Defining Normalcy: NEYC Normalcy-Permanency Committee

Presentation compiled by: Dakota Roundtree-Swain (MA)

Randy – RIKaylia – RIDaniella – NHTyneshia – MEBrieanna – NHMark – NHTraci – NHChris – VTAnna – VTVince – CTAbrielle - VT

Committee MembersAugust 2014

From Left to Right: Keith (RI), Dakota (MA), Corey (NH), Tyneshia (ME), Traci (NH), Randy (RI), Vincent (CT), Jacob (RI)

Committee Members July 2015

Normalcy Definition TimelineJanuary-February 2013: NEYC asks each state what their youth feel is normal and what is not.

August 2013: Normalcy Permanency Committee takes over development of Normalcy definition

February 2014: The committee starts to look at all the information gathered from the states that sent in what they had.

Tyneshia - ME Vincent - CT

Normalcy Definition Timeline

August 2014: The committee shows the NEYC group and takes suggestions and talks about the wording and what things should be added or taken out.

➔ Committee members paired off➔ Each pair took three categories➔ Currently taking language from

each state and making it into a singular statement per category

Gradients of Agreement on Preamble

● To ensure that all youth have access to the same opportunities as youth not in care.

● To raise awareness about things in foster care that are not normal.● So youth-in-care don’t have to feel “different” or categorized.

● Because it’s “kid” not “foster kid”.● Because we were a generation of people who couldn’t, trying to

make a generation of people who can.

Why are we trying to define “normalcy”?

● “Normal” refers to standard or usual activities regularly experienced by youth not in out-of-home care.

Normalcy is making your life as normal as possible while in care.

What is Normalcy?

There is nothing “normal” about being removed from the home you grew up in. ● Ensures regular visits with family and siblings● Placements should respect youth’s desires around family visits

These efforts include:● Contact with youth and parent/guardian upon placement● Regular phone calls with parent/guardian ● Support for face-to-face time with parent/guardian including visits in the

community or at the family home● Support for permanency planning

1) Normalcy and Families

● Background checks for sleepovers are not normal and there are less intrusive and faster ways to determine if an environment is safe.

● Consider the unique needs of each youth when making decisions about sleepovers, keeping in mind that often youth who identify as LGBTQQAA have been denied overnights with opposite-sex friends while also being denied same-sex friends.

2) Normalcy and Peer Inclusion

Youth in care shall have opportunities to build relationships within their home and school communities equal to their peers not in care.

This includes involvement in: ● Volunteering ● Participating in sports and other extra-curricular clubs● Attending school or community events● Going to camp● Having a part-time job● Joining mentoring programs● Being involved in faith-based programs

3) Normalcy and Community Inclusion

“Youth in care shall be able to express themselves as they choose, because all people have the right to enjoy freedom,

love, and safety regardless of their circumstances.”

This section includes special attention to:● LGBTQ youth● Native youth

4) Normalcy and Cultural Awareness

Youth in care shall be supported to reach age-related milestones. Examples of these milestones include, but are not limited to:

● Getting a driver’s license ● Opening a bank account and learning money management skills● Adjusting curfew, allowances, allowing for romantic relationships● Celebrating birthdays, graduations, and other achievements● Taking steps to prepare for adulthood, higher education, and the work

force.

5) Normalcy and Age Related Milestones

● Youth shall be allowed to make their own age-appropriate choices--even when others fear the youth might make a mistake.

● We must allow for normal consequences which are situational and age appropriate.

6) Normalcy and Decision-Making

Task Force: ● 1-3 years● No need for budgetary allocation● Increase accountability and ensure proper implementation

“Prudent Parent Standard”: ● See: Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act

Subtitle B: Improving Opportunities for Children in Foster Care and Supporting Permanency.

Liability Clause

Implementation Suggestions