LCS PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Leaders Changing the System (LCS) Leadership Training and Mentoring Program was created by Partnerships for Permanence (P4P). We train and recruit current or former foster and adoptive youth and adults to our organization as executive team members or youth consultants, who share in our organization’s mission and want to see it succeed.
- LCS participants will build widely applicable professional skills through comprehensive trainings from experts in the areas of: communication, public speaking, identity formation, storytelling, child welfare, and legislation advocacy.
- After completion of the program, emerging leaders will be presented with the opportunity to join P4P’s wider team and be paired with a volunteer mentor to help them continue on their journey to success.
- After further training, youth will later lead workshops for current or future foster and adoptive parents and industry professionals in the child welfare system.
Eligibility:
1.) You must be 18 years of age or older.
2.) You must have received a high school diploma or GED.
3.) You must be interested in child welfare or foster care/adoption system.
4.) You must have professional or life experience with the foster care and/or adoption; Life experience is preferred.
5.) You must have reliable transportation.
6.) You must be able to devote time and a consistent level of commitment to completing tasks, projects, and participating in ongoing skills development training.
P4P PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
1) Our Leaders Changing the System (LCS) program- We teach aspiring youth leaders life and leadership skills, identity formation, communication skills, plus provide resources to career and educational opportunities, and one-on-one mentorship to support our youth’s successful transition into adulthood.
2) Our Foster Alumni and Adoptee Support Network- We provide an online support network for foster and adoptive young people to form lasting supportive relationships and build meaningful connections with other P4P members who have similar life experiences.
- We offer ongoing support to program participants through mentoring trainings, book club calls, peer support groups, social and networking events, and summer and holiday gatherings.
3) Our Child Welfare Trainings- We teach child welfare professionals and foster and adoptive families how to advocate for young people through skills-building workshops, like how to better care for children of color (racial and cultural needs).
- We also partner with other agencies to raise community awareness and understanding of how to support foster and adoptive youth so they can grow into adults that live positive, peaceful, and prosperous lives.
