What is the Role of a Youth Peer Advocate? January 22, 2018 PRESENTERS: AZARIA WITTEKIND AND ALEX FRISINA YOUTH POWER!

What is the Role of a Youth Peer Advocate?

A man falls into a hole so deep he can’t get out.

A doctor walks by, and the man calls for help. The doctor writes a prescription, tosses it into the hole, and walks on.

A priest walks by, and the man tries again. The priest writes a prayer,

tosses it into the hole, and walks on.

Finally a friend walks by, and again the man asks for help. To his surprise, the friend jumps in with him.

“Why did you do that?” the man asks. “Now we’re both in the hole.”

“Yes,” the friend responds. “But I’ve been in this hole before, and I

know the way out.”

Peer Support

What is a Youth Peer Advocate?

• Share Recovery/Resiliency Story

• Empower to be self-directed

Peer Support

• Empower to speak up for themselves

• Advocate for them Peer

Advocacy From: “New York State Office of Mental Health, HCBS Waiver Program Youth Peer Advocate Training Manual” YOUTH POWER! & Cornell University, 2015.

Youth Peer Advocate Expertise

Knowledge of the provider system

Knowledge of Community Resources and opportunities

Knowledge of peer movements & resources for self-advocates

Personal Recovery/Resiliency Story

Benefits of having YPAs

Youth

Families

Adult Allies

Organizations

Communities

NYS Credentialing Peer Support History

Youth Guided Practices

Trauma informed Practices

Cultural Competence

Professional expectations

Small group facilitation skills

System navigation

Supporting skill development

Wellness and Recovery

Advocacy

Goal setting

Independence

What do YPA’s report as barriers? Ageism

Stigma

Fear, discomfort, misunderstanding

Lack of clarity in the role as Youth Peer Advocate (Expectations?)

Understanding responsibilities of self and others

Frequency of meaningful training

Lack of needed supervision & support

Regulating strong emotions & wellness (secondary trauma)

Defining words like “Safety” and “Boundaries”

Youth Guided Practice The First Step for Integrating YPAs

Giving young people a sustainable voice and then listening to that

voice

Creating safe environments

Recognizing the continuum of

power “Youth Guided means that

young people have the right to be empowered, educated, and given a

decision making role in the care of their own lives as well as the policies and

procedures governing care for all youth in the

community, state and nation.”

- Youth M.O.V.E. National

Setting the Stage

Partner with youth led groups including YP! Evaluate readiness – (tools are available!)

Have a flexible plan that leaves room for problem solving and creativity

Prepare Staff and Clinicians – make sure they are aware of the purpose, role and activities that are to come. Ask them to help create an environment where youth are meaningfully engaged

Have a job description with clear expectations of the role. Sample descriptions available

Code of ethics

Transportation

Identify peer support opportunities

Pre-Hire Considerations Defining the position

Pre-Hire Considerations Recruiting YPAs Build an understand of and connection to our social-

justice & civil rights movement

Utilize existing movement events and activities to draw in new people

Initiate Youth Advisory/Leadership Groups – the young people you serve may very well be the next YPA!

Partner with other organizations and agencies

Recognize the effects of stigma and discrimination

Ensure approaches are culturally competent and address current youth culture

Pre-Hire Considerations Interview Process & Onboarding

Interview process Diverse team including a young person to provide the youth

perspective

Sample interview questions

Structured orientation/onboarding Topics to consider: HR and program orientation,

overview & understanding the YPA role, work place expectations, boundaries, effective communication, strategic sharing, role plays, HIPAA, mandated reporting, cultural competency, trauma informed care, self-care & support, safety planning, system navigation

Supervision & Coaching Professional Development Natural mentorship

opportunities Reasonable

accommodations Clear expectation on

safety and boundaries

Pre-Hire Considerations Supporting the position

Don’t make assumptions

Supporting flexible positions while holding to high standards

Respecting the right to choose what to disclose and to whom

Pre-Hire Considerations Respecting the person

YPA interviews Dec 2016:

Supervision- laid back style, holding YPA’s accountable, check in on personal and professional life, regular supervision, encourage applying for full time positions and advancement when ready

Having clear expectations of position and education on population working with

YPA’s need to be in a good place in their own recovery with the right supports in place before becoming a YPA

YPA interviews Dec 2016:

YPA’s want to be treated as young professionals

Negative perception of YPA position has led to YPA’s not feeling valued, not getting hired into full time positions within the agency and even hired into other agencies. Some YPA’s feel supported by their agencies while others feel looked down upon or not taken seriously due to their position.

Agency & Supervisor training & support

YOUTH POWER! Technical Assistance

Youth Peer Advocate Leaders

Future CTAC trainings

Utilize Local and National resources

Please send us recommendations or questions you would like explored in the future.

What YOUTH POWER! can offer you!

Peer Leader Support and Development Professional Development for YPAs

Youth Peer Advocate Leaders Meetings Support and collaboration for Supervisors of YPAs

The How To’s of Youth Guided Practice

Online resources; Tip sheets

Guides

Webinars

Videos

Open position New York City RYP

1-888-326-8644

Open position Western RYP

1-888-326-8644

Alex Frisina Long Island RYP

AFrisina@youthpowerny.org 631-245-5289

Mica Gonzalez Central RYP

MGonzalez@youthpowerny.org 315-679-1476

Brennan Williams Hudson River RYP

BWilliams@youthpowerny.org 518-322-2096

A motivated peer

between the ages of 18-30

A motivated peer

between the ages of 18-30

Questions or Technical Assistance Requests

Toll Free: 1-888-326-8644 info@youthpowerny.org

www.YOUTHPOWERNY.org

@YOUTHPOWERNY

/YOUTHPOWER.NY

YOUTH POWER! Contact

Q & A

Thank You