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Children's Division
Chafee Foster Care Independent Living Program
Policy and Procedures Handbook"We are the Voice of those who count - The Foster Youth of Missouri"
The Missouri State Youth Advisory Board (SYAB) was established December 1992, with the first meeting being held on June 25, 1993. The SYAB meets on a quarterly basis. Each member of the board is an outstanding youth in foster care who represents other youth in his/her area of the state. Each area is allowed to have up to three (3) youth serve on the State Youth Advisory Board. The youth must be divided evenly between their Independent Living Program (ILP) Specialists, to assure that SYAB members are equally representing their specific area as related to geographical size. Recognizing that each SYAB member represents all children and youth who have/are in Out-of-Home placements, each SYAB member is responsible for providing Children’s Services policy and procedural input to CD administrative staff/Juvenile Court. The SYAB decides what goals and activities they want to pursue for upcoming meetings and carry those out accordingly. The SYAB also works as a network by bringing back important information to the Area Youth Advisory Board (AYAB), who in turn, take information back to ILP Specialists and youth in the ILP classes. When recommended to serve on the SYAB, the membership term is one (1) year, however, once a member, there are guidelines to follow in order to continue membership.
The mission of the SYAB is to empower Out-of-Home youth to provide input into
the policies and procedures for Out-of-Home Care; to provide meaningful leadership
training and experiences for board members; and to empower board members who,
in turn, can empower children and youth who have experienced Out-of-Home Care.
Recruitment
- Interested youth shall submit an application to their AYAB.
- The youth must be nominated by their AYAB and Specialist.
- AYAB/SYAB members review and interview applicant.
- Each area has an alternate member available.
Requirements
- To ensure equal representation, each area shall be represented by at least one youth per meeting.
- The youth must be a member of his/her AYAB.
- The youth must be age 16-21, but if turns 21 during the term, can finish the remainder of the term.
- The youth must either be an active participant of an ILP class with plans of graduating or be an ILP graduate.
- The youth must have a good attendance record for activities in which they are involved, such as ILP classes, AYAB meetings, school, work, etc.
- The youth must be performing adequately in school (according to case manager and foster parents or guardian).
- The youth must be willing to contact other youth in Missouri when necessary to get information and input on policy and programs.
Orientation
- This handbook will be given to and read by potential SYAB members prior to attending the first meeting.
- At the first meeting, time will be allotted for a current SYAB member (to be assigned) to answer any questions the new member might have and to further explain the purpose and responsibilities of an SYAB member, if necessary.
Chair
- Serves one year term.
- Must serve at least one year on the board before being considered for this position.
- Maintains order in the meeting.
- Recognizes speakers.
- Calls for votes.
- Communicates with other board members as needed in between meetings.
- Acts as a positive role model at all times.
Co-Chair
- Serves one year term.
- Same general duties at chair.
- Fills in as Chair when Chair is absent.
- Option to take over as chair when term is up.
Scribe
- Takes minutes.
- Prepares the meeting minutes.
- Types other information as needed.
- Takes attendance.
- Responsible for getting any materials needed (minutes, notes, typed materials) to their ILP Specialist or Coordinator.
Ex-Officio Members – (Effective September, 2002)
- Up to three (3) non voting members per term.
- Do not have to be 21 years old to be nominated as an Ex-Officio.
- Appointed by the Division Director or Designee.
- A letter of interest must be submitted to the AYAB for consideration. Upon nomination by the Area YAB and ILP Specialist, a letter will be submitted to the Division Director by August 1st for approval and appointment.
- Serves no more than two (2) consecutive or non-consecutive one-year terms.
- Served at least a one-year term as a board member or alternate, within the last three (3) year.
- Must follow the same rules/guidelines as state board members.
Missouri Children's Division (CD)
Independent Living Program (ILP) and
State Youth Advisory Board (SYAB)
Chaperone and Youth Travel Policy
Youth involved with the ILP program and/or the State and/or Area Youth Advisory Boards have occasion to travel to meetings, camps, conferences, etc. We are confident that a youth chosen for such privileges will exercise good judgment and avoid doing things in poor taste that would bring discredit to him/herself and others. Therefore, it is understood that the following policy will be observed when traveling to and from and during ILP activities. If there are questions the youth should ask his/her chaperone or ILP Specialist.
The chaperone is responsible for going over the travel policy with the youth to make sure everyone understands what is expected and to periodically check with the youth to make sure things are going well. The chaperone is also responsible to make sure the youth is in his/her room when it is time to sleep.
05/22/03
Missouri Department of Social Services
221 West High Street • P.O. Box 1527
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1527
