CONCORD, NH – More than 100 youths gathered at Plymouth State University in Plymouth on August 14 for the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) annual Youth Summit. The event, now in its 21st year, provides foster youth between the ages 14 and 23 an opportunity to connect with resources and gain valuable skills that support independent living after foster care.
“The DCYF Youth Summit is just one way we are supporting youth as they plan and prepare for their futures,” said DCYF Director Marie Noonan. “As they approach young adulthood, it is critical that young people exiting the DCYF system have access to resources that can help them navigate life-impacting decisions around housing, education, and employment, to contribute to their future success.”
Throughout the day, youth attended educational workshops on topics co-facilitated by current and former youth in care, including opening a bank account, securing housing, basic cooking skills, and the foundational principles of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The morning keynote presentation featured a panel of youth and young adults with lived experience sharing their stories of living in foster care and making the transition to adulthood. More than 20 state and community organizations were on hand to provide information on housing, education, employment, and other services.
Additional services are also available through DCYF for youth in out-of-home care after they reach the age of 18, including extended foster care through DCYF’s HOPE program, ongoing support through the Youth Villages LifeSet program, and a variety of aftercare services that includes financial assistance and education and training vouchers.
The UNH College of Professional Studies Child Welfare Education Partnership, the DCYF Adolescent Program, and the DCYF Youth Advisory Board sponsored the event.