We hope that you will find resources here that will enhance your ability to advocate for older youth and to allow you to stand up for the needs and rights of abused and neglected children both in and out of the courtroom. To view the training materials on a particular topic, simply click on the training heading to be redirected to the training materials.
ADVOCACY IN ACTION: CROSSOVER YOUTH
Crossover youth are youth involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. In short, they have experienced maltreatment (resulting in their child welfare involvement) and have engaged in delinquency, bringing them to the attention of the juvenile justice system.
EXPERT Q&A: SERVING VICTIMS OF TEEN DATING VIOLENCE
Teenagers are impressionable and influenced by the world around them, which in turn can impact the way they view relationships and what they believe is or is not abusive behavior. The Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVCTTAC) has created an expert Q&A training that will help to identify warning signs of teen relationship abuse and explore the effect relationship abuse has on teens.
ENGAGING YOUTH IN PERMANENCY PLANNING
AdoptUSKids held a webinar for child welfare agency staff that focuses on encouraging and implementing youth engagement in program planning, training, and service delivery. The webinar features agencies that have experience in engaging youth in promoting permanency. This webinar features best practices, lessons learned, and tips.
YOUTH VOICES: WHY FAMILY MATTERS
Older youth wait longer to be adopted than younger children, but having a family is just as important for them. Older youth in foster care deserve permanency. Feeling connected and having a sense of belonging are fundamental human needs. Additionally, being part of a stable and committed family can help the healing process for young people who have experienced separation.
UNDERSTANDING SELF-HARM IN TEENS
What are the warning signs that a young person is engaging in self-harm? Learn about the different types of self-harm, how to recognize when someone is self-harming, and how you can support young people.