Dual-System Involved Youth Program
Serving Youth Experiencing Incarceration
We aim to help youth facing incarceration access basic education during and post-incarceration and receive necessary educational support to increase academic progress. In addition, we provide access to resources and support systems and assist them as they work towards graduating high school and building a plan for their future.
How Do We Provide Educational Services to Dual-System Involved Youth?
Young people who have experienced both foster care and incarceration have not historically received equitable access to education. This creates an undeniable impact as it produces limits on educational attainment and future opportunities.
To effectively partner with youth, we use the approach of a co-design model. Co-design is a collaborative process focused on designing programs with a community rather than for them. Our path forward relies heavily on developing these connections as they know their experiences and needs the best. We work with these youth to create and provide effective interventions that increase access to basic education, special education, transition planning and post-secondary opportunities.
Who Is Eligible?
Participants must be:
- 11-21 years old
- Have an open dependency case
- Be currently incarcerated at Echo Glen Children’s Center or Green Hill School
Who Can Refer?
Youth can be referred to this program by:
- Department of Children, Youth and Family (DCYF)
- Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Guardian ad litem
- Juvenile Rehabilitation Counselor
- Attorneys representing youth
- Probation/Parole Officer
To refer a potential youth participant, begin the referral process here.
Please contact Ari McLaren-Simpson, Program Manager – Dual-System Involved Youth, with any questions and concerns at [email protected].
FAQs
Treehouse defines dual-system involved youth as any youth involved in both the child welfare and juvenile legal systems.
This program serves youth in Washington State foster care ages 11-21 incarcerated at Echo Glen Children’s Center and Green Hill School.
We work with youth to provide effective interventions that increase access to basic education, special education, transition planning and post-secondary opportunities.
The goal of the program is to increase youth self-determination and self-advocacy, increase access to education and special education services, improve high school/equivalency completion rates, support post-secondary and reentry planning and build capacity to better serve dual-system youth.
Questions?
You can contact Ari McLaren-Simpson, Program Manager – Dual-System Involved Youth, with questions, comments or concerns at [email protected].