To support the positive development of young people, The
Franciscan Center promotes the concept of asset building so as hopefully
be a part of the holistic approach to youth development along with family,
schools, community organizations, faith congregations, etc. These assets
are the positive building blocks that youth need to grow up to be healthy,
principled, and caring adults. The more assets youth have, the more likely
they are to engage in positive behaviors, such as volunteering or doing
well in school. They are also less likely to engage in at-risk behaviors.
The Forty Developmental Assets
NYS Office of Children & Family Services (our certifying
agency), along with other youth related agencies, have established 40
Developmental Assets. Youth Programs are challenged to include them
concretely in the provision of services. Our programs (Transitional
Independent Living Program and Supported Residence) clearly include all
the categories in the holistic care we offer to runaway homeless youth.
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External Assets
Support: Our home-like approach, our independent
living skills training which includes communications skills, and our diverse
supportive staff afford about as close to an alternative family support as
possible. We are located in a residential neighborhood with a good name
among neighbors.
Empowerment: Our staff portrays positive community values. We often
participate in community functions such as such as neighborhood clean-up,
civic events, etc. Over the years and still, residents are afforded
opportunities to do volunteer work (hospital, nearby soup kitchen, etc.).
Our atmosphere (home-like, non-institutional) is very safe. Residents are
also offered safety training on intake.
Boundaries & Expectations: Both programs demand accountability.
Curfews, house rules, prompt return after outings, appointments, etc. makes
all this clear. Family involvement is sometimes encouraged and other times
some distance is recommended due to hostility, tensions, and needed "cooling
off" time. Again, our diverse staff serve as positive adult role models and
mentors. We do have expectations of our residents, as we want them to
believe in themselves.
Constructive Use of Time: Residents complete a weekly schedule and
are encouraged to use a personal pocket calendar. This helps with
accountability, planning, and time management. The house schedule has a
rhythm even though each resident has outside activities. Various in-house
(weights, working out, etc.) and outside (nearby parks, gym, etc.)
recreational activities are part of the program. Any resident who wishes to
practice a particular faith or go out for religious experience is
encouraged. Outings with appropriate friends and family is coordinated as
part of the individual service plan and adjusted as circumstances and the
resident's personal situation. |
Internal Assets
Commitment to Learning: The Independent Living
Skills Programs is intense and on-going. To use the program positively, the
resident must have a commitment to learn. School and GED preparation are
part of one's service plan in most cases. A quiet hour exits during the week
to afford time for homework, reflection, 12 step work, etc. Staff stay in
close contact with the resident's school and attend parent/teacher
conferences, etc. Reading is highly encouraged and an in-house library
exists in both of our programs.
Positive Values: Personal interaction, appropriate social skills,
tolerance and acceptance are all, lack of prejudice and labeling, are all
part of our philosophy. Our program has youth of different races, ethnic
background, socio-economic status, religious and cultural diversity, etc. We
help youth deal with such diversity and learn to get along and grow
together. Honesty is a must. We literally tell residents: "Trust is earned."
Responsibility is also a must for example in working one's service plan,
doing daily chores, helping with meals, etc. Restrain, avoiding drugs,
alcohol, and improper sexual behavior are all part of our philosophy as well
as house rules.
Social Competencies: These are a major part of the independent living
program. Planning and decisions making are done and reviewed periodically
via the individual service plan. Residents must make decisions, even when
they are tough and may involve their moving out of the program. We have
already mentioned assistance in growing in health interpersonal
communications skills. Cultural competence, respect of that of others, and
not being overcome by peer pressure is very much a part of our on-going case
management and group interaction. Conflict resolution is done with the help
of staff via one-one-one, group, and sometimes with a facilitator and the
"other" with whom a resident is in conflict.
Positive Identity: The youth, even as spelled in RHYA regulations, is
very much a part of the service plan (goals, etc.). Self-esteem building is
one of the hallmarks of our programs, it is specifically a part of our
mission/philosophy. Growing in a sense of value and purpose is evident in
the residents who remain in the program for a longer time period. Gaining a
positive life outlook and view of the future is our goal for each resident.
This accomplished by a combination of these Developmental Assets. |
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