The Impact of Youth Peer Advocates in High Fidelity Wraparound
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Role of Youth Peer Advocates in High Fidelity Wraparound
2.1 What is High Fidelity Wraparound?
2.2 The Principles of Wraparound
2.3 The Role of Youth Peer Advocates
- Data Collection and Analysis
3.1 Youth Peer Advocate Notes
3.2 Surveys of Administrators
3.3 Provider Interviews
3.4 Caregiver Interviews
- Findings and Impact
4.1 Positive Feedback from Administrators
4.2 Benefits of Peer Involvement
4.3 Feedback from Youth and Caregivers
- Conclusion
- Resources and Support
6.1 Youth Peer Advocate Listserv
6.2 WEIU Scribe
6.3 Additional Resources from Youth Power
- Contact Information
The Role of Youth Peer Advocates in High Fidelity Wraparound
Introduction:
Welcome to the webinar on youth peer advocates and their role in high fidelity wraparound. In this presentation, we will explore the perspectives and perceptions of the youth peer advocate role, as well as the impact they have on the high fidelity wraparound process. We are privileged to have three presenters who will share their experiences in the New York State wraparound system of care initiatives. We hope you find this presentation informative and engaging.
The Role of Youth Peer Advocates:
2.1 What is High Fidelity Wraparound?
High fidelity wraparound is a process model that aims to provide individualized, strengths-based, and family-driven support to children and families in need. It focuses on creating a plan based on the unique strengths, needs, and values of each family, with the goal of helping them achieve meaningful and sustainable changes. Wraparound involves collaboration between various providers and natural community supports to improve the lives of individuals and families.
2.2 The Principles of Wraparound:
The principles of wraparound center around family and youth voice and choice. It emphasizes the importance of individualized, strengths-based, and natural support-focused plans. It encourages collaboration, unconditional care, cultural competency, and outcome-based approaches. These principles form the basis of the wraparound delivery model and guide the work of service providers, including youth peer advocates.
2.3 The Role of Youth Peer Advocates:
Youth peer advocates are young adults with personal experience in the child welfare system, mental health, special education, or juvenile justice. They are passionate about ensuring that their peers receive high-quality services that meet their needs. The role of youth peer advocates includes gathering information about the strengths and challenges of youth, preparing them for team meetings, and helping them connect with other youth and community supports. They support youth in finding and expressing their voice, advocating for themselves, and developing their own abilities to navigate systems and achieve their goals.
Data Collection and Analysis:
3.1 Youth Peer Advocate Notes:
Analysis of youth peer advocate notes provided insightful details about the work they were doing with youth. They work closely with youth individually and in various settings such as homes, communities, schools, and mental health clinics. The notes revealed that youth peer advocates primarily focus on skill building, coaching, engagement, self-advocacy, and community connections. They engage in activities such as helping youth develop coping skills, budgeting, utilizing public transportation, and assisting in crisis situations.
3.2 Surveys of Administrators:
Surveys were conducted to gather feedback from administrators involved in high fidelity wraparound implementation. The majority of administrators acknowledged the positive impact of youth peer advocates on the wraparound team. They highlighted the inclusion of peers as a major strength and mentioned that youth responded well to peer support. Families reported significant improvements in areas such as school attendance, family satisfaction, and avoidance of hospitalization.
3.3 Provider Interviews:
Interviews with providers, including youth peer advocates, family peer advocates, care managers, and supervisors, provided valuable insights into the role of youth peer advocates. They emphasized the unique contribution of youth peer advocates in bringing lived experience, empowering youth, and facilitating communication and progress within the team. Youth and caregivers expressed their appreciation for the support, understanding, and guidance provided by youth peer advocates.
3.4 Caregiver Interviews:
Interviews with caregivers also shed light on the positive impact of youth peer advocates. Caregivers praised the youth peer advocate's ability to build a strong relationship with the youth, provide support, and encourage their voice and progress towards goals. They highlighted the absence of judgment and the safe space created by youth peer advocates, allowing for open communication and trust.
Findings and Impact:
4.1 Positive Feedback from Administrators:
The feedback from administrators, caregivers, and youth consistently highlighted the positive role of youth peer advocates. They recognized the inclusion of peers as a major strength of high fidelity wraparound, promoting engagement, and better outcomes for youth and families.
4.2 Benefits of Peer Involvement:
The survey responses indicated that the inclusion of peers enhances the wraparound process by providing hope, support, and guidance to youth. Peers were seen as understanding and relatable, helping youth to feel heard and empowered. Families appreciated the flexibility, family-driven approach, and overall support provided by youth peer advocates.
4.3 Feedback from Youth and Caregivers:
Youth and caregivers expressed their gratitude for the support and guidance offered by youth peer advocates. They emphasized the positive impact on their lives, improvements in communication, and the development of trust and stronger bonds within the family.
Conclusion:
The role of youth peer advocates in high fidelity wraparound is crucial in promoting youth voice, empowerment, and improved outcomes. The feedback from administrators, providers, caregivers, and youth highlights the positive impact of youth peer advocates in supporting families and facilitating positive change. Their inclusion in the wraparound process continues to be viewed as a valuable element.
Resources and Support:
6.1 Youth Peer Advocate Listserv:
Join the youth peer advocate listserv to stay updated on training, support, and professional development opportunities for youth peer advocates and supervisors. It offers a platform to share resources, connect with others in the field, and access information to enhance your practice.
6.2 WEIU Scribe:
Access the recording of part 2 of this webinar series, which features a panel of youth peer advocates sharing their experiences. The recording and slides can be found on the SeaTac website under upcoming events.
6.3 Additional Resources from Youth Power:
Youth Power offers regional youth partners who can provide support and information on implementing youth peer advocates in your agency. Check out the youth power website for more information, including previous webinars and tools to support effective youth peer advocacy.
Contact Information:
For any questions or inquiries, please reach out to the respective presenters or contact your regional youth partner. Their contact information can be found on the youth Power website. We are here to support you in implementing and enhancing youth peer advocacy in your organization.
Highlights:
- High fidelity wraparound is an individualized, strengths-based, and family-driven support process.
- Youth peer advocates bring lived experience and provide support, guidance, and empowerment to youth.
- Data analysis shows youth peer advocates engage in skill building, coaching, engagement, self-advocacy, and community connections.
- Positive feedback from administrators, caregivers, and youth highlights the impactful role of youth peer advocates.
- The inclusion of peers is viewed as a major strength, enhancing engagement and outcomes in the wraparound process.
- Youth and caregivers appreciate the understanding, support, and trust built through the assistance of youth peer advocates.
FAQ:
Q: How do youth peer advocates support youth in the wraparound process?
A: Youth peer advocates support youth by helping them develop coping skills, setting goals, participating in team meetings, finding community resources, and advocating for themselves.
Q: What are the benefits of including peers in the wraparound process?
A: Including peers provides youth with relatable and understanding support, enhances engagement, improves communication, and promotes empowerment and positive outcomes.
Q: How can I access additional resources and support for youth peer advocacy?
A: You can join the youth peer advocate listserv, access recordings and slides from webinars, and connect with regional youth partners through the Youth Power website.
Q: What is high fidelity wraparound and how does it differ from other approaches?
A: High fidelity wraparound is an evidence-supported process that focuses on individualized, strengths-based, and family-driven support. It emphasizes collaboration, cultural competency, and outcome-based approaches. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in improving the lives of youth and families.
