The Picture of Homelessness is a Family Portrait
Understanding Homelessness
Facts About HIV and AIDS
Developmental Disabilities
Guiding the Mentally Ill
Youth from the Foster Care System
Finding Solutions for Substance Abusers
Community Reintegration for Offenders
Domestic Violence
Preschoolers Misdiagnosed due to Language Barrier
THE PICTURE OF HOMELESSNESS IS A FAMILY PORTRAIT
Homelessness is a devastating experience, especially for families. It disrupts virtually every aspect of family life: damaging the family's physical and emotional health, interfering with the children's education and development, and frequently resulting in the separation of family members.
For many Americans, the word "homeless" evokes a snapshot of a transient individual, but in reality, the picture of homelessness today is a family portrait. The nation's children and families make up the fastest growing segment of the homeless population, constituting approximately 40% of all the people who become homeless (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2001). There are 600,000 families in shelters nationwide. There are nearly 8,000 families with 15,000 children living in the New York City shelter system on any given night.
The typical homeless family is a 27 year-old single mother with two children under the age of six. Over 30% of homeless families have an open case for child abuse or neglect; one out of five have lost at least one child to foster care. Nearly 50% of homeless children have either witnessed or been subjected to violence in their home. Almost 30% of homeless children have been homeless more than once.
One of the most devastating consequences of homelessness is the disruption of education among school-age children. In New York City, only 38% of homeless children score at grade-level in reading and only 23% score at grade-level in math. Approximately 20% must repeat a grade in school. Homeless children are more likely than their housed counterparts to be placed in special education classes, not because they are unable to learn, but as a result of chaotic living situations, multiple relocations and school transfers (Institute for Children and Poverty Report, 2001).
At Volunteers of America, we work with homeless children and their families to mitigate the impact of their circumstances. Each of our family shelters has an on-site board of education representative who makes sure the children are enrolled in school. Our recreation specialists, working with staff and volunteers, are available to tutor, supervise homework and offer any additional help the children need after school. Educational field trips are regularly scheduled to destinations like the Whitney Museum of American Art, the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Aquarium. For younger children, on-site daycare is available to parents and guardians who need to keep important appointments. Thanks to our corporate volunteers, the children in our programs are given holiday parties and school supplies. At our annual book fair, Scholastic donates hundreds of new children's books. If a child needs special supplies (for instance poster board for a class project) our recreation specialists make sure they have it, to avoid having the children in our programs feel different from the other children at school. Sincere acts like these have a large impact on the health and education of the child and the development of the family portrait.
Article contributed by Cara Pace, Division Director - Housing Division. To learn more about Volunteers of America's Outreach Program and Homeless Services, call 212-369-8900.
UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS
As the largest private provider of services to the homeless in the greater New York area, Volunteers of America is a respected expert in dealing with the underlining causes of "street" homelessness. Volunteers of America's expertise comes from years of diligent work with this challenging population.
Why are there homeless persons on our streets?
Untreated substance abuse and mental illness are the primary causes of chronic homelessness.
Are disturbed people dangerous?
The mentally ill are generally no more dangerous than the general public.
Can this happen to me?
Financial hardship, a fire or other temporary emergencies are generally not the reasons for chronic homelessness.
Why do we see the same people?
A willingness to accept help often takes time. Outreach workers often spend months building trust with a homeless person who may be paranoid or very settled into his or her lifestyle.
Should I give money, clothing or food?
You can not be sure where the money will go. It may be used to support a substance habit. Food and shelter are offered by many charitable organizations throughout New York City.
What distinguishes people who enter treatment programs from those that do not?
The main reasons homeless individuals refuse services are perceived independence (they would rather forego basic needs if any rules are attached); previous negative experiences; and fear.
What does Volunteers of America do?
We are most successful when we consistently engage a homeless person and have patience. In a 1988 study, homeless mentally-ill clients took an average of 3.9 months after the first outreach before intensive services began. For those working with formerly homeless persons, it is a reminder that the opportunity to engage and meet our clients' needs is NOW.
1 -Barrow, S. M. (1988). Delivery of Services to Homeless Mentally Ill Clients. Engagement, Direct Service and Intensive Case Management at Five CSS Programs. New York, N.Y. New York State Psychiatric Institute.
Further reading: D. Dennis, Characteristics and Needs of "Street" Homeless Persons. Delmar, NY. National Resource Center on Homelessness and Mental Illness, 1990.
Article contributed by Barbara Morgan, Outreach Program Director, Homeless Services Division. To learn more about Volunteers of America's Outreach Program and Homeless Services, call 212-369-8900.
FACTS ABOUT HIV AND AIDS
What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. It attacks or disables the body's immune system, leaving it susceptible to a variety of illnesses called opportunistic infections (OI's).
How is HIV passed on from person to person?
HIV transmission can occur through the exchange of bodily fluids in the following ways: unprotected sex, sharing intravenous needles, blood-to-blood contact, mother to unborn child, and breastfeeding. People are unlikely to get the virus through other bodily fluids such as tears, sweat, saliva and urine.
What is AIDS?
First reported in 1981, AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) results from the weakening of the immune system. Physicians make an AIDS diagnosis based on a set of symptoms and conditions identified by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or if a patient's CD4 (a type of T cell) count drops below 200. Approximately 50% of H.I.V.-infected people develop AIDS within ten years of infection and 75% reach AIDS by the 15th year.
What treatments are available for HIV/AIDS?
AIDS drugs fall into three classifications: (1) nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (such as AZT and Combivir); (2) protease inhibitors; and (3) non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. A combination of these drugs, commonly referred to as the "cocktail," has greatly improved the survival rates of people with AIDS by helping to slow down the rate at which the virus replicates. However, the side effects can be extremely debilitating.
Today, there remains no cure for HIV/AIDS. But education and continued breakthroughs in treatment have enabled people with HIV/AIDS to live longer with an enhanced quality of life.
Article contributed by Brooke Walsh, Former Program Director Family Support Services. To learn more about Volunteers of America's Family Support Services, call 212-865-7000.
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: BEYOND WILLOWBROOK
In order to meet the criteria of "developmentally disabled," a person must have impairment in the following areas: activities of daily living, self-direction, cognitive ability, and/or social skills. There are five types of developmental disabilities: epilepsy, mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, and neurological impairment. The onset of these conditions must occur prior to 21 years of age and the condition must be life-long.
The field of developmental disabilities has progressed a great deal over the past 30 years. Years ago, when children were diagnosed with a developmental disability, physicians usually encouraged families to institutionalize them; in essence, forget they were born and try again. What resulted from this attitude was overcrowded and understaffed state institutions, the most infamous of them being the Willowbrook State School on Staten Island.
In the early 1970s, Geraldo Rivera, then a young investigative reporter, did an exposé on Willowbrook. Rivera uncovered a human atrocity; exposing such practices as patients being hosed down instead of showered, and left naked in dirty, disease-ridden hallways and dormitories. Rivera's news coverage assisted families of these individuals to bring a class action suit against the State of New York, which resulted in the Willowbrook Consent Decree of 1975.
The care and treatment of people with developmental disabilities has come a long way since then. It is interesting to note that about 50% of Volunteers of America's clients receiving assistance through our residential services are survivors of Willowbrook. Today they live in individualized residences and are self-determining. Over 98% of our clients are registered voters. Many join a self-advocacy forum that draws strength from fellow clients, interview perspective Volunteers of America staff, and are community activists, participating in important causes, such as the American Heart Walk and Strides Against Breast Cancer .
In 2001, clients saved their money and enjoyed vacations in the Bahamas, Tennessee and Long Beach Island. A few consumers visited family in Florida and Puerto Rico. And a former Willowbrook resident was awarded the 2001 Employee of the Year Award from the State of New York.
Volunteers of America strives to support these men and women so that they can lead productive lives. Our services enable them to achieve greater equality and pursue their life dreams.
Article contributed by Diane Hutton-Rose, Director of Residential Services, Developmental Services. To learn more about Volunteers of America's Developmental Services, call 718-448-4730.
GUIDING THE MENTALLY ILL
The American Psychological Association defines mental illness as "a clinically significant behavioral or psychological pattern that occurs in an individual and is associated with distress, impairment, and/or significant risk." This broad definition describes many of Volunteers of America's clients. From the more obvious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and manic depression to emotional problems such as major depression and anxiety, mental illness takes many forms. Schizophrenia and manic depression affect more than two million American adults. In the case of major depression, about 20% of women and 10% of men experience at least one episode in their lifetime. These high statistics show how pervasive mental illness is in our society, and make clear why Volunteers of America recognizes the importance of having a strong, competent team of professionals to help clients become better able to cope with their disorders and become emotionally healthy.
In addition to mental illness, medical conditions and/or addiction create barriers to effective treatment. Homeless clients suffering from moderate to severe mental disorders are often service-resistant as well. Volunteers of America's Mental Health Services is continuously improving the quality of our case management and social services to address these problems. Programs such as the Reception Center, Queens Forensic Linkage and Staten Island MICA Assertive Community Treatment offer direct psychiatric and social services to mentally ill individuals in order to assist in stopping the cycle of hospitalization and homelessness.
The centerpiece of Volunteers of America's Mental Health Services is our case managers' abilities to assess client problems and make the necessary referrals for needed services and resources. Our teams of highly skilled professionals play a critical, and often lifesaving role by helping people address their emotional and mental issues and providing vital links to needed treatment. Through the dedication and hard work of our Mental Health Services staff, clients are able to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Article contributed by Dr. Charise Copes, Director of Mental Health Service. To learn more about Volunteers of America's Mental Health Services, call 212-865-7000, x362.
YOUTH AGING OUT OF THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM
Every year approximately 800 youngsters in the New Jersey foster care system turn eighteen and become independent of state support. There are many barriers to an "aged out" youth making a successful transition from foster care to mature and independent living. A recent study conducted by the Garden State Coalition for Youth and Family Concerns highlighted the relationship between foster care ending and youth homelessness in New Jersey. In the year 2000, over 45% of the "aged out" Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) youngsters experienced homelessness. This is truly an unacceptable reality.
Once youngsters become independent of DYFS, they quickly discover they are on their own - there is virtually no support as they begin the task of coping alone in the real world. Financial assistance for training or educational pursuits is not easily available, so most youths leaving the foster care system, never pursue post-secondary education or vocational training programs. Transportation adds to the problem in our state's rural areas, making it difficult to get to and from services, and potential jobs. And housing is also extremely hard to find as it becomes more and more expensive in New Jersey.
It is no surprise that many "aging out" youth have emotional and mental health issues, but unfortunately, there is no system in place to help these youngsters transition into the adult mental health system. Youth who have mental health issues all too often come to the attention of the mental health community through the emergency room which, often results in their finding themselves in the involuntary care units of hospitals or even in state institutions. To make matters worse, they do not have insurance, a doctor who knows their history of care, or a family to call when in need, so they simply fall through the cracks.
Physical health care is also a major barrier to successfully transitioning to living on ones own. Although "aging out" youth often can qualify for Medicaid, most are not given the information they need to apply for this important benefit. Those who are told about Medicaid often don't have the maturity to understand the importance of having medical coverage; others are just so happy to be free, finally, of the foster care system that they reject any help offered.
After-care programs such as Volunteers of America's Synergy program - part of Northern New Jersey's Project YES (Youth Enrichment and Support) continuum of care for at-risk youth - are available, but there are not enough beds across the state, and youth are restricted to their DYFS district of origin. Of the twenty-six children's service providers in New Jersey, only five offer after-care independent-living programs like Synergy. What's frustrating is that referrals are rarely made to these programs and the young people themselves do not know these programs exist. DYFS caseworkers, with their large caseloads, are all too happy to close the books on a child once s/he has "aged out" of the system. It takes extra effort on the part of caseworkers, to make a referral and to then ensure the youth follows up and attends an interview for possible admission to an independent-living program. Over 50% of the referrals made to Synergy never show up or cancel at the last minute.
Volunteers of America's Project YES is committed to assisting in the transition of "aging out" youth. Together with the Garden State Coalition, we are fighting for transitional packages to include: extended care insurance until the age of 21, tuition support dollars, development of specialized after-care DYFS teams, a formalized housing continuum program through Homeless Youth Act Funding, and ongoing training for caseworkers and foster parents so they may assist in meeting this enormous challenge. Only with these necessary improvements will young people coming out of foster care be able to transition to a positive independent living situation.
Article contributed by David Z. Taylor, Program Director Project YES. To learn more about Volunteers of America's Project YES, call 732-827-2444.
FINDING SOLUTIONS FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSERS
Recognizing the need for a community residence for individuals recovering from chemical dependency, Volunteers of America opened Crossroads Residence in Westchester County in April 1990. The residential program lasts three to nine months and is designed to guide people toward independent, drug-free lives. The facility provides beds and services to 17 men and women in early recovery who have been referred from inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and outpatient treatment clinics.
Crossroads was the first community residence in Westchester County to provide services to women, as well as individuals referred by the New York State Division of Parole. The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) has established five main objectives for clients, which include: maintaining abstinence from drugs and alcohol; reaching optimal physical and mental health; reconnecting with family members; and finding suitable employment and appropriate housing. Case managers and counselors work with clients to individualize and meet these goals. To date, Crossroads has helped 503 men and women.
Upon entering, residents attend a day rehabilitation program for a minimum of three months. They are also encouraged to participate in a minimum of four weekly Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings, to join an AA or NA group and to secure a sponsor. Late afternoon group meetings are held on-site to provide education and support. After three months, residents may become eligible for referrals to vocational training or employment. Assistance is also provided for seeking and attaining permanent housing. When a resident has met all service plan goals and objectives, a date is set for graduation and discharge. At a celebration attended by family, residents, staff and outside treatment providers, graduates receive a "Certificate of Completion."
After graduation, alumni often return to visit Crossroads to support and encourage the residents. And, after 30 days, alumni are eligible to become volunteers. The large number of volunteers at Crossroads Residence is a fine testimony to the success of the program.
To learn more about Volunteers of America's Crossroads Residence, call 914-636-8723.
COMMUNITY REINTEGRATION FOR OFFENDERS
Mandatory sentences, the death penalty, prison construction and recidivism rates are the corrections issues that have received the most attention over the last ten years. What gets less attention is the issue of community re-integration; that is, how ex-offenders manage or don't manage to successfully transition back to their communities. Nationally, 95% of all inmates are eventually released from prison. In the State of New Jersey, 15,000 prisoners were released during the last calendar year. This statistic represents a significant number of individuals at-risk for committing new crimes and becoming recidivists (or repeat offenders and sent back to prison), if they are not helped to make the difficult transition out of prison and back into the community. The central question is: Are corrections departments taking pre-emptive steps to reduce recidivism rates - are they adequately preparing offenders for life outside of prison? If not, and a released offender commits a new crime, the cost to the community and the victim(s) is huge.
Project OASIS (Offenders About to Step Into Society) of the Northern New Jersey Division, is designed to address the causes of recidivism through transitional programming, or halfway houses. Our program provides re-integration services that take into account every aspect of the individual's life. Offenders are evaluated for abilities and risk factors and then an individualized treatment plan is developed. Volunteers of America supports inmates as they obtain employment or enroll in school or vocational training. Our program provides job readiness, relapse prevention, and intensive individual and group counseling. The focus of our treatment is cognitive-behavioral and works to improve the decision-making and consequential (or moral) thinking of the offender. Anger management, substance abuse prevention, and any other intervention the individual needs, is available.
Article contributed by Robert Edes, Project OASIS Program Director. To learn more about Volunteers of America's Project OASIS Program, call 732-827-2444.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Every evening at about 5:55 p.m. she felt her stomach begin to twist and turn... Checking one last time under the bed, afraid there might still be a hint of dust that he might find, she looks up to see the knob begin to turn... He's home.
Imagine how overwhelming the effects of domestic violence can be. Domestic violence is abusive behavior - emotional, psychological, physical, or sexual - that one person in an intimate relationship uses to control the other. It takes different forms and includes behaviors such as threats, name-calling, preventing contact with family or friends, withholding money, actual or threatened physical harm and sexual assault. Stalking can also be a form of domestic violence. Most domestic violence is committed against women by their male partners or ex-partners. It also occurs in lesbian and gay relationships and is common in teenage dating relationships. In a small number of cases, female partners abuse men, but men against their female partners perpetrate 91 to 95 percent of all adult domestic violence assaults.
People who do not understand the dynamics of abuse sometimes ask what the woman is doing to provoke such violent behavior or wonders why she doesn't just leave. In most cases, the problem stems with the man. Sometimes he drinks or uses drugs and uses that as an excuse for his violent outbursts. Often he feels inadequate or threatened by a partner who is more socially adept or better educated. In many instances the woman has no place to go. If the abusing spouse controls the purse strings, the woman might not have access to money. Perhaps she married someone her family did not approve of and now the feeling is "you made your bed, now lie in it." Perhaps she is just too embarrassed to let her friends and family know her situation. By the time a woman has withstood abuse for any length of time, her self-esteem, and sense of reality is so distorted, that it is hard for her to make any rational decisions. Often she finally finds the will to leave if the abuse extends to her children.
In New York State, all victims of domestic violence can access emergency services including shelter, counseling, support groups, advocacy and other crisis services, regardless of income or resources. There are special protections and services for victims of domestic violence. It can be very helpful to speak with someone on a hotline that understands, is not judgmental, and can give you various options. Domestic violence programs, like Volunteers of America's New Hope Shelter, provide assistance in finding a safe place to live after leaving the shelter. In addition, New Hope provides crisis intervention, case management, public assistance advocacy, legal advocacy, and support services for children. In New York City, the 24-hour hotline number is 1-800-621-HOPE. (1-800-621-4673).
Article contributed by Dawn Bryant, New Hope Shelter Program Director. To learn more about Volunteers of America's New Hope Shelter, call 718-688-6800.
PRESCHOOLERS MISDIAGNOSED DUE TO LANGUAGE BARRIER
For decades, the United States has been known as a nation that welcomes immigrants from many countries. We have been described as a "melting pot" of diverse cultures and people. As the country has grown we have made efforts to address the needs of all people, with a special sensitivity to multi-cultural issues. But how successful have we been? For the children of immigrant parents whose home language is not English, and is considered a low-incident language (a language that is not commonly heard), their transition from home to school can be difficult.
All too frequently children end up in special education preschools because they have been misdiagnosed and inaccurately labeled "retarded" due to their inability to speak and/or comprehend English. Children of low-incident languages are often evaluated at centers that disregard the child's primary, or home language. As a result, the children perform poorly at these testing centers where the evaluator either does not realize the extent to which the child does not understand English, or the evaluator does not know the child's language and so cannot accurately assess his/her developmental status. For example, two children were referred to Parkchester Early Learning Center who were misdiagnosed because the evaluation center they came through was not familiar with Twi, the African dialect they spoke.
At Parkchester Early Learning Center we are convinced of two things: in order to accurately assess a child's developmental status, children must be evaluated in their home language and, it is essential to teach children basic concepts in their home language. At Parkchester we have responded to both of these concerns. First, as an accredited evaluation site, Parkchester Early Learning Center offers developmental evaluations in 24 different languages and dialects. Our assessments provide good, reliable information for the public school districts to use when deciding the best school for the children we evaluate. And second, we now have a Twi classroom that has been a highly successful addition to our program. The philosophy of the classroom is based on the premise that a child's ability to learn is enhanced when basic ideas and concepts, the building blocks of more complex learning, are taught in the child's primary language. Then, these children can meet the requirements necessary to succeed in a regular kindergarten class.
The influx of low-incident speaking families seeking evaluations at our school is increasing by leaps and bounds, largely because we have developed a reputation for evaluating children in their own language. Through trainings on bilingual and multi-cultural education, I can truly say that our school has made every effort possible to address the problems these young children face. Sensitivity to multi-culturalism is not only reflected in the initial evaluation process but also in the everyday curriculum of the school. As teachers and therapists we have tried to create an environment where preschoolers are exposed to the diverse cultures that make up our country and where their differences are welcome rather than discounted.
Article contributed by Maralin Taylor, Program Director, Parkchester Early Learning Center. To learn more about Volunteers of America's Parkchester Early Learning Center, call 718-931-0017.
