Outcomes

Transitional Homes

Safe Haven staff work closely with county case managers, school teachers/counselors, mentors, family and employers to evaluate youth in the program. We rely on case records, youth surveys and interviews to gather information on each program participants' progress towards the Independent Living Skills plan goals.

Safe Haven's transitional living program's goal is to successfully transition youth into adulthood. This is defined as having:

• Participants live in safe and stable housing
• Participants gain skills and knowledge to live independently
• Participants have a source of legal income sufficient to meet their needs
• Participants have a sense of hope for their future
• Participants have the knowledge and resources to take care of their physical (including sexual health) and mental health

Group Homes

In our group homes, a successful outcome is defined as returning residents to their family of origin, a foster family or other less restrictive environment. Successful completion of the program means that youth stay in school and remain free of chemical and substance abuse.

We have seen that even youth who don't stay long enough to complete the program receive valuable skills and knowledge about their strengths and deficits and have at least begun to think about planning for their future.

Permanent Supportive Housing

HUD’s goal of supportive housing tenants is to have an increase of income upon discharge. A tenant that is ready for self sufficiency at discharge by showing stability in employment, budgeting, health and wellness is Safe Haven’s goal for our supportive housing program. Outcomes are measured by assessments, surveys, interviews and progress made in their Employment and Self Sufficiency Plan.

How to measure success

Experienced independent evaluators, along with the Safe Haven staff, the Aftercare Community Worker and the County Case Manager, conduct Safe Haven’s program evaluation. An annual progress report is generated that includes such information as outcomes achieved versus expected results, resources developed in the community, the nature of housing youth are able to obtain, the progress of youth served in this program and the barriers they are encountering. The evaluation assesses youth's skills and deficits at intake. It is an ongoing tool to guide in program modification, as needed.

Impact

Residents in Safe Haven's group homes will stay in school and stay out of trouble, which we believe deters them from destructive lifestyles and prepares them to live happy and productive lives.

One of the benefits of having a transitional housing program for young adults is time. Given the time, youth are able to complete at least some of their educational goals, find work that pays a living wage and find suitable, affordable housing. Time allows the youth, our staff and case manager the opportunity to address family relationships, if appropriate. Time allows for counseling, approaching the relationship in stages, establishing boundaries and clearly understanding expectations. Another important impact is that youth who would otherwise be homeless are provided healthy meals, a supportive environment and a safe place to live.

Our educated and trained staff encourages sound choices to reduce the risk of failure in school, eliminate involvement in the court system and deter youth from destructive lifestyles. Special emphasis is given to strengthening the stability of their lives by offering a structured environment in which to live and play. It is the structured environment, positive interactions with adults and mediation between the youth and their families, which brings about the greatest long-term change.