Beginning today, FosterParentTraining.com will have a frequent (sometimes daily) blog called “Topic:”.
Today’s topic: Youth Parole Placements – Better than regular foster care?
For those who are unfamiliar with Youth Parole, most states have a system for youth offenders who turn 18 so they don’t automatically go into the adult criminal system. Instead, they remain under the youth offenders services, often until they turn 21.
In some states, Youth Parole is a part of youth & family services. In other states, it is a separate entity unto itself.
As part of Youth Parole’s reason for being, they provide youthful offenders the opportunity to transition from being locked up into adulthood via independent living skills homes. These homes offer job placement assistance, budgeting skills training, and help in finding affordable places to live once the young offender is ready to live on their own.
Because the placements in these homes are between the ages of 18 and 21, the homes are not licensed as foster homes. (Licensing & staffing qualifications may vary from state to state.) The homes still need to meet basic fire & safety code requirements, as well as any specific placement regulations Youth Parole may require.
Having been a foster parent for a number of year, with all ages, the main differences once notices immediately working with Youth Parole is that the “case workers” are called “PO’s” or Parole Officers and they carry handcuffs instead of a clip board. PO’s also have the power to arrest their clients.
I’d welcome comments, questions, and input from any FosterParentTraining.com member or non-member regarding Youth Parole. I’d specifically like to hear from other Youth Parole homes as to your experience especially if you were a former foster parent.