Best Practices: Identification & Outreach

Kathy Hamilton, Youth Transitions Director, Boston Private Industry Council

School district lists of dropouts (requires district’s cooperation)

State education agency lists of dropouts (requires state’s cooperation)

Agency referrals (requires buy-in of major social service agencies)

Target neighborhoods with high amounts of dropouts or poverty (when you can’t get other information)

Best Practice 1: Identification, pick a strategy that fits your region

How direct outreach works: Reach out to their homes by phone, mail, or personal visits (or all three) Visit young people where they are, such as shopping or recreation centers Always get full contact information with lists!

How to do it without lists (or to supplement direct outreach): Media blitz: use social media and local media like radio stations Posters in public places Major outreach to youth-serving agencies

Why it works: In some areas, the need is so great that students start coming the minute you

open the door, but in most cities, young people need to feel invited, particularly at the beginning of the project, before word has spread

Best Practice 2: Conduct outreach that resonates

How it works: Most of these young people, though strong and resilient, have experienced

trauma and need to feel comfortable and supported

Why it works: It helps young people connect and buy in fairly quickly, which is key in the

outreach phase: you have 30 seconds to make a first impression!

Best Practice 3: Hire caring adults from the same communities in which dropouts live

How it works: Pick a spot that is transportation-friendly, gang-neutral, and, if possible, a

place with which youth have a positive association

Why it works: It allows maximum access and usage of the center

Best Practice 4: House the re-engagement in a site where young people are comfortable

How it works: Warm greeting, minimal waiting time. Avoid creating the “take a number

and wait” atmosphere; provide prompt follow-up, strong customer service in all interactions

Why it works: It helps young people feel comfortable and open up This environment allows the Center to get to know a young person’s needs,

which will inform the service plan Service plans allow staff to support a student through a process that may

take several phases

Best Practice 5: Provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere in which young people feel comfortable

Questions & discussion