowed ey are onfidentiality restricts staff from letting a visitor know whether a resident is in or out or is in resident whether a know avisitor letting restrictsfrom staff onfidentiality isitors can ask for an ROP resident between 10am and 10pm. 10pm. between and 10am resident ROP an for ask can isitors OP residents may not let another ROP youth in their room at any time. any at in their room youth ROP let another not may residents OP outh need to organize their visitors and be available for their arrival as it may not be not may their it arrival as for be available and their visitors organize need to outh C R Th the building. leave to asked Y resident. a for to look staff for possible the building. of V Visitors are not allowed in the ROP program or other areas of the building with the with the building of areas other or program in the ROP allowed not are Visitors » » » » » » » » » » VISITORS HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB exception of the McGill reception desk. reception the McGill of exception CHT: Visitors can help youth maintain or develop positive social networks. At the same time, rules are in rules time, the same are social At positive networks. develop or maintain youth help can Visitors itself. building and the residents other staff, visitor, security the youth, and of safety maintain to place The fact that police will be contacted and a missing person’s report filed after an unexplained unexplained an reportafter filed person’s missing a and will factpolice The that contacted be their actions for them accountable holds It youth. security a sense of for create should absence their that also emphasizes It privileges. with along responsibilities they have that shows and concern. of is personal welfare Both CHT and CHV allow for exceptions to the overnight limits in certain cases limits – i.e. the overnight to exceptions for Both CHV allow CHT and is This a members. family with vacation or a holiday through reconciliation family attempted with connections begin to explore wish to they stabilized may gets a youth as component; key of a good is way overnights, them, time including with more spending Gradually their family. option. viable and a safe is home whether moving exploring Referring a youth to a shelter for going AWOL could backfire by creating an opportunity for for a opportunity an by creating backfire could AWOL going for a shelter to a youth Referring do not we the curfew with policy, As again. their housing of outside spend the night to youth Youth homelessness. into a night) (even for a discharge include punishments any that recommend security in their housing. have must Providing clear information about absences, discharge, missing persons’ reports is beneficial is to reports persons’ missing discharge, absences, about information clear Providing CHTBoth confusion. and misunderstandings eliminating at geared is and staff and the youth orientation. during and in their manual the youth to this information CHV provide and Having a strict overnight policy (while allowing for some flexibility) is a good way of developing of developing goodis a way flexibility) some policy a strict (while for allowing overnight Having the limits and for accounted and present are youth that ensures It routine. and structure behaviours. and habits old to theylikelihood return that 59 isitor may not use an ROP computer or eat ROP food (with the exception of the of food theexception (with ROP eat or computer ROP use an not may isitor ly two visitors per youth may be signed in at one time. one be signed in at may per youth visitors two ly e visitor may be asked to show identification. identification. show to be asked may e visitor o physical contact is permitted between youth and their visitors. their visitors. and between permitted youth is contact o physical isitors from the other floor may be signed in by an ROP member. member. ROP an by be signed in may floor the other from isitors isitors are allowed in the common spaces between 10am to 11pm Sunday to Sunday 11pm spaces between to 10am the in common allowed are isitors youth. by occupied room in any allowed not are isitors isitors from the Crisis shelter or other programs require advance permission from staff. from permission advance require programs other or the Crisis shelter from isitors OP residents may not let another ROP youth in their room at any time. any at in their room youth ROP let another not may residents OP rior approval must be obtained from the Program Manager to sign in a youth under 16. under sign in a youth to Manager the Program from be obtained must approval rior outh must sign their visitor in and out at the front desk. the front at out in and sign their visitor must outh on work, school, be scheduled to at if they are sign in a visitor to allowed not are outh V V R N A v dinner). community P V Saturday. and Friday to 1am 10am and Thursday V On Y otherwise in their or program. job search engaged Y Th Visitors are allowed at ROP in Vancouver with certain with conditions: in Vancouver ROP at allowed are Visitors » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB Where possible, we recommend that youth be able to have visitors in common areas. This is This areas. in common visitors have to be able youth that recommend we possible, Where rules clear and Having mentors. or close friendships family, in the case of particularly important within the people allowing Not (per CHV) beneficial important. is and visitors for guidelines or damage. theft of complaints prevent help can a good is and security room measure youth’s Creating opportunities for youth to maintain or create positive social relationships are are social positive relationships create or maintain to youth for opportunities Creating security maintain to has organization an time, the same healing. At and growth for important of an ability restrictmayalso the of space layout The staff. and residents its all of of safety and visitors. have to youth allow to organization CHV: 60 sruptive behaviour will not be tolerated. be will tolerated. not behaviour sruptive onsuming or possessing drugs or alcohol on Covenant House property or during during or property House Covenant on alcohol drugs possessing or or onsuming outh who come into the ROP under the influence will be asked to go to their rooms rooms to go their willto the influence under asked be the ROP into who come outh f necessary (due to moderate or severe intoxication) safety checks may be conducted be conducted may checks safety intoxication) severe or f necessary moderate to (due Covenant House activities is prohibited. This includes prescription medication not not medication prescription includes This prohibited. activities is House Covenant these rules Breaking is also is prohibited. Selling substances the youth. to prescribed discharge. possible and suspension immediate for cause Y areas. in the common allowed not are and Di I youth). on the check to room entering staff (two C Youth must inform staff of all medications they are taking. All medications (with (with the taking. are Allmedications they of allmedications staff inform must Youth Youth are responsible for taking, storing and refilling their prescription medication. medication. prescription their refilling and taking, storing for responsible are Youth » » » » » » » » DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE ALCOHOL AND DRUG HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB MEDICATION Both locations follow similar guidelines in terms of rules around drugs and alcohol. alcohol. drugs and rules of around in terms guidelines similar follow Both locations Allowing a youth control of their own medication – perhaps with supports to remind them to take them to remind to supports with – perhaps medication their own of control a youth Allowing abused/ or stolen being medication of the the risks needsto weighed against be beneficialbut – is it epi- (i.e. medication emergency of control maintain a youth critical is that It the youth. misused by them.to administer how and use in their trained are staff that pens, rescue inhalers) and exception of vitamins, birth control and fast-acting medication), such as inhalers, will as such be kept medication), fast-acting and birth control vitamins, of exception prescribedand as for medication taking responsible are youth Steps In all in thelocked office. by be reminded may youth 2 1 and will Steps initial each time they to be take a dose. In asked theis 3-6 this Steps solely In useor a certainmedication. to take them for is it time that staff and Worker discuss their Key with may the youth this point, At the youth. of responsibility in their room. their medication storing of the possibility Case Manager CHV: They must inform staff of all medications that they take and this information can be passed and information they this that take of all medications staff inform must They a assist may staff ROP certain situations, In emergency. an in case medical to of personnel on in a secured cabinet. their medication storing by youth CHT: 61 f it is recognized that substance use is creating or contributing to problems in a in problems to contributing or use creating is substance recognized that is f it youth’s life, their case plan will be adjusted to address this. address to will their case plan be life, adjusted youth’s A y health. for concerns significant are there I » if inthe program stay to medical clearance receive to be asked may person oung » » » HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB An approach that encourages sobriety but does not punish for lapses is more positive than a than positive more is lapses for punish does not sobriety but encourages that approach An returning date that to policy 2015. Prior its in early changed fact, CHT only In approach. punitive program. shelter to a referral a and suspension in a result could the influence under ROP to Age is definitely one consideration, as the ability to purchase, and the legal right to consume, to consume, legaland the right purchase, to ability as the consideration, one definitely is Age be needs to also that is something substances jurisdiction. Legality of by varies alcohol a legal hold to certain with people health issues some of the right (including examined use medical to marijuana). entitlement The issue of substance use is always challenging in a congregate living situation. Covenant Covenant situation. living in a congregate challenging use is always substance of issue The design. While in their program this evident is and housing abstinence-based supports House components the core of one indeed forms – and preference our model is reduction a harm to housing need abstinence-only and who prefer be youth some may –there First Housing of agency an 2013; Gaetz, 2014b). When & Gulliver, (Gaetz, Scott, sobriety their own maintain one only is when there but easily, be this more can addressed options housing multiple has critical. more become rules those as space, above developed such shared Toronto’s safety planning procedures, which supports the ability of a youth to remain in remain to a youth of the ability which supports procedures, planning safety Toronto’s of to the no safety is risk there at ensuring geared is while the influence, under program or DrugsUsing Residents ROP in outlined the are These others. or the building themselves, section. in the resource found Policy Alcohol In Toronto, a Substance Use Counsellor works with all youth who are identified as having having as identified who are allwith youth works Counsellor Use a Substance Toronto, In goal a –with their issues on working to committed they are If problems. alcohol drug and/or need to Youth Program. Support in the Abstinence engage to entitled sobriety—theyare of under the building to returning of 24 hours within Counsellor Use themeet Substance with with work must youth willPlan and the be developed Support Abstinence An the influence. the Substance and Worker their Consistent including members, Team the Case Management sobriety. maintain to Counsellor, Use Scattered Site Transitional Housing Program at Covenant House — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 62

Covenant House Covenant

ruce Rivers, Executive Director, Covenant House Toronto House Covenant Director, Executive Rivers, ruce

who are victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. trafficking. human and sexual victims of exploitation who are —B “One of the things that we’ve found over the last several years is that young people people young is that years several last the over found we’ve that things the of “One is… that for reason the of part and shelter our in longer and longer staying are we So community. in to move to kids for options housing affordable no are there ourselves. options those of some create to needed we that idea the with up came to able not was government frankly, quite but, government to turning were We felt We demand. of tide the stem or meet could that solutions with forward come the for work would that approach a customized with up come to needed we that new our with results yield to helped has So that seeing. we’re that people young program.” apartment scattered program…our housing transitional

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING HOUSING TRANSITIONAL SCATTERED SITE SITE SCATTERED While Covenant House Toronto has a more organized after-care after-care organized a more has Toronto House Covenant While who leave try youth with connected stay to both organizations component, again. homeless becoming them from prevent and issues address help to Additionally, both organizations have housing workers who strive to develop to who strive workers housing have both organizations Additionally, in a room who rent landlords – whether they are landlords with connections opportunities. rental large-scale or those multiple with or home their own Toronto anticipates having 20 supported scattered-site apartments in apartments scattered-site supported 20 having anticipates Toronto for a specialized program including years, three the next within total women transitional off-site its the size of increase also to hopes Vancouver offerings. housing In following the Foyer’s Hub and Spoke model, both Covenant House Toronto (CHT) and (CHT) and Toronto House both Covenant model, Spoke and Hub the Foyer’s following In housing of transitional forms different developed (CHV) have Vancouver House Covenant with a partnership have Both agencies Program). Passage of Rights (besides their onsite apartments three provides that company management property a large Properties, Hollyburn through units condominium CHT also two has in Toronto. apartments two and in Vancouver developer. a residential Corporation, the Daniels with a partnership Program at 63

anny Aguilar, Housing Worker, Covenant House Toronto House Covenant Worker, Housing Aguilar, anny

—D “The best part of the work for me is when I house a youth and you see them them see you and youth a house I when me is for work the of part “Thebest that see can You own. their on be to confidence that gain them see You grow. on depending not they’re that see You meals. their cooking actually they’re they’re [or] work for looking actually they’re money, own their for people other succeeding.” and do to want they what doing [They’re] school. to going

HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB In the scattered site housing units, ongoing support is still provided by the Housing Workers Workers the Housing by still is provided support ongoing units, housing site the scattered In has switch a recent this also was While the case in Toronto, in Vancouver. Caseand Managers (this will be discussedWorkers Transition in Youth of realm the the into all aftercare moved in this chapter). later When possible/requested, Housing Workers also support the youth in accessing and applying applying and in accessing the youth also support Workers Housing possible/requested, When negotiating and meeting landlords with applications, filling in including housing, that for staff) ROP other (or also drive a may Worker a Housing availability, leases. Depending upon to access groceries, where out them figure their help new neighbourhood to through youth in their new environment. necessities other and transit recreation, whose job it is to help youth find housing after theyafter housing find youth help to is whose job it Workers Housing employ Both locations of assessment an conducting includes support This program). the crisis/shelter (or ROP leave will discuss andtypethe Workers Housing The budgets. needs and readiness, their housing living, independent as such options, housing exploring includes This available. housing of cost facilities. housing transitional other or housing supportive accommodation, shared Given the lack of affordable housing across the country, it is very beneficial to have workers workers veryis it have to beneficial country, the across housing affordable of the lack Given key lack often Youth housing. maintain and secure find, youth whose primary focus helping is or income references, identification, including housing, necessary accessing for components search. even start their housing to how around the knowledge Housing Workers Housing One of the successes of Covenant House’s transitional housing program is the variety of the variety of is program housing transitional House’s Covenant of the successes of One transitional Often, agency. any for consideration a key thisis and youth to available options in the housed model; all mortar residents and a bricks within only considered is housing model site scattered a pure have to possible is it provided is support proper If location. same ROPProject. and Infinity the Calgary Club’s of the success evidenced Girls as Boys by and and site both with scattered these options, two of a melding that demonstrate House Covenant also is possible. provided, units housing transitional residential 64 eate a sense of connection to their new community. A youth who is more engaged engaged who more is A youth their new to community. connection a sense of eate ousing workers should give youth in-depth information about landlord-tenant landlord-tenant about information in-depth youth give should workers ousing nder promise and over deliver. Housing workers need to be clear about what they are they are what need be about to clear workers Housing deliver. over and promise nder trive to reduce unrealistic ideas about what they can obtain by way of housing. housing. of way by they obtain can what ideas about unrealistic reduce to trive legislation, and in particular, the youth’s rights and responsibilities. Helping a youth a youth Helping responsibilities. and rights the youth’s in particular, and legislation, a with been prevented have could that behaviour eviction activities or because of avoid homelessness. to return a youth’s reducing of way a key is knowledge, of bit S a youth’s increase to helpful is a budget develop to youth with work to Being able market. to the relationship in status their financial of understanding H will hopefully not seek out old neighbourhoods which may draw them back in to athem in to back draw which may neighbourhoods old will seek out hopefully not life. of way previous U service better meet not to than provide to be to able better is It do. to able not are and the service. of expectations the minimum Cr » » » » » » » » A Rights of Passage youth's empty room at Covenant House Toronto. House Covenant at empty room youth's A Rights of Passage HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB Avoiding the revolving door of homelessness, as discussed in the Youth Homelessness Homelessness discussed as in the Youth homelessness, of door the revolving Avoiding role in a critical play Workers Housing overcome. to challenge a difficult is Overview chapter, can Worker Housing a that few ways a are There housing. maintain and obtain youth helping help support a youth: "The best part for me is when I house a youth and you see them grow...... They're doing what they want to do and succeeding."

-Danny Aguilar, Covenant House Toronto 66 HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB WORKING WITH WITH WORKING LANDLORDS Creating a network of landlords who are willing to house homeless youth is important. important. is youth homeless house willing to who are landlords of a network Creating also should Landlords landlords. for opportunities information and resources Provide know and legislation landlord-tenant about been educated have youth that be informed also their rights. and responsibilities Housing workers should educate landlords about homeless youth to help reduce reduce help to youth homeless about landlords educate should workers Housing programs. socialabout assistance education also involve may This misconceptions. Housing Workers need to be clear in their agreements with landlords. They cannot promise They cannot landlords. with need be in their agreements to clear Workers Housing rent. with will be there never a problem that guarantee or person a young by perfect behaviour turn, in landlord. the and youth, agency in the willwhich the support ways the explain They can CHT and CHV work to create partnerships with landlords wherein everyone wins – agency, everyone – agency, wins wherein landlords with partnerships create to CHV work CHT and the agency that knows a landlord that ensuring is component One youth. and landlord them. for a business is trying is money; housing make to the landlord that that understands them helping the youth with be to involved going the is agency that know landlords Letting landlords reassure problems address be can help called to and upon housing into transition them. for play at risk a reduced is there that Part of this work is educating a landlord about the misconceptions they may hold about about hold they may the misconceptions about a landlord educating is this work of Part of accepting the benefits understand not may Landlords social and assistance. youth homeless social – who receiving is assistance or allowance housing supplement, a rent on a youth unless the youth lost not is that income guaranteed of a form is cases it in most that primarily occur things positive in their lives. other or employment gains Another advantage of employing Housing Workers is that they are able to dedicate time and time and dedicate to able they are that is Workers Housing employing of advantage Another quickly. youth house help to landlords with networks and connections extensive energy building to youth. for housing of the availability increase helping to a key is theseBuilding partnerships Scattered Site Transitional Housing Program at Covenant House — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 67

COVENANT HOUSE TORONTO AND VANCOUVER AND TORONTO HOUSE COVENANT aul Sander, Director, Hollyburn Properties Hollyburn Director, Sander, aul

—P “I’ve dealt with [homelessness] around the property management industry industry management property the around [homelessness] with dealt “I’ve as it of thought never I’d along…and move to people asking as far as about.” something do could we something

HOLLYBURN PROPERTIES PARTNERSHIP PARTNERSHIP PROPERTIES HOLLYBURN WITH In 2000, when one of the owners, Paul Sander, and his then 10-year old daughter were visiting visiting were daughter old then 10-year his and Sander, Paul the owners, of 2000, when one In near panhandling teens early in her woman a young of the sight struck was by she Toronto, discussed wife his the issue and Paul home, returning Upon at. eating they were the restaurant they involved. decided and get detail, to in more her with to Properties Hollyburn with partnered have Vancouver and Toronto House Both Covenant a Canadian, is Hollyburn model. housing transitional youth innovative and a dynamic create Calgary, Vancouver, Metro across apartments with based in Vancouver company family-owned an “becoming – includes – commitment principles their core of One Ottawa. and Toronto be to partner a part in every privileged of.” are neighbourhood we contributing active, Additionally, youth who stay at Covenant House (in either the crisis shelter program or ROP) ROP) or program the crisis shelter (in either House Covenant at who stay youth Additionally, costs the needs and what of understanding an so they have a budget develop to worked have they in that a further advantage have ROP of out Those coming living. independent for are so payment Fund fee/Trust their program through amount a rent-like paying “practiced” have transportation. food and rent, prioritizing they understand better Having a youth transition to independent living after being in the Rights of Passage program program Passage of in the Rights being after living independent to transition youth a Having the from directly moving to compared the youth for distinct advantages some provides through either saved, money of amount some will have Each youth even a shelter. or street payment Fund their Trust or bursary in Vancouver their graduation from or personal savings first both to pay ability – the housing obtaining big to barrier a reduce helps This in Toronto. provide to also able are Youth etc.). utilities (keys, deposits any as well as rent, month’s last and up. a leg alsowhich them gives to landlord, the reference as a staff House Covenant Community Apartments established and housed getthem to youth with work staff, other and Workers, Housing The rent of and the costs high housing affordable of The lack apartments. community in off-site have the agencies this but particularly make challenging, Vancouver and in both Toronto management property builders, with relationships and partnerships barriers through reduced landlords. and companies Scattered Site Transitional Housing Program at Covenant House — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 68

anny Aguilar, Housing Worker, Covenant House Toronto House Covenant Worker, Housing Aguilar, anny ollyburn will give you everything.” —D “Hollyburn is the crème de la crème of transitional units. units. transitional of crème la de crème is the “Hollyburn H Hollyburn solicits interest from Building Managers and considers the most accessible locations to locations accessible the most considers and Managers Building from interest solicits Hollyburn one- or small A bachelor youth. a house to able and seetheybe might thewhere bestdetermine fit a reduced pay Youth House. a head lease[9] Covenant through with available made is unit bedroom rent. the market of the remainder who subsidizes Hollyburn, $300-$375 to about amount, rental and Hydro for pay to responsible is the youth and charge, free of provided are internet and Cable the for rent the full market for Hollyburn to a tax-receipt provides House Covenant insurance. home furnishings all suite for a tax as receipt well as year Gradually, there was a decision that the company wanted to be more pro-active in their pro-active be to more wanted the company that a decision was there Gradually, a fully furnished unit give would that program housing a They decideddevelop to response. was it the program, of the success With a year. in for live to a youth for House Covenant to the as well as three) of a total (now in Vancouver units additional with expanded gradually in Toronto. units two include to the program of expansion The issue of homelessness was nothing new. As an urban property management company, Sander company, management property urban an As new. nothing was homelessness of issue The inside eaves, building under in parkades, sleeping people address to have Managers “Building says, Building to education providing included the aspects the partnership of of One buildings.” apartment response. their improve to how and issue the understand them both better help to staff and Managers Initially, the partnership included collecting goods for youth at Covenant House Vancouver, Vancouver, House Covenant at youth collecting goods for included the partnership Initially, household and to collecting expanded furniture This eventually clothing. food and including presented Both these living. ventures of independent into moving youth for necessities However, storage. and repairs/cleaning donations, of collection, quality of in terms challenges Additionally, andalso tenants. the staff the among of community sense a fierce they created employ began to the belongings move to with they contracted that company the moving youth. for opportunities employment increased CHV creating from youth A Hollyburn Properties building, Toronto, ON. Toronto, A Hollyburn building, Properties Scattered Site Transitional Housing Program at Covenant House — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 69 e Building Manager/Superintendents must be onboard. While education helps helps education While be onboard. must Manager/Superintendents e Building t is more efficient to buy the furniture and household goods than to receive and receive to goodshousehold than and buythe furniture to efficient more t is I $3,000. about it costs They estimate donations. manage Th because the Building come have successful situations the most information, provide a play Managers Building Hollyburn the program. of taken ownership has Manager their ensuring the youth, to support and structure guidance, in providing role pivotal followed. rules building are that and in order kept are suites » » » » Hollyburn has identified some key learnings and suggestions from experience:their from suggestions and key learnings some identified has Hollyburn Hollyburn and Covenant House also hold regular meetings attended by staff from twothe staff from by attended meetings regular also hold House Covenant and Hollyburn House Covenant and buildings the Hollyburn of Managers Building including organizations, This in Toronto. Workers Workers/Housing in Transition in Vancouver/Youth Case Managers be can crisis issues or immediate although issues, discuss ongoing to opportunity an provides meeting. call emergency or a phone through addressed In Vancouver, the Hollyburn apartments fall under the Community Support Services Support department fall the Community under apartments the Hollyburn Vancouver, In Toronto, In Managers. Workers/Case the Housing by provided is weekly) (usually support and and the Worker Housing The portfolio. Housing the Transitional part of are apartments Hollyburn in while the Youth process, move-in the selection and oversee Housing Transitional of Manager support. the ongoing provide Workers Transition This housing is considered transitional and programmatic supports are still in place, but there is a greater sensegreater a is there but still in place, are supports programmatic and transitional considered is housing This benefitted who have Youth the shelter. to particularly compared and ROP, to compared independence of barriers they for when striving face, the biggest of one that mention made have support Hollyburn’s from The past. their homeless with associated the demographic of outside live to opportunity a fair is independence, opportunity an with these youth provides Program Housing Youth Properties House-Hollyburn Covenant that secure building and in a safe homelessness chronic the cycle of free from break to beginto and a new life once behind, life street leaving the to key often is component call This they in and their own. take pride can their with be to in contact and in place a case plan have to still required are units in Hollyburn all.Youth for and in in Toronto); directly House Covenant (or Properties Hollyburn to rent of instead a fee They pay worker. housing. in future the youth establish used is help in full part to and returned or is this money Vancouver, Covenant House screens a youth – sometimes, but not always, a graduate of the Rights of Passage of the Rights of a graduate always, not but – sometimes, a youth screens House Covenant includes the support of Part the youth. to support case management ongoing provides – and Program explaining people, key them to introducing their housing: about the youth to orientation providing aspect internet, (i.e. what for responsible who is discussing living, independent of expectations either can period then the youth and a one-year for place in is Generally the agreement utilities). unit Hollyburn in another or workers their housing of the help with elsewhere a new location to move and Sander) Paul to according tenants” Hollyburn “happy create to hopes (Hollyburn rent. market at eachensure to as so is flexible program The year. another for the agreement extend to if necessary, from graduated successfully had 2014, 10 youth of As success. of opportunity the greatest has youth Toronto. and Vancouver in subsidized units in living currently were five and this partnership Hollyburn buys all of the necessary items for the unit including furniture, linens, small appliances etc. small appliances linens, furniture, including theunit for the necessary all of buys items Hollyburn to take allable are they unit the leaves youth a When $3,000/unit. about costs this that Theyestimate home. in their next established them get help them to with the items of 70

s initiative is easier to do in a big city where there are larger amounts of rental housing rental of amounts larger are there where city do in a big easier to is s initiative e of the keys to this initiative is the ongoing support provided by Covenant House House Covenant by provided support the ongoing is this initiative the to keys e of onation management can be extremely challenging. Buying new furnishings and new and furnishings Buying challenging. be can extremely management onation ommunication is key. The ability for the youth or Hollyburn staff to reach out out to reach to staff Hollyburn or youth the for ability The key. is ommunication ducation may be required with tenants to help them understand why it is important important is it why them understand help to tenants with be required may ducation aul Sander, Director, Hollyburn Properties Hollyburn Director, Sander, aul D On be in place must understanding and Clear agreements communication. the open and youth the their staff, and company management all parties for – the landlord/property organization. the support and if ever years – many in time the first for – perhaps are youth alsoessentials ensures them.” to “new just not new and are that belongings given Thi an Even in small do still is to communities. possible it But companies). bigger (and stock inof a unit sacrifice decide to income the may units a few who has landlord individual for tax receipts Full youth. a homeless of chances the life improve to helping for exchange all sizes. of landlords for accessible more participation make furnishings suite and rent market Thi back. give to – while a business allowing housing E will be issues addressed. any them that assure to and support this kind of provide to C meetings the regular but important, is a problem is when there House Covenant a problem. is when there just not in place, always is the connection that ensures Y another or in floor the ground on the youth housing recommends Hollyburn building. buildings in issue an of is less (This tenants. other on the impact will reduce that area is the behaviour as students university or college of a higher number have that similar). —P “Homelessness impacts rental buildings on a regular basis. Most managers managers Most basis. a regular on buildings rental impacts “Homelessness buildings, their around homelessness with had they’ve issues about you tell can to want We it. about think you if partnership, a natural of kind it’s so, and the on are that kids take to way is a This buildings. our in tenants good have and parkades, our and doorways our in sleeping otherwise are that street, them turn and hand a helping and up, a foot them give and around them turn a huge makes help of bit little that And reliable. are that renters, future into operationally, think I so, and life in stage vulnerable that at kids to difference team it’s suites, the have they have; landlords that something It’s a natural. it’s company.” your within charity of a culture creates it and building » » » need of –lack acore addresses It partnership. innovative and amazing an s is » » » same in the adults older than noisier may be and “traffic” more have often outh » » » » » » » » HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB 71

—Paul Sander, Hollyburn Properties Sander, —Paul around the around "I've dealt"I've with

do something about." something do

and I'd never thought of of thought I'd never and [homelessness]

industry asking as as far people to move along... along... people move to

property management management property it as something we could could we something as it Scattered Site Transitional Housing Program at Covenant House — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 72

anny Aguilar, Housing Worker, Covenant House Toronto House Covenant Worker, Housing Aguilar, anny COVENANT HOUSE TORONTO TORONTO HOUSE COVENANT TIMS AT COVENANT HOUSE TORONTO TORONTO HOUSE COVENANT AT TIMS —D Everything is brand new!!” new!!” brand is unit! condominium new a brand unit, a brand-new you give - they “Daniels Everything TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR SEX-TRAFFICKED SEX-TRAFFICKED FOR HOUSING TRANSITIONAL VIC THE DANIELS CORPORATION PARTNERSHIP PARTNERSHIP CORPORATION DANIELS THE WITH Residents will be allowed to stay for up to two years and will receive a range of supports, supports, of a range will and receive years two to up for will stay be to Residents allowed addiction counselling and trauma skills training, life vocational, and educational including free legal assistance. and The program is a partnership between Covenant House Toronto, The Rotary The of Club Toronto, House between is a partnership Covenant program The the and (TCHC) Housing Community Toronto Committee, Initiatives Women’s Toronto’s period a 15-year at for House will be property leased Covenant A TCHC to Toronto. of City renovations, and repairs for funding capital provide will Toronto of City The a minimal cost. costs. operating as well as maintenance, while CHT will fund ongoing Still in development, the recently announced project will house up to seven female residents, seven residents, to female will up house project announced the recently Still in development, oftheir dozens that Houseestimates Covenant sex victims trafficking. of 16-24, who are ages They trafficking. also estimate through been exploited have women, mostly people, young in the sex mostly trade, involved are annually with they work the youth 1,000 of about that in survivalengaging sex. Similar to the Hollyburn partnerships, CHT is responsible for selecting, orienting and and selecting, orienting for responsible CHT is partnerships, the Hollyburn to Similar including $480/month, pays youth The person. the young to support ongoing providing then The Corporation Daniels rent. market below well is this amount hydro; and insurance a tax receipt. for CHT in exchange to back payment rent the youth’s donates is a Toronto-based builder/developer with a long history of a long with builder/developer a Toronto-based is The Corporation Daniels with thepartnered recently Daniels housing. affordable and homelessness of issues addressing in the heart Park Regent of in the redevelopment Corporation Housing Community Toronto with partnership a unique also Daniels created this work, part of As Toronto. downtown of available units (unfurnished) two condominiums making (CHT) by Toronto House Covenant a veryat minimal cost. Scattered Site Transitional Housing Program at Covenant House — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 73

YIT Workers also build local support networks for the youth, helping them with life skills life them with helping the youth, for also networks local build support YIT Workers or laundromat stores, as such in their community available the resources learn about or get them to better supports recreational access social and youth food bank. They alsohelp their community. to connected Toronto has several Youth in Transition (YIT) Workers who work with youth leaving leaving youth with who work (YIT) Workers in Transition several has Youth Toronto CHT: a (leaving of typetransition any in youth support workers These program. ROP or the shelter youth focuson a significant with etc.) changes Canada, life or Toronto new to ROP, or shelter specifically YIT is program, outreach-based An system. the welfare child leaving who are services. access to setting agency an in to coming resist who may youth designed help to their home, including the youth, for works that in a location regularly held are Meetings help can Workers YIT shop. a coffee as such a neighbourhood location, or agency another issues on or guidance support provide They can alone. less feel and face challenges youth appointments. to youth or accompany youth by the identified Danny Aguilar, Covenant House Toronto’s Housing Worker says that the aftercare component component the aftercare that says Worker Housing Toronto’s House Covenant Aguilar, Danny He housing. transitional developing agency any for critical the considerations most of one is and system the shelter them outside keeping It’s them graduated. getting just not “It’s says, youth tosometimeswhen a has bethere. Because after-care The place. their own maintaining they alone.” feel a program, leaves just Youth over 25 face different issues because Covenant House is no longer mandated or funded mandated no longer is House because issues Covenant 25 face different over Youth and the to out reach to youth a for available always are staff House Covenant care. provide to Certainly there. incases of always is someone that ROP guarantees inthe staffing 24-hour of terms in challenged are they but away, resident former turn a not would staff emergency, new to youth will transition do their best to House Covenant supports. ongoing providing is when a youth importantly but a youth, as access them to both for supports, community care. House’s Covenant of out aging The provision of aftercare –a key component of the Foyer program—is different at each at different program—is Foyer ofthe component key –a aftercare of provision The fall youth both locations, In the youth. of age upon dependent somewhat is and location to access able are youth that means 25. That of the age until mandate House’s Covenant under keeping thus outreach, and drop-in shelter, crisis as such House, certain services Covenant at In elsewhere. or independently housed are they after even supports to them connected thus dinner, community the weekly to back come 25 can under youth example, for Vancouver, each week. good social meal one and support/connection guaranteeing Aftercare 74 here else are they able to access support? Is there an adult drop-in or meal program meal program or drop-in adult an there Is support? access to they able else are here hat are the opportunities for them to come back to the original Can they agency? to back come them to for the opportunities are hat re all of the necessary physical or mental health or addictions supports lined up, lined up, supports addictions health or mental the necessary or all of re physical an they be matched up with a mentor during their stay who can continue to provide provide to continue who can their stay during a mentor with up theyan be matched A supports? both community medical and including W option? recreational a community there Is nearby? C they after graduate/leave? support ongoing W call, drop by or receive outreach visits? Are there activities that they are still able to still able they are activities that there Are visits? outreach receive or by call, drop in? participate For youth living in scattered site, market, or other forms of housing, the Housing the Housing housing, of forms other or market, site, scattered in living youth For » » » » » » » » HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB Discharge and aftercare must be carefully considered when developing a transitional housing housing a transitional developing when considered must be carefully aftercare and Discharge supports aftercare CHV’s or in Transition Youth CHT’s as such programs Creating program. youth. for supports community-based of standard the gold certainly becould considered Covenant that supports aftercare of fund the wide can range every not While organization they leave: after their options of aware are youth that ensure to important is does, it House CHV: to up the youth to supports the transition provide Case the assigned and Manager Workers based be can valuable worker the same with keeping believes CHV that their 25th birthday. at minimally youth with up follow formally staff specifically, youth ROP For attachment. for age). of (regardless program the they leave after markers 12 month and six, nine the three, see ETO on more database (for (ETO) Outcomes to in Efforts the recorded are These contacts support to continue and in contact remain to able are Workers section). Youth the Evaluation via phone in touch them remain of many and well, as their 25th to birthday up residents past that. after long visit to continue or email or

Staffing — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 75

There are 12 direct staff members in the ROP Program –two Team Leaders and 8 Youth and 8 Team Leaders –two Program ROP inthe members staff 12 direct are There

STAFFING Consistent Workers have a caseload of about 7 youth each, with a mix of genders. Their role Their genders. a mix of each, with 7 youth about a caseload of have Workers Consistent in their caseload, including the youth to very support individualized direct, provide to is their Trust determining and a budget creating their case plan, managing and developing The Consistent Workers rotate between the day (8am to 4pm), midday (12noon to 8pm) and to 8pm) (12noon midday 4pm), to (8am between day the rotate Workers The Consistent of times at different youth to the available make themselves to shifts 11pm) to (3pm evening every work also weekend. other Workers Youth everyand weeks two change Theseshifts day. at but Workers, servenot do to 8:30am) as Consistent 10:30pm work (who Overnight staff a youth. with primary contact they mean have may times, their hours While all Youth Workers provide ongoing support to the youth, including teaching life skills, life teaching including the youth, to support ongoing provide Workers allWhile Youth Worker. a Consistent by provided is case management individual Workers (four on overnights and four day/evening), the Mentorship Coordinator and the and Coordinator the Mentorship day/evening), four and overnights on (four Workers aftercare and Workers Housing the two by also is provided Support SkillsLife Coordinator. management At the senior Workers. Transition in Youth the five in part addressed by is services, a variety of Services for including Program of responsible is the Director level, is Manager Housing while the Transitional housing, transitional health and shelter, outreach, off-site and program Passage of the Rights including housing, all transitional for responsible housing. transitional Staff Roles CHT: Staff will encourage each other in delivering the best quality service to you; celebrating your your quality servicethe celebrating best otheryou; in delivering to each will encourage Staff and goals; your of seem be sight to when losing you you challenging progress; and growth Community” the ROP of a member as you welcoming Interaction between a staff member and a participant is an opportunity for positive learning. positive for opportunity an is a and participant member between a staff Interaction and to frustration responding of thinking, ways in identifying alternative willhelp Staff goals. your achieving The CHT ROP Participant Handbook states: “The role of the staff is to support the program program support the to is ofthe staff role states: “The Handbook Participant ROP CHT The necessary. as participants program counselling and coaching mentoring, by ROP of goals ROP with the develop member each staff that demands philosophy Our program relationship, that within respect; and trust and mutual on built a relationship participants must staff time, the same At changes. positive in making the participants support and assist distance. a professional maintain Staffing — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 76 COVENANT TORONTO HOUSE COVENANT CHART STAFFING FIG.3 entorship Coordinator entorship ousing Workers ousing ife Skills Coordinator ife outh in Transition Workers in Transition outh H Y M L There are 13 direct staff in the ROP Program – the Manager of ROP, 5 Youth Workers, 5 Workers, Youth 5 ROP, of Manager – the Program ROP inthe staff 13 direct are There » » » » » » » » as you enter ROP. This is the Youth Worker willwho Worker Youth is This the ROP. enter you as Worker will be Youth a Key assigned You to you willassist Worker Youth everything This track. sure on make is to you for out be watching of allwith work the all staff of that in mind Skills Life Keep goals. Case and Plan your allachieve of Worker. Youth Key your for wait to have do not you things most so for the residents, are your main resource when you need practical help, information, or just to just or information, need practical help, when you resource main your are Workers Youth to day. day from followed being are guidelines that sure Theymake chat. The ROP Participant Guide says “ROP has staff on duty 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. At days week. per 7 day, hours per duty 24 on staff has “ROP Guide says Participant ROP The work that theyou staff willfind full-time but people, of different seem a lot like may it first, also have We everybody. know to get to take long does not it and schedules, consistent fairly away. are on a others casual infilling when basis, work who staff Shift Supervisors, a Youth Support Worker and the Life Skills Worker – plus support from the from support plus – Worker Skills and the Life Worker Support Youth Supervisors, a Shift Services. Support who fall Community under Workers Housing and Case Managers CHV: All of the youth and staff are additionally additionally are staff and the youth All of including: several positions other by supported The Team Leaders have multiple functions multiple Team have Leaders The and supervising workers several youth including the case management into oversight also providing Dodson, Dillon one youth. of a number of plans sees she that CHT says Leaders at Team two of functions. “The different three having as role her supervision caseis and management role first program. our within residents the current of supervising child –The the being staff second the with front-line work that workers youth and of bit is a role The third the program. of residents colleague my and Myself coordination. program food services, the IT issues, operations, coordinate the facility.” of the management Fund payment, keeping them on track with with track them on keeping payment, Fund mental housing, education, employment, also meet Workers Consistent etc. health issues update review and to the youth with weekly progress discuss a youth’s and their case plan Leaders. the Team with Staffing — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 77 COVENANT VANCOUVER HOUSE COVENANT CHART STAFFING does a lot of the same work as the youth workers, but is also is but workers, the youth as work the same of does a lot Worker Support Youth the all of that sure making and all case plans developing for responsible Case is Manager and skills needs you life with your assessing for responsible is Life Skills Worker FIG.4 The The The the person who is responsible for making sure that the rooms are in order when you move move when you order in are the rooms that sure making for the who responsible person is Support Youth The so on. and fobs, they and need, keys that thein, everyone supplies has any to fees program your pay can you but administration, fee program of in charge is Worker andsuch services taxes income as provides Worker Support Youth The well. as worker youth appointments. dentist arranging to here are Managers purposeCase mission. and ROP’s fits that in a way done are case plans their all goals. of in reaching the youth support all life manage and They also coordinate development. for areas on work to a plan developing skills activities in ROP. Staffing — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 78 Jennifer Morrison, Life Skills Coordinator at Covenant House Vancouver House Covenant at Morrison, SkillsJennifer Life Coordinator Within the organization, the staff will work in varying capacities with people from all across in varyingwith from people will work thecapacities staff the organization, Within the organization. Once the youth leave ROP they may continue to have contact with services, with contact especially have if they to continue they may ROP leave the youth Once housing and services, outreach clinicians health mental include could This under. 25 and are ROP. of staff to the out reach to also continue Theymay workers. support Within the ROP program there are 5 Case Managers, 2 Housing Support Workers and 3 and Workers Support 2 Housing 5 Case Managers, are there program the ROP Within the youth. with also be who involved may Clinicians Health Mental The Manager of the Rights of Passage program is responsible for the overall function of theoverall function the for responsible is program Passage of of the Rights Manager The Youth Supervisors, 5 – 5 Shift 12 reports had 2015 this position January of As program. ROP Worker. Support 1 Youth and Skills 1 Life Worker Workers, The Director of Program Services (who reports to the Executive Director) oversees ROP and ROP oversees ServicesProgram Director) of reportsto the Executive (who Director The and Services, Support Case Community Management (Quality Assurance, areas other four assistant. a alsohas full-time This position administrative Crisis Shelter). There are also several other positions related to ROP as well as maintenance, administrative administrative maintenance, as well as ROP to related also otherare several positions There a whole. as House Covenant of the operation to connected are that functions leadership and Staffing — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 79 OP Team Leader Responsibilities Team OP hift Coordinator Responsibilities hift Coordinator ob Description – Overnight Youth Worker – Overnight Youth Description ob Worker Youth – ROP Description ob ob Description – Manager, Rights of Passage Program Passage of Rights – Manager, Description ob Worker – Youth Description ob - Case Description Manager ob Skills – Life Worker Description ob

o slow. Give your staff, the youth and management time to adjust to the changes and changes to the adjust to time management and youth the staff, your Give o slow. nderstand that change is hard for everyone and that it may result in “negative” in “negative” result may it that everyone and for hard is change that nderstand eview the changes and see how they are working. Be prepared to pull back or or back pull to Be prepared working. they see are and how eview the changes e open and excited to doing something new and different. different. new and something doing to excited and e open rovide lots of notice. Do not announce a change one day and start it the next. start it and day one a change announce Do not notice. of lots rovide implemented. being changes the support to training with staff your rovide ncrease staff supervision if necessary to provide individual training and support to support and training individual supervision necessary staff if provide ncrease to U B R necessary. as readjust I staff. they as adjust. youth from behaviours P G they see work. to how P CHV - J CHV - J CHV - J CHT – S CHT – J CHT – J CHV - J CHT – R

» » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » »

Change management is a time-consuming and very involved process on its own, let alone the let alone own, its on process very and involved a time-consuming is management Change much how talked about Both organizations the actual changes. implement to time required for Several this is. recommendations work much how and through gone they have change forth: brought were management change Managing Change Managing See resources. online The following job descriptions and duties are availableexamples: as are duties and following descriptions job The The job descriptions provided are samples and are given as guides to help you identify theyou help to guides as given are and samples are provided descriptions The job Vancouver and Toronto in models staffing The be required. may that duties job skills and likelooks will staffing on depend program your What structures. reporting as do the differ, program. housing transitional your the and agency of structure overall StaffJob Descriptions Staffing — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 80 according to Health Canada (2009), Health to according ercising or doing a fun activity doing or ercising editating/engaging in spiritual pursuits spiritual in editating/engaging oing for a walk or drive to your favourite place favourite your to drive a walk or for oing ating healthy meals/eating your favourite comfort food comfort favourite your meals/eating healthy ating pending time with pets time with pending elaxing with a good with book/TVelaxing show/movie alking family friends with or t s m g e ex r

» » » » » » » » » » » » » » In this section, you will find tools to help assess your level of stress. You willYou alsotoolkits find stress. of level your assess help to will thistools section, find In you to self-care the necessary applying of learn some skills for you will help that solutions and everyday life. your Self-care activities can include such things as: things such include activities can Self-care Staff also talk about self-care – with each other as a staff team and with the youth they work they youth with the and team staff as a other – with each also self-care talkStaff about activities that include but people, varied as and diverse as are self-care for Strategies with. and physical your otherwise of or take care deal emotions with better, feel relax, you help self. emotional Covenant House feels that part of teaching youth new and healthy coping behaviours is to is behaviours coping healthy new and youth teaching part of that feels House Covenant and youth both (of and special birthdays events They celebrate team. in their staff model that supportive a and they create learning staff),to facilitate areas new in training provide they ifand managing are they how on reports direct with their check Supervisors team. always staff annual an and retreats Staff need be to addressed. that presenting are that issues any are there their success share to returning youth past which features (a day the covenant of renewing the team. energizing and re-motivating part is of stories) stress and stress-related symptoms account for 85% of all visits to doctors.” Many studies point point studies Many doctors.” to all visits of 85% for account symptoms stress-related and stress a personal attribute. than skills set rather of acquired an as self-care of the process to For people working in demanding positions, self-care is especially important to managing managing to especially is important self-care positions, in demanding working people For fact, “ In out. burn preventing and stress of level one’s Self-care is the process of maintaining and promoting one’s health, well-being and and health, well-being one’s promoting and maintaining of the process is Self-care self- and vitality energy, with stressors and meet everyday to challenges development intentional and engagement active for calls self-care process, a passive than Rather confidence. or psychological spiritual, emotional, physical, of be can a combination action. Self-care processes. intellectual Self-Care "What we've tried to do is provide a consistent language for the staff to use when they're talking about the youth, working with the youth, and framing their plans."

-John Harvey, Covenant House Vancouver Theories to Support the Work — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 82 MASLOW'S HIERARCHY OF NEED OF HIERARCHY MASLOW'S FIG.5

—John Harvey, Director of Program Services, Covenant House Vancouver House Services, Covenant Program of Director Harvey, —John “What we’ve tried to do is provide a consistent language for the staff to use when when to use staff the for language a consistent is provide do to tried we’ve “What plans.” their framing and youth the with working youth, the about talking they’re

TO TO SUPPORTWORK THE

Both Covenant House Toronto and Vancouver invest in training their staff on specificon their staff in training invest Vancouver and Toronto House Both Covenant considered are They youth. with use perspectives thosetheoretical and theories in their work the residents. to support in providing assist to tools case be management to very important Theories Theories to Support the Work — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 83

otivational Interviewing otivational ttachment Theory ttachment esiliency Theory rauma-Informed Care rauma-Informed tages of Change R M T A S ulie Neubauer, Transitional Housing Manager, Covenant House Toronto House Covenant Manager, Housing Transitional Neubauer, ulie —J “All these theories are constantly interwoven with what we do. They are utilized utilized are They do. we what with interwoven constantly are theories these “All itself.” presents that situation the by person, young the by applicable made and » » » » » » » » » » or the first time. the first or The theories included are: are: included The theories The theories and approaches summarized here are some of the key theories used by one or one keyby used of the theories some are here summarized approaches and The theories a and great of iceberg the really the tip are in Canada. They locations House both Covenant Links further to the reading work. into integrated perspectives theoretical are skills and many they work. how understanding deeper into delve to wish that those agencies for provided are The youth can stay in the crisis/shelter program and begin to develop a day plan that includes includes plan that a day and to develop begin program in crisis/shelter the stay can youth The the into Moving issues. addictions health or mental addressing or education employment, them more giving by hierarchy them further Maslow’s up moves programs Passage of Rights support and skills life training The also belonging. security a sense of and but safety just than well. as stages other through move them help staff by provided f to eat, has something youth the that to ensure is response the first Beyond a basic intake, occur steps next a about planning and Discussions rest. some get to able is and wear to clothes beenmet. needs have basic immediate the after later days couple This begins the moment a youth walks through the doors of the crisis/shelter program program of crisis/shelter the walks doors the through youth a This moment begins the Julie Neubauer, Transitional Housing Manager at Covenant House Toronto House Housing Manager Covenant at Transitional Julie Neubauer, Theories to Support the Work — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 84

ATTACHMENT THEORY ATTACHMENT FIG.6

ennifer Morrison, Life Skills Worker, Covenant House Vancouver Vancouver House Covenant Worker, Skills Life Morrison, ennifer —J “Attachment theory is basically fostering positive relationships and helping helping and relationships positive fostering is basically theory “Attachment been have might they that skills social and skills relationship model to youth relationship that of basis the forms really That life. home their in to exposed understand to empathy; practicing and them understanding and youth the to healthy in a conflict out work to them allowing and from coming they’re where ROP.” leave they after relationships their manage and way

There are several modes of attachment. Secure Attachment is considered positive while thepositive is considered Attachment Secure attachment. of severalmodesare There insecure of all forms are disorganized) avoidance, (ambivalent, types attachment other of behaviours. negative a variety of cause usually and attachment

John Bowlby, the ‘father of attachment theory’ described attachment as a “lasting as theory’ described attachment attachment of the ‘father Bowlby, John (Lees-Oakes, 2011). beings” between human connectedness psychological Attachment Theory Attachment especially childhood development, early how of understanding Theorymeans a is Attachment and even childwith adults peers, a will interact how determines of life, years two in the first adulthood. and adolescence through they partners, as mature romantic future Theories to Support the Work — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 85 ay exhibit chaotic or explosive behaviour. explosive or chaotic exhibit ay ay have problems with intimacy. with problems have ay in other partners, friends with or dependent act overly clingy and ay vest little emotion in social and romantic relationships. in social romantic emotion and little vest orry that their partner does not love them. orry their partner love does that not ave trusting, lasting relationships as adults. as relationships trusting, lasting ave ecome very distraught when a relationship ends. when a relationship veryecome distraught re unable, or unwilling, to share thoughts and feelings with others. others. with feelings and thoughts share to unwilling, or unable, re be to rejected. going they feel are self-critical, and insecure re re reluctant to become close to others. close become to to reluctant re re comfortable sharing feelings with partners and friends. partners and with feelings sharing comfortable re eek out socialeek out support. hey may be seenhey insensitive. may as struggleshey will trust with while have also seeking security end to have good self-esteem. have to end t m t m in a a relationships. m a w b t a s h – is often generated by abuse (of any kind) towards the towards kind) any (of abuse by generated often – is organized Attachment ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ – wherein the child does not view their parent as a as view the does child their parent not – wherein Attachment mbivalent is developed through inconsistency between appropriate and between appropriate inconsistency through developed is attachment voidance child. The caregiver may be frightened themselves or exhibit frightening behaviour. behaviour. frightening or exhibit be themselves may frightened caregiver The child. and errors communication are there verynegative; be Theymay withdrawn, are that roles on child the takes where confusion role be may There maltreatment. for parent alcoholic an of (they take care the caregiver with associated typically attachment: those who disorganized developed adults, As example). Dis A and their parents from or contact neglectfulchild does seek comfort not The responses. lowself-esteem has affection, to well respond child does them. The not in fact avoid may attachment: those who avoidance developed adults, As negatively. act out may and A child a distressed to response no or little gives secure base because the caregiver crying in this kind of Children independence. discourages whileand encouraging is availability and behaviour because their parent’s anxious feel often relationship attachment: ambivalent developed those who have adults, As inconsistent. S from to separate able childis their needs. The to promptly and consistently appropriately, when left alone. distress shows and a stranger to their caregiver prefers but their parent their parents: with a secure developed attachment those who have adults, As » » » » will respond a parent the knows child where attachment – a healthy ecure Attachment » » » » Theories to Support the Work — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 86

ay be misdiagnosed health issues ay mental with ay find it difficult to maintain solid relationships. solid maintain to difficult it find ay annot establish positive relationships positive establish annot C M m m ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ themselves. be inturn abusive ay ȩ ȩ ȩ ȩ – tends to indicate even more abuse or neglect. or The parental- abuse even more indicate to – tends eactive Attachment helsea Minhas, Manager, Rights of Passage, Covenant House Vancouver House Covenant Passage, of Rights Manager, Minhas, helsea child relationship is extremely unattached and malfunctioning. As adults, those who adults, As malfunctioning. and unattached extremely is relationship child attachment: reactive developed R —C “A lot of these young people have an unsecure attachment style which can can which style attachment unsecure an have people young these of lot “A really it and work day-to-day our in see we that things the of a lot explain the is what ourselves] So [asking behaviour. about curious be to staff our teaches discharge to I need me at swore kid ‘this Not, behaviour? this behind meaning been has [This] behaviour’. this through me telling youth is this ‘what but him’ resolution.” conflict and management crisis of terms in staff for very helpful » » By teaching youth about Attachment Theory it lets youth know that conflict is normal and normal is conflict that know youth Theoryit lets Attachment about youth teaching By arises a conflict Manager between the When Case it. resolve to how them understand helps staff)other any hopefully with a conflict will young person (or bethe better the youth and way. in a healthy deal to it with prepared At Covenant House Vancouver, a discussion of Attachment Theory forms part of initial the Theorypart forms Attachment of a discussion Vancouver, House Covenant At Managers of Case The on policyChange their Case and Manager. betweenmeetings a youth are youth possible, Where Theory. Attachment of the principles follows “CHV states youth equips better conflict resolution it occurs. This conflict when resolve to encouraged their independent increasing them, ultimately empowering by situations stressful handle to between be established alignment strong a that Theory advocates skills. Attachment living their supports.” and youth Covenant House uses Attachment Theory as a basis for developing a working relationship relationship working a developing Theoryfor as a basis uses Attachment House Covenant has will themallow youth a attachment of type what understanding feel Theythat youth. with the specific understanding better by youth that with relationship their working improve to exhibits. a youth behaviours "So [asking ourselves] what is the meaning behind this behaviour? Not, ‘this kid swore at me I need to discharge him’ but ‘what is this youth telling me through this behaviour’."

—Chelsea Minhas, Covenant House Vancouver Theories to Support the Work — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 88 STAGES OF CHANGE OF STAGES FIG.7

Most people who are trying to end an addiction or change a specific behaviour go through thego through a specific behaviour change trying addiction or an who are end people to Most successfully to able they are times before model many Change of in the Stages steps various understand or about know not may person the young Obviously, behavior. their addictive end for readiness an individual’s evaluate help to it use the staff but herself, or the model himself and Prochaska as possible. used effectively as are interventions appropriate so that change, the doing on depends self-change efficient determined that have “we (1992) state, DiClemente time (stages)”. the right at (processes) things right

Stages of Change, also known as the “transtheoretical model” is a means of examining the examining of a means is model” the “transtheoretical as also known Change, of Stages to working while addiction and goes through an dealingwith someone that stages various and Carlo Prochaska James of the theory originators The behaviour. their addictive change the stages. used throughout whichare change, of also identify 10 processes DiClemente Stages of Change Stages Theories to Support the Work — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 89

isa Ronaldson, Case Manager, Covenant House Vancouver House Covenant Manager, Case isa Ronaldson, Kevin”, 26, former ROP participant, Covenant House Vancouver House Covenant participant, ROP 26, former Kevin”, —“ —L “For me, I don’t really have too many people out here, and just having having just and here, out people many too have really I don’t me, “For life my of some understands who someone to, up look I could that someone know, you Like, thing. biggest is the judgment obviously yeah, and experiences, We’re fine. that’s mistake, a made you what, know you ‘Hey, [says] that staff you’.” help to here just we’re you, judge to here not “So the pre-contemplative is when a youth is not quite ready to come forward forward come to ready quite is not a youth is when pre-contemplative the “So much as them give is to there goal So our addiction. their about insight have and around—‘This services discussion addiction and around as possible, information see to starting we’re Contemplative, on.’ is going seeing we’re behaviour is the we point that at and issue’ addiction an have I do maybe ‘Ok, [say], them into Move issues?’ these on work to connected get to ready you ‘Are saying start time Any Termination. the see we then and Maintenance then and Action, The that. for out watching always so we’re a relapse, see can we there within some there’s when see definitely can we them with work we when here, youth to them for order in going relationship that get is to goal Our on. going struggles what ‘Well on, work we then And now.’ right struggling ‘I’m us saying, to come connections, the have already youth the of some time the of Most need?’ you do back.” connections those getting just so it’s disengaged, they’ve but While the youth themselves may not always be aware of the theoretical models being used, models the theoretical of be aware always not may themselves the youth While Kevin says staff with relationships talking about them. In by impacted they are Both locations embed their evaluation methods in this theoretical approach. The Outcomes The Outcomes methods approach. in this theoretical embed their evaluation Both locations ) tie in this theory chapter Scale (discussed in the Evaluation Engagement Youth The and Star milestones, program that means This measured. is progress in which a youth’s the way to based in the need for not only are success of indicators other and markers engagement youth It behaviour. a youth’s upon elaborates and explains that in a concept but measures evaluation would behaviour that does what youth something, a why fully understand more to staff allows direction. positive in a more guide the youth to and each stage at look like Theories to Support the Work — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 90

former participant, ROP Vancouver

—“Kevin”, —“Kevin”,

” life experiences... some of my understands some of my up to, someone who who someone to, up

that I could look I could that someone out here, and just having out here,

have too many people many too have “For me, I don’t really I don’t me, “For Theories to Support the Work — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 91

: - When youth contribute to the well-being of others, they receive gratitude gratitude they receive others, of the well-being to contribute youth - When - When we notice what young people are doing well and we give them give we and well doing are people young what notice we - When - Feeling connected is the single most important factor in overcoming challenges. challenges. in overcoming factor important the most single is connected - Feeling

- Kids need clear guidance on right and wrong. They must learn to live with to live learn must They wrong. and right on guidance need clear - Kids rol Howes, Director of Program Services, Covenant House Toronto House Services, Covenant Program of Director Howes, rol - When youth understand that privileges and freedom gradually increase as they as increase gradually freedom and privileges that understand youth - When - Young people who have developed a range of healthy coping skills to turn will not coping healthy of a range developed who have people - Young

—Ca “In terms of our philosophies around how we feel it’s best to work with youth youth with work to best it’s feel we how around philosophies our of terms “In done We’ve is resiliency. on focused really we’ve that things the of one I think to tried we’ve that model resiliency a around staff our with training of a lot youth the that point the at starts [It] program. our of every in piece infuse know, You programs. our leave they when to through help, for ask to comes had they’ve that experiences the on based deficits, of lots with come kids these my and youth the both for So, had. they’ve that opportunity of lack the and the what on focus and focus our shift tryto we that important really it’s staff very resilient very, are they and strengths have do they And well. do youth really us to to up just It’s had. they’ve experiences of kinds the at look you when that so person young the for and staff the for both and that on a light shine to.” move to a place and on build to things got they've that see can they

Character Contribution Coping Control Other people, schools and community groups give youth the validation and confidence to confidence and the validation youth give groups community and schools Other people, their goals. pursue integrity. they are and others to good contribute to feels it that discover Kids condemnation. of instead shame. or fear without help for ask to likely more or drugs like self-harm. fixes” higher “quick risk choices. they better make learn to responsibility, demonstrate Competence Connection - Kids need to recognize their strengths, so they can develop the confidence to the confidence so they develop Confidence can their strengths, need recognize to - Kids setbacks. from recover and think creatively world, place in find the their recover them to allow don't we When skills, they competent. develop feel to opportunities competence. their undermine senseof we themselves, mistakes from Dr. Ginsburg’s model uses “Seven Cs” of resiliency of Cs” model uses “Seven Ginsburg’s Dr. that explains website CHT’s

Covenant House Toronto uses a model for building resiliency that was created by Dr. Kenneth Kenneth Dr. by created was resiliency that building uses a model for Toronto House Covenant adolescent an and Pennsylvania House Services Health Covenant of at Director Ginsburg, help to House Covenant evidence-based of specialist.medicine His model uses the principles youth. with relationships manage staff Resiliency Theory Theories to Support the Work — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 92 a youth

for than rather tacey Rees, Life Skills Coordinator, Covenant House Toronto House Covenant Coordinator, Skills Life Rees, tacey

—S “The thing with resiliency…is that is has to be something real. So it’s not just just not it’s So real. be something to has is that resiliency…is with thing “The It’s rah. rah rah great, doing you’re yeah, ‘yeah, saying and a cheerleader being and self-esteem their building and accomplishing they’re that stuff real about it” on reflect them having and doing they’re what by confidence At Covenant House, staff use motivational interviewing techniques when working with youth, youth, with working interviewingwhen techniques use motivational staff House, Covenant At with the plan Creating case plans. of particularly in the development In MI the goal is to work with the client in a partnership rather than the case worker the case than worker rather in a partnership the client with work MI the to goal is In (also a key at” they are “where the meeting client includes seeing the expert. as themself It the to strengths many brings a client that recognizing and reduction) harm of component make to the opportunity therefore and abilities their own recognize the client Helping table. interviewing. motivational of component a key is themselves for choices by Mark Howarth from Invisible People, Ken Kraybill from t3 (think. from Kraybill Ken People, Invisible from Howarth a video Mark interviewIn by the person from out draws that a conversation try must have to “we says transform) teach. that’s how have, to they want life really of kind what are, needs/desires their own what a them shine help to just to them trip but guilt to Not living. they’re the life from dissonant it”. on light success. likelihood of a greater therefore and the youth from buy-in more means Motivational InterviewingMotivational focuses allowing on that a client with working a style (MI) is of Interviewing Motivational about is It they need do. what to the client telling than rather the direct change to the client be evidence-based to an practice that considered MI is change. about a conversation having goal-oriented, person-centered, be to “a considered usually is be It to successful. proven has ). (t3 website change” to motivation method enhance to guiding Stacey Rees, Life Skills Coordinator at Covenant House Toronto. House Covenant at Skills Life Coordinator Rees, Stacey Theories to Support the Work — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 93

illon Dodson, Team Leader, Covenant House Toronto House Covenant Leader, Team Dodson, illon

—D “At ROP, and at Covenant House in general, we realize that the young people people young the that realize we general, in House Covenant at and ROP, “At journeys experienced and histories times often have door our to coming are that experience to having of reality The trauma. some experienced they’ve that I think experience. is a traumatic itself, of and in under-housing, or homelessness that realizing in trauma-informed being exercise try we to form basic really in with experiences some have might with interact to blessed are we people the us for opportunity the grants think I itself, of and in awareness, That trauma. is bringing with space sharing we’re that person the consider to [and] pause to us is with space a share to taking they’re that step this That table. the to a lot place. that from work and honour to need we and is significant, and huge, and positive really really, in a grounded are see might we that behaviours The that.” appreciating just So experienced. they’ve what from coping effective

Like Motivational Interviewing, a key component of trauma-informed services trauma-informed “meet to is of component a key Interviewing, Like Motivational at aimed very the work often that recognizing also involves It at.” they where are people that system a case management them. Creating re-traumatize to tends people helping is a space that Providing their story tell helpful. is continually to having someone avoids providing individual, affected the from input for allowing flexible, secure yet and structured that recognizing and trusting relationships and safe of the development for opportunities services. trauma-informed keysto developing are “one-size-does-not-fit-all”

All of these experiences mean that staff and volunteers working with this population with this population working volunteers and staff theseAll experiences of that mean the best services support trauma-informed provide to implement and need develop to that system or organization, program, “A SAMSHA to According their clients. for possible potential understands and trauma of impact the realizes widespread trauma-informed is others and clients, in staff, trauma of symptoms and the signs recognizes healing; for paths into trauma about knowledge fully integrating by responds and the system; with involved (SAMHSA, 2014). settings” practices, and policies, procedures, Trauma-Informed Care Overview section many Vancouver and Toronto House the in Covenant mentioned As which in trauma, experienced extensive have agencies in the two involved the youth of and/ emotional physical, fled 3/4 have Almost cases their led homelessness. to many health or mental half have about their home, of been out sexual or kicked or abuse youth Homeless in sex been trade work. engaged 1/3 have about and issues addictions sexual their homelessness. and – during also – physical experience violence a high of level and/or been the welfare child through have youth homeless of a number Additionally, background, a traumatic had directly not has when someone Even systems. corrections be can considered itself the homelessness experience of shows that emerging is research to Alliance 2010; Bartella,al., et 2011; National (Goodman 1991; Hopper et al., traumatic 2014). Initiative, City 2012; New Homelessness, End 94 HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB The theories you need to develop will be informed by your clientele and their presenting presenting and their clientele your by will need to develop informed be you The theories care, trauma-informed that feel We this. also influence may program specific needs. Your a theoretical all when key developing interviewing are resiliency theory motivational and serve. you that the experience youth of and the knowledge honours that approach If you have an existing program and do not know what theories are in place, consider consider place, in theories are what know do not and program existing an have you If them observe case management your Have researcher. or partnering a local with university to methods. point They able willbe likely evaluation and program your examine practice and using. already are you several theories that out While some of these theories may sound very academic and confusing, the reality is that that is the reality very sound confusing, these academic and theories may of some While of in day-to-day them useto many tend non-profits and youth-serving agencies most called. the theoretical they Considering were what know even if they did not operations, justify certain activities and you will help program your in developing underpinnings funders. methods to evaluation Both CHT and CHV provide many opportunities for youth to have input into their individual their individual into input have to youth for opportunities many Both provide CHV CHT and the as well CHV), as at steps in later the plan of full development (including case plan meetings, their own hold to residents for opportunities CHT provides the house. of workings feeling without concerns share to youth for openforum an provides that staff, of independent staff. of the presence becauserestricted of Evaluation and Measuring Progress — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 95 and

ruce Rivers, Executive Director, Covenant House Toronto House Covenant Director, Executive Rivers, ruce

—B “If it weren’t for the youth working with us around each of those those of each us around with working youth the for weren’t it “If whether to as testify can who ones the They’re nowhere. be we’d initiatives, helpful.” and effective it’s not or

MEASURING PROGRESS MEASURING EVALUATION EVALUATION Bruce Rivers, Executive Director of Covenant House Toronto says that anonymously surveying anonymously that says Toronto House Covenant of Director Executive Bruce Rivers, what doing, we’re how about them very critical questions “ask the to agency allowed has youth of quality food to surveysthese taste from that He says range differently.” need be to we doing going on programs and evaluation research 20 different over currently are There programming. work. of the areas different apply and test them to allow to Toronto House Covenant at Two of the most common evaluation methods at Covenant House are surveys focus are and House Covenant methods at evaluation common the most of Two of data number methods a theselarge staff, two allow and both youth for Used groups. in-depth more a survey) then (through for be and evaluated to collected and points occur a focus to group. through analysis and discussion Entire toolkits can, and have, been written about evaluation so will we take a minimalistic evaluation about been written have, and can, toolkits Entire Covenant the two used at resources describe the methods key and and of a few approach detailed information. more gain can you where resources links to then provide and Houses There are numerous ways of evaluating programs and Covenant House uses a variety. uses a variety. House and Covenant programs of evaluating ways numerous are There –things data quantitative either for looking are you however, evaluation, of the core At detail. in more things explain to words data—using qualitative be can counted—or that such program housing especiallya transitional in process, A successful evaluation a full gain to data quantitative and both qualitative of this,as will use a combination challenges. and successes of understanding Increasingly, organizations are being asked by funders and stakeholders to “prove their “prove to stakeholders and funders by being asked are organizations Increasingly, that ensure helps information This data. methods and evaluation formal using successes” efficiently. usedand is being dollar wisely donor the and that effective are programs Evaluation and Measuring Progress — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 96

ohn Harvey, Director of Program Services, Covenant House Vancouver House Services, Covenant Program of Director Harvey, ohn ohn Harvey, Director of Program Services, Covenant House Vancouver House Services, Covenant Program of Director Harvey, ohn -J

“When I first joined…the key issue for the board and for the agency is that that agency is the for and board the for key issue joined…the I first “When and ying-yang the up metric had They outcomes. get to need really they lots measures – it well really does House Covenant that is something that we’re well how is understanding key things…what’s of lots and lots and key call we what indictors, of set a key together put to needed So we doing. outcomes.” the and outputs the indicators, performance “How do I know that when a youth comes in the front door and leaves out the back door back the out leaves and door front the in comes a youth when that I know do “How that?” measure we do how and them found we [when] than shape better in they’re that -J Performance Indicators generally measure ‘outputs’ – specific numerical measurements numericalmeasurements – specific ‘outputs’ measure generally Indicators Performance will Some out). given kits hygiene of number rehoused, youth served, of (clients number within ROP willsuccessfully complete clients of “80% i.e. – specific achievements measure “The goals: average organizational overall towards progress measure others whereas a year” reduced.” is shelters in stay of length While KPIs vary depending upon organization and program, a good Key Performance Performance a good Key program, and vary organization upon depending KPIs While allows to count able Being quantifiable. is that success of a measurement provides Indicator between organizations. or between years between programs, comparison for One of the ways an organization can measure whether it is achieving its mission and meeting and mission its achieving is whether it measure can organization an the ways of One “Performance (KPI). Indicators’ Performance ‘Key of the development through is goals its anmaking are efforts whether your evaluates systematically that a process is measurement 12). slide n.d., (Albanese, targeting” are you serving the problem are or you the clients on impact Key Performance Indicators and Outcomes Key and Performance Indicators Of upmost importance however, is that consideration is given to evaluation even before you you even before evaluation to given is consideration that is however, importance Of upmost conducting but to an add-on, be is considered evaluation running. Oftentimes, and up get sustainability. and critical their is success to programs your about research All Covenant Houses also use the Efforts to Outcomes database developed by Social developed database Solutions. alsoto Outcomes use the Efforts Houses All Covenant with a working for a specificmodule has that system management data adaptable an is It management of data a variety are There youth. homeless for program housing transitional system a is it but other, any this over recommending or prioritizing not are we and systems piloted was component housing the transitional and Houses all Covenant for mandated is that Vancouver. House Covenant in part by Covenant House also uses evaluation methods to monitor growth and progress of youth – youth of progress and growth monitor methods to also uses evaluation House Covenant These in Vancouver). Star the Outcomes and Scale (YES in Toronto Engagement the Youth the within progress a youth’s of visual measurement and easily understandable for allow tools but youth, specific and the between staff both individually done theseis tools of Use system. (CMT) meetings. Team Case part as also of Management collectively Evaluation and Measuring Progress — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 97 program Desired long- term result of the result term Benefits for participants during and after program activities program activities of program of program The direct productsThe mission does with the inputs to fulfills itsinputs to What the program What the program LOGIC TEMPLATE MODEL LOGIC lear mission lear et of desired outcomes outcomes desired et of ell-defined goalsell-defined rioritization of the most important factors. factors. important the most of rioritization a s p a c w ) http://nnlm.gov/outreach/community/logicmodel.html program Resources Resources » » » » dedicated to orto dedicated » » » » RESOURCES ACTIVITIES OUTPUTS OUTCOMES GOAL consumed by the by consumed TABLE 1 TABLE (from (from An effective evaluation program uses a logic model to join the key goals and outcomes outcomes and keygoalsuses the a logicto model join program effective evaluation An defines a Foundation Kellogg W.K. The fashion. organized and in a straightforward together the of understanding your share and present to visual way and logic a “systematic model as plan, the activities you program, your operate to have you the resources among relationships (2006, pg 1).” achieve to hope you results or the changes and Therefore, if completion of all program steps is more important than moving on toon moving than important more is steps program of all if completion Therefore, when a high be can obtained success months, of a set with number living independent independent into move to takes them longer even if it all steps complete youth of number the necessary with skills youth for providing be at aimed would program a step Since living. with will be greater successful housing long-term the achieving likelihoodindependence, of goal. stay meet the of length to the program through pushed are if youth than this outcome An agency may have several goals and outcomes that it wishes to measure. By creating clear creating By measure. to wishes it that outcomes several and goals have may agency An a example, For important. views these most as it which of indicate can organization an KPIs independent to on move see clients to wish its may program housing transitional graduated clients its also wants it However, 18 months. 12 or say a certain within time frame, living a idea of an section (see for Steps graduation before in the all program steps complete to of mostthese is which agencyneedsto understand . The completion) to plan graduated weight. the most holds indicator which performance key therefore, and important KPIs allow an organization to determine what is and is not working and to adjust adjust to and working not is and is what determine to organization an allow KPIs have: to has organization selecting an KPI the correct In outcomes. improve to programming Evaluation and Measuring Progress — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 98

ohn Harvey, Director of Program Services, Covenant House Vancouver House Services, Covenant Program of Director Harvey, ohn —J “We just wanted to develop a pool of data so that we can say ‘ok, now what? what? now ‘ok, say can we so that data of a pool develop to wanted just “We year?’” three us after tell this does What

ETO provides different kinds of database management, suited to certain kinds ofto certain kinds suited management, of database kinds different provides ETO which software determine to process, a customization conducts ETO Initially, organizations. a training provides ETO implementation, needs. After organization’s your to best is suited time. over be different needs may organization’s an as changes, future curriculum address to ETO is a flexible system, as it can be tailored to suit an organization’s specific needs. An organization’s an suit to it can be tailored as system, a flexible is ETO their services, of program as elements such numerous track to want may organization of service certainto elements track delivery, built can be ETO The demographics. or outcomes the different organize to agency an allows ETO Ultimately, the organization. by indicated as the specified Once interactions stakeholders. and occur that between employees interactions and the data, evaluate can the organization the added database, to and documented are see to the able are agencies as success, program greater which facilitates the results, interpret ETO website, to the Social According Solutions programs. of certain downfalls or benefits under participants of the lives improving to approach management a performance “brings evaluation program careful evidence-based fosters method a systematic, that is It care”. your what understand organizations as in service provision, improvements leads to eventually and funding, of terms In development. require or successful, are their programming of elements to success program demonstrate and accountability to ensure measure effective an is ETO donors. possible Efforts to Outcomes Database by created software, management ofcase form database is a (ETO) Outcomes to Efforts The system database electronic an is US. It Baltimore, of based out a company Social Solutions, significantly has ETO House, With Covenant outcomes. program different used measure to are who we doing, are we what analyze and monitor “collect, to ability the agency’s improved ). website Washington House (Covenant it” doing are we well how and with, it doing Case Manager Lisa Ronaldson (ROP Vancouver) explains how the statistics that are collected are that the statistics how explains Vancouver) (ROP Lisa Ronaldson Case Manager on— they working are what look at “We case plan. individual based the youth’s on are ROP at be could mental that Health—so in a certain area? they stuck Are education. employment, and legal stuff any be be health. Legal—if could could medical dental there’s health, health, it it different them on with work started to I’ve Housing—if continuum. in that theywhere are ofkeep to track us for a way “it’s she says, Overall, applications.” out filling types housing, of doing.” is the youth that the work In 2006-2007Covenant House Vancouver developed the use of Key Performance Indicators. After Indicators. Performance Key the developed use of Vancouver House 2006-2007Covenant In review in-depth an doing before years three for the indicators using to they committed year, a pilot officially. in 2008 This began adjustments. programmatic any making and the data of Evaluation and Measuring Progress — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 99 A screenshot of an Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) intake form. intake (ETO) of an Effortsto Outcomes A screenshot Because ETO also serves as the ROP’s program database, ETO is able to do much more than more do much to able is ETO database, program Because also serves ETO the ROP’s as to be created forms basic for allows program of the nature The customizable data. track just case plans, of updating discharge, and registration/intake electronic facilitate that ETO within etc. contacts key and referrals of tracking For instance, Covenant House uses ETO to track a client’s progress, thus different reports are are reports different thus progress, a client’s track to uses ETO House Covenant instance, For programs. and classes completes and a shelter leaves a shelter, enters when a client generated other interactions with along database, electronic in the organized then are These interactions data produce to House allows which Covenant location, at the same clients different of otherAs House. specific a at Covenant the clients of priorities and the trends representing can locations as sharing, data this facilitates ETO, also using are programs House Covenant other at encountered challenges with aspects their centre the unique of contrast and compare history of a comprehensive produce to able is House Covenant Consequently, locations. identifies and time, been over helped have people how which illustrates participants, program participants. future assist successfully to programming House Covenant improve to ways Evaluation and Measuring Progress — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 100

.

Covenant House Toronto uses the Youth Engagement Scale (YES) model to gather information Scale information gather (YES) model to Engagement uses the Youth Toronto House Covenant different YES examines12 the program. of factors various with engagement a youth’s about engaged how scale captures a 10-step that using life person’s a young in Service” of “Points school, particular including that issue on changes) make to working (actively they are of Change Stage scaleto 10-step is linked the The etc. their in program involvement work, chapter Work which will model, the beSupport discussedtranstheoretical to in the Theories Covenant HouseToronto measures YES seehow youth and staff help to visual tools out rolling of in the process CHT is YES how of a sample provide but still in development, are below The graphs their progress. each youth. of progress and the growth show can According to CHT, in the area of employment for example, a youth being scored as Step Step as being scored a youth example, for employment of in the area CHT, to According their behaviour and Change of Stage the Pre-Contemplation fall into 2 would Step 1 or hostile or in seeking employment, interested not and being “Unemployed include would coaching/assistance”. employment of rejects offers and employment idea of toward cold Service of this with Point engaged the scale more becomes up and moves the youth As in a “employed they until are outlook positive a more to transition would their behaviour income”. a living job providing sustainable The Youth Engagement Scale (YES) – (YES) Scale Engagement Youth The Education, Housing, Living, Daily of ofActivities Serviceare: Points 12 different The Connectivity, System/Community Support Relationships, and Motivation Employment, and Substances Health, Mental Medical, Based Legal, Resiliency/Self-Efficacy, Strength Financial. Evaluation and Measuring Progress — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 101

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT SCALE (YES) SCALE (YES) ENGAGEMENT YOUTH GRAPHS RADAR FIG.8 rol Howes, Director, Program Services, Covenant House Toronto Toronto House Services, Covenant Program Director, Howes, rol Ca — “[It] has really helped around just tracking in a better way the impact that we that impact the way a better in tracking just around helped really has “[It] it sometimes 16-24 and from people young with work We people. young on have So impact. an having we’re that see really can you before years of a number takes progress.” our check us to helps really tool this As these sample graphs show, a youth can progress in many ways. The system allows system The ways. in many progress can youth a show, graphs these sample As or between side) hand the left on in the chart shown (as between several points comparisons side). hand on the right chart in the shown in (as time specifictwo points It is important to note that with the YES model, and with Outcomes Star described Star the in next Outcomes with and the YES model, with that note to important is It Daily of in Activities progress forward make may Youth linear. always not is section, progress staff and both to natural is understood be This in Employment. progress backward but Living way. in any be seen not a failure as this should that informed are youth and The YES model can also be used to demonstrate progress to a youth. youth. to a progress model YES also The can usedbe to demonstrate The Case Management Team approach is very effective when combined with YES very because is combined when effective approach Team Management The Case a had have very as may high, another engagement see a youth’s not might worker while one obtained. can be of scores and melding so a specific factor that about detailed conversation "Sometimes it takes a number of years before you can really see that we’re having an impact. So this tool really helps us to check our progress."

—Carol Howes, Covenant House Toronto Evaluation and Measuring Progress — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 103 OUTCOMES STAR CHART STAR OUTCOMES FIG.9

HOW HOW WORKS IT

The Outcomes Star method is based on the idea that people experiencing change move move change experiencingmethod Star is on people based ideathe that The Outcomes The Outcomes independence. dependenceto from several whilethrough stages transitioning and self-care responsibility, and taking motivation areas: outcome ten identifies approach Star relationships, and social networks personal administration, and money skills, managing living health, meaningful use of mental and health, emotional physical misuse, alcohol drug and thearea, outcome Within each offending. and accommodation and tenancy managing time, Outcomes The change. of a specific through ladder change measures approach Star Outcomes this process. of a visual representation provides below, Chart, pictured Star Outcomes Star – CovenantOutcomes House Star Vancouver vulnerable with working when change usedmeasure to approach an is Star The Outcomes Triangle Consulting, by model developed was The people. particularly homeless populations, people. homeless supporting to dedicated a UK charity Broadway, Mungo’s St. for originally asthe such groups, to different adapted Star of the Outcomes versions severalare There Star we willfocuson yet the Outcomes illness, mental from suffering people and elderly populations. homeless for adapted approach 104 7-8 LEARNING 7-8 do this" to "I'm learning how 9-10 SELF-RELIANCE 9-10 manage without help "I can the project" from 3-4 ACCEPTING HELP ACCEPTING 3-4 sort else to someone "I want things out" LADDER OF CHANGE MODEL CHANGE OF LADDER FIG.10 1-2 STUCK 1-2 "leave me alone" 5-6 BELIEVING 5-6 a difference. make "I can It's me as well" up to LADDER OF CHANGE OF LADDER The Ladder of Change combines the theory behind the Stages of Change model (discussedof Change the theoryStages the behind combines of The Change Ladder ofthe stage first The Star. the Outcomes ) with chapter Work the Support to in the Theories very initially is it process, begin when people a change that whichmeans ladder “stuck”, is requires that problem a have that they to accept challenging it find people Many difficult. “accepting is stage The second others. from help accept to want not they may and/or change, tackle to their want they as longer no assistance, seek when which people is outside help”, that is when to acknowledge beginwhich is people “believing” stage The third alone. issues they change, to believe begins in their to ability someone When they will change. to be able The assistance. outside of welcoming more much are and benefits, future anticipate often order in strategies, try when which people is different “learning”, is change of stage fourth on first successfultheir usually not are most as people stage, challenging is a This change. to “self- is change of stage last The process. be which can a discouraging change, to attempt from assistance without change maintain to able are when which is individuals reliance” progress necessarily not do and stages, begin different the individuals ladder at Many others. stage. the self-reliance reach to take several attempts may it as linearly, Evaluation and Measuring Progress — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 105 Average Average change 2 -3 3 6 0 0 1 0 -2 1 0 Average Average last at score assessment 6 6 8 9 10 5 5 5 3 7 10 Average score Average initial at assessment 4 9 5 3 10 4 4 5 5 5 10 Program Outcomes Program Housing Emplyoment Education Health Mental Issues Alcohol Drug and Health Personal & Needs Medical Responsability & Taking Motivation SkillsLife Administration & Personal Financial & Relationships Social Networks Issues Legal Immigration or Mental Health Education Drug and Alcohol Issues Drug and Alcohol Employment Medical Needs and Personal Health Needs and Personal Medical Housing Average score at last assessment at score Average Average score at initial assessment at score Average PROGRAM OUTCOMES FOR INDIVIDUAL YOUTH YOUTH INDIVIDUAL FOR OUTCOMES PROGRAM (8 February 2013 - 9 September 2014, Vancouver) 2013 - 9 September (8 February Responsability Motivation and Taking and Taking Motivation FIG.11 Legislation or or Legislation Life Skills immigration issues immigration Relationships Social Networks and The image below is a composite of several youth and their progress as viewed on as the viewed progress and their of youth several is a composite below image The look similar. would youth an individual of A profile Star. Outcomes As you complete the Ladder of Change for each outcome area, you are instructed to measure instructed measure to are you area, each outcome for the Ladder Change of complete you As the different for at, are you which number indicating by Star, the Outcomes on progress your link the you area, each outcome for a number chosen have you Once change. of ladders room and progress your represents which star, own your to create together numbers different further development. for Administration Financial and Personal and Personal Financial 106 HOMELESS HOMELESS THOUGHTS: HUB These tools are also integrated into the standaloneservice into delivery;just separate, also integrated not are tools These are they Engagement Youth being assessed in Toronto’s the areas example, For measurements. evaluation case youth’s of up each part Theymake the program. the of goals Scale all embedded into are meetings. Team discussed in the Case are Management and plan Using tools such as the Youth Engagement Scale or the Outcomes Star measure success and and success measure Star Scale the Outcomes or Engagement the Youth as such tools Using a few only If a program. for concern of they also can identify areas but a youth by progress are changes program be a scale could a sign on that it in a certain item progressing are youth service delivery in a certain area. needed improve to Youth evaluation may form part of your overall data collection but can also can be used collection but in other data overall your part of form may evaluation Youth a meet the needs of may skills post assessments life and pre above, noted as example, For ways. youth. individual an of the progress support they also and can be but used measure to funder, Listening to the youth and seeking their input was also discussed by both organizations. They also was discussed both organizations. by seeking their input and the youth to Listening at the program in the working ones the as are they staff to the need listen to also emphasized and evaluation data your in input staff and youth include to important is It level. ground process. be that part should of both groups indicators key your creating methods. When surveys, interviews focus qualitative or by will also be numbers supplemented hard Ideally, not are anecdotes singular While the data. upon expand and understand help to groups trends. explain help can stories evidence, gathering Some of the factors in your evaluation may be based upon the needs of your funders. If their If funders. be your based the needs of may upon evaluation in your the factors of Some how will compare to need be then you to able faster, youth house to you primary for goal is youth housing making methods are your that prove and youth used house take to to it long skills, then life of the development about concerned more are funders If faster. easier and the of skills post assessment life and a pre include likely most methods would evaluation your the types tracking as well as stay), of length upon depending (maybe everyyouth months few etc.one in each who participated residents of number the offered, sessions of It is also important, as Vancouver has emphasized, to not “chase numbers” but have a clearly a clearly have but numbers” “chase not to emphasized, has Vancouver as also is important, It for it easier makes This are. key indicators your of what understanding and defined logicmodel numbers. create and allforms theyis do that fillfeeling in staff without use data and gather to you We like Vancouver’s method of setting up the parameters for data collection, creating an collection, creating data for the parameters up setting method of Vancouver’s like We a set period for the data of to reacting then not and information gathering for process ongoing One outliers. than rather a trend noticing are you that goodpracticeis a to ensure This time. good collection patience. is the to keys data of Evaluation is certainly critical to any program operation. There are two ways to about think ways two are There operation. program certainly is critical any to Evaluation progress youth’s the individual of model: evaluation program housing in a transitional evaluation of a variety established have Both a whole. as activity agencies the program of success and and the to Outcomes Efforts the use surveys, of individual focus groups, including measures, Star. Scale the Outcomes and Engagement the Youth tools: engagement youth two Overall, both organizations do a great job collecting and using data and making sure that that sure making and data using job collecting and great do a Overall, both organizations provide few evaluation, of this level for ask funders many While evaluated. are all programs to base them funding allows private House’s it. Covenant achieve to supports the financial the board. across their work in to necessary evaluation build to the resources dedicate Funding — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 107 affing St Costs Program Food Program Mentor (includes Occupancy Structure Physical and amortization equipment, furniture, costs, maintenance)

$1, 243, 960 $62,108 $114, 404 $56, 537 $114, 365

72.8% 3.6% 6.7% 3.3% 6.7% FUNDING Total - $1,708,435 Total However, the Transitional Housing Program budget can be broken down as follows: as down be can broken budget Program Housing the Transitional However, – The Transitional Housing program at Covenant House costs about $1.7 million about costs House at Covenant program Housing Transitional CHT – The annually. Consequently, it is very hard to indicate the exact amount of money needed to create a similar needed create to money of theexact amount indicate to very is it hard Consequently, vs. (urban rural location program, of the will costs size upon The the depend elsewhere. program etc. offerings services/facilities, other with program of the depth vs. northern), the integration For example, some administrative, program and management staff work for the agencyas the a for work staff management and program administrative, some example, For in the shelter/ meals provided access to able are in ROP Youth programs. in multiple or whole shared is and there shelter as the facility in housed is the same program ROP The crisis care. youth House all to Covenant available are programs Other infrastructure. on-site physical medical clinic, school, on-site an offers Toronto House Covenant example, For ROP. including program. health day a mental and job skills training Funding is a challenging issue. Competition for both capital and operating dollars – whether dollars operating and both capital for Competition issue. a challenging is Funding Calculating of costs very – is sources competitive. private or corporate government, from of the because is complex House like Covenant organization at a large program a specific Housing Transitional and the Passage of The Rights the programs. of nature interconnected provides. House services the broader Covenant smaller of two pieces that just are programs Funding — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 108 Staffing Costs Program ance and administration and ance blic Education Education blic blic Education including Runaway Prevention Runaway including Education blic anagement and administration and anagement utreach/Community Support Services Support utreach/Community ealth Care ommunity Support Services Support Outreach and ommunity ights of Passage Passage of ights rogram Servicesrogram ransitional Housing Housing ransitional outh Programs outh undraising, development and communications and development undraising, undraising, development and communications and development undraising, helter and Crisis Care and helter helter and Crisis Care and helter Pu S O R P F Fin H C T Pu F M S Y

3% 54% 19% 24% 65% 27% 8% 4% 18% 13% 6% 28% 6% 59% 66% » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » 80% 20% Program ServicesProgram Expenses - $7, 865, 411 The ROP budget can be broken down as follows: as down broken can be budget ROP The ExpensesOperating 099, 583 - $12, – According to the 2013 Annual Report Covenant House Vancouver’s Rights of Passage Passage of Rights Vancouver’s House Report Covenant the 2013 Annual to CHV – According annually. $1, 860, 737 million about costs program information: the following in 2013 provides report annual Vancouver’s House Covenant Investment in Youth Services - $13, 442, 956 Youth in Investment Operating ExpensesOperating 552 - $20, 532, Covenant House Toronto’s 2014 annual report provides the following information: the following provides report annual 2014 Toronto’s House Covenant Policies and Procedures — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 109

pose hy do we need this do we policy? hy hat outcomes do we expect do we see? to outcomes hat the purpose is this policy? of hat hat do we intend this policy do? to intend do we hat hat is the issue, problem or opportunity for which we needit? a policy? which we define Can we for opportunity or problem the issue, is hat verview excluded) (sometimes o we need an effective guide for our actions and decisions in this area? in this decisions and our actions for guide effective need an o we o we have a policy that does/should address this issue, problem or opportunity? or problem this issue, address a policy does/should that have o we rocedure olicy or Policy Statement Policy olicy or Pur P P O W W D D W W W

» » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » » POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND POLICIES See resources. online Each policy and procedure is divided into several key components and these provide a good these provide and several components key divided into is Each policy procedure and policies: your of in the development follow to format In the resources for this section you can find a number of example policies from both policies from example of number a find can this section you for the resources In in the helpful prove may that Toronto House Covenant and Vancouver House Covenant policies. own your of development As you develop your policies, consider what areas you need to develop policies in. For most policies in. For need develop to you areas what policies, consider your develop you As safety/ resources, human spacemanagement, administrative, financial, these include: agencies security operations. and In developing your policies it is good to ask the follow questions: the follow good is ask to policies it your developing In Policies tell people what to do. Procedures tell them how to do it. to how them tell Procedures do. to what people tell Policies In many agencies, the policies are decided upon by the board (in consultation with senior management) management) senior with (in consultation the board by decided upon the policies are agencies, many In policies—are –especiallyothers, operational policies In the staff. by developed are while the procedures or guidelines principles, overarching provide and goal-oriented are Policies the staff. by developed provided specificand more are Procedures organization. an of the business conducting for frameworks when. and how who does what, including instructions and detailed directions As with any organization there are a great many policies and procedures that support the functions of the of the functions support that procedures policies and many a great are there organization any with As of some organization, a larger part of forms program housing the transitional that Given organization. program. housing specific to the transitional not are and whole a as the organization to the policies apply

Conclusion — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 110 CONCLUSION Vanessa, a past ROP participant at Covenant House Toronto shares her success story. success her shares Toronto House a past ROP participant Covenant at Vanessa, We encourage you to see these case studies as a starting point. Read, review, pull them apart them pull apart Read, review, see to point. a starting these as case you studies encourage We your and will people best that serve young the program your create them to reassemble and your get to resources collectedand the ideas the benefit from you that hope We location. efficiently. more and running quicker and up program The two Covenant House models, while sharing many commonalities, are different in how in different are commonalities, many models, whileHouse sharing two The Covenant of needs a and resources the how of useful a example provides This implemented. they are best fits it that ensure to a program of be used guide the should development to community area. in that the youth Transitional housing, as we have addressed in other resources, including the Foyer Toolkit, Toolkit, the Foyer including resources, in other addressed have we as housing, Transitional they as youth assisting method a key is of Live, to Place Decent and A Safe and Age of Coming have youth – clear modelis Spoke and Hub Foyer’s of the strength The developmentally. grow the necessary develop them independently. skills and needed sustain to grow to the ability The Transitional Housing programs at Covenant House provide excellent models for for models excellent provide House at Covenant programs Housing Transitional The initiatives. homelessness youth their own when planning look to to organizations community innovative and exists homelessness youth of the issue the community, the of size matter No move to how of an example provides toolkit This it. solve needed help to are approaches this critical issue. in addressing forward References — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 111 [PDF , 405-443. Toronto: Canadian , 405-443. Toronto: READING (pp. 387-403). Toronto: Canadian Homelessness Research Network Network Research Homelessness Canadian 387-403). Toronto: (pp. fe and Decent Place to Live: Towards a Housing First Framework for Homeless Homeless for Framework First a Housing Towards Live: to Place Decent and fe

oming of Age: Reimagining the Response to Youth Homelessness in Canada Homelessness Youth to the Response Reimagining Age: of oming ive, Learn and Grow: Supporting Transitions to Adulthood for Homeless Youth – A Youth Homeless for Adulthood to Transitions Supporting Grow: Learn and ive,

A Sa Youth Th L in Canada the Foyer for Framework C

» » » Toolkit e Foyer » » » » » REFERENCES Shaking off the colonial inheritance: Indigenous youth resist, reclaim and reclaim resist, youth Indigenous inheritance: colonial the off Baskin, C. (2013). Shaking (Eds.), Youth & A. Marsolais Karabanow J. K. Buccieri, O’Grady, S. Gaetz, B. . In reconnect homelessness in Canada: for policy Implications and practice Systems Homeless of Measurement (2010, October). Performance T. Albanese, . Retrieved Report from: Health & Mental Trauma trauma. as Bartella, A. (2011). Homelessness http://trauma.blog.yorku.ca/2011/09/homelessness-as-trauma/ services: L. Fosburg and . In housing A synthesis R. (1999). Transitional S., & Zimmer, Barrow, . Research Homelessness on Symposium National 1998 The Dennis (Eds.) Practical lessons: & D. of Department U.S. Development, Urban and Housing of Department U.S. Washington: Services. Human and Health . In S. Gaetz, B. O’Grady, O’Grady, S. Gaetz, B. . In restless and queer Young, address: fixed A. I. (2013). No Abramovich, (Eds.), Youth homelessness in Canada: & A. Marsolais Implications Karabanow J. K. Buccieri, for policy and practice, Press. Development. & Urban Housing of the US Department for Presentation document]. Press. Network Research Homelessness Further References — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 112 . . Retrieved https:// from: , 46(11), 1219-25. , 3, 80-100. Journal Policy and Services Health The Open . Toronto: Canadian Homelessness Research Network Press. Network Research Homelessness Canadian . Toronto: American Psychologist . Retrieved http://calgary.cmha.ca/files/2012/09/ETO-Manual-for-CMHA- from: http://www.law-faqs.org/national-faqs/youth-and-the-law-national/youth-criminal- http://www.covenanthousedc.org/Accountability-Transparency.html . Toronto: The Homeless Hub Press. Hub Homeless The . Toronto: Gaetz, S., Scott, F., & Gulliver, T. (Eds.) (2013). Housing First in Canada: T. Supporting & Gulliver, F., Gaetz, S., Scott, Communities to End Homelessness care trauma-informed the Storm: from (2010). Shelter J. E.K., Bassuk, E.L. & Olivet, Hopper, services. in homelessness settings Live, Learn and Grow: Supporting Transitions to Adulthood for for Adulthood to Transitions Supporting Grow: and Learn (2012). Live, F. Gaetz, S., & Scott, Homelessness The Canadian . Toronto: Canada in Foyer the for Framework – A Youth Homeless Press. Network Research trauma: psychological as Goodman M. (1991). Homelessness L., & Harvey L., Saxe perspectives. Broadening Efforts (n.d.). Council. Collaborative to Communities Outcomes Families/Thriving Healthy Retrieved http://dccollaboratives.org/data-and-research/efforts-to-outcomes/ from: MPP's urging a petition for support your (2013). JFCY requests Youth. and Children for Justice . Retrieved from: Services ALL Children for Welfare Child to 88 - Access Bill for Yes Vote to http://yourlegalrights.on.ca/news/jfcy-requests-your-support-petition-urging-mpps-vote-yes- bill-88-access-child-welfare-services-?tid_ref=55 The State of Homelessness (2013). Theof State in Canada: T. & Gulliver, T. Richter, J., Gaetz, S., Donaldson, Press. Network Research Homelessness The Canadian 2013. Toronto: The State of Homelessness in Canada: 2014 . in Canada: Homelessness of State (2014). The T. & Richter, T., Gaetz, S., Gulliver, Press. Hub Homeless The Toronto: . Retrieved Commitment Washington’s House Covenant (n.d.). Washington. House Covenant from: for Framework First a Housing Towards Live: to Place Decent and Gaetz, S. (2014b). A Safe Youth justice-act-ycja/introduction-ycja/ . Canada in Homelessness Youth to Response the Reimagining Age: of Gaetz, S. (2014a). Coming Press. Network Research Homelessness The Canadian Toronto: . Retrieved Law/Introduction the and Alberta. Legal (2013). Youth Public Education for Centre from: Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) User (ETO) to Outcomes Efforts (2012). Calgary. Association: Health Mental Canadian Stabilization Outreach Street and Living Supportive All Support, Living Independent Manual: Programs Calgary-Region-SL-and-Outreach_55.pdf . (FAQs) Questions Asked Frequently (2011). Portal. Research ChildCanadian Welfare Retrieved http://cwrp.ca/faqs from: www.blackbaud.com.au/notforprofit/case-management/products/efforts-to-outcomes Blackbaud: Technology for Non-profits. (n.d.). Efforts (n.d.). to Outcomes Non-profits. for Technology Blackbaud: References — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 113 http:// , (Chapter 1.1). , (Chapter . Retrieved. from: , 47(9), 1102-1114. . Retrieved http://www. from: American Psychologist The Transtheoretical Model Transtheoretical The . Retrieved http://www.socialsolutions.com/case- from: . Washington: National Alliance to End Homelessness. Homelessness. End to Alliance National . Washington: . Retrieved http://nciwomenternships.wordpress. from , 26(2), 207-232. Psychology Community of Journal American Finding Home: PolicyFinding Options in Homelessness Canada for Addressing Applying cluster analysis to test a typology of homelessness by by a typology test homelessness to of analysis cluster Applying (1998). D. R. Culhane, & Kuhn, . utilization shelter of pattern week with the first – My tonight” kid will the street sleep on 6). “A H. (2014, June Marx, Womenternships House. Covenant ending for framework emerging An (2012). Homelessness. End to Alliance National homelessness youth unaccompanied . [YouTube Video]. : States: United Video]. . [YouTube Bowlby John - Theory Lees-Oakes, R. (2011). Attachment Resource. Counselling com/2014/06/06/a-kid-will-sleep-on-the-street-tonight-my-first-week-with-the-covenant- house-2/ & Homelessness (2014). Trauma Initiative. City New Transitional Housing Models in Canada: Models Housing C. (2009). 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Canadian Homelessness Research Network Press. Network Research Homelessness Canadian References — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 115 References — Youth Transitional Housing Toolkit 116 "I definitely recommend, like if people are having a hard time, to go to Covenant House. I think if you can just like pull up your socks a little bit, they really like to help you."

-"Patrick", Current Participant, ROP Vancouver