Youth Development Services – RI

Youth Development Services (YDS) Program is an exciting program to provide transition-age youth with additional support to help develop life skills as they are transitioning out of state care. Services include life skill and vocational assessments, financial literacy education, matched savings account, mentor connections, career/work readiness services, youth advisory group (SPEAK) participation and more. All YDS programs are designed to create a safe space for youth to receive support from adults and peers, and develop meaningful, trusting relationships.

CFP staff work with community partners statewide to maximize opportunities for youth, including:

​Mentors

Mentorship is a mutually fulfilling relationship for both youth and volunteer mentor. The vision of Impact is that all youth will leave state care with positive, permanent adult connections and options for a successful future.

Impact is designed to provide support and encouragement to youth ages 16-20 in substitute care through regular contact with a positive adult role model from the community. These adults listen to the concerns of the youth they are matched with, help them develop problem solving skills, and provide relevant information and advice; encourage self-advocacy and self-reliance at home, in school, in the workplace, and beyond.

Expectations:

• At least a yearlong commitment to youth mentee.
• 1 hour per week or 4 hours a month time commitment.
• Meetings can be in person or virtual, dependent on the needs of the youth.

After inquiry is received, an employee will reach out to discuss application and next steps, including a background check. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please fill out our volunteer interest form.

Financial Literacy and Vocational Training

Youth work with our staff and designated partners to learn:

• How to manage money
• Increase savings
• Utilize financial resources to build financial security
• Career exploration and career readiness
• How to search for a job
• How to stand out at an applicant and present in an interview

Youth between the ages of 16 – 24 can participate in the state-wide SPEAK Advisory Board. This is an opportunity for youth to express their feedback regarding their lived experiences in the foster care system. These, in turn help promote system and policy changes within the Department of Children Youth and Families and impact decisions regarding the current child welfare system. SPEAK meetings are held every other week in the Providence Area, and transportation is provided when needed. Participating youth receive payment for their time and expertise. Participation not only allows youth to have a say in programs that have a real impact on their lives, it also helps participants develop advocacy, public speaking and other social skills they can use indefinitely, providing them with opportunities to grow professionally and emotionally.

Match Savings

Upon completion of a financial literacy class, participants become eligible for Double Up, our matched savings program. We will help set up a bank account and match saved funds up to $1,000 to go towards approved purchases such as cars, educational costs, home goods, legal fees, employment training, entrepreneurial costs and more. Double-Up provides youth with support from Communities for People to help them achieve theand financial goals now and better prepare them for the future by helping youth understand the importance of saving.