Youth with a history of foster care are familiar with critical situations. Many have overcome abuse and even homeless by the age of 18, but navigating through a global pandemic is a reality no one could have expected.
“Just like a lot of people, they’re confused.” Explains Wayne Wolcott, Social Worker Supervisor at David & Margaret.
“They are hearing a lot of information from many different sources and that confusion can breed anxiety, it can breed depression and it can lead to social withdrawal. And I don’t mean social isolation, I mean a complete shutdown.”
Almost, if not all youth with a history of foster care struggle with their mental health. Having stability, constant adult support and maintaining a routine are key tools for leading a healthy lifestyle.
“A big part of what we have done to help the youth is give them a voice they can listen to.” Wolcott shares. “We give them the information from the CDC, we email them resources daily, we let them know that even though we are working from home, we are here for them. We have contact with each client, every day. We are making sure that whatever we know, they know and I think that transparency helps provide consistency amongst all the chaos.”
Wayne is the Social Worker Supervisor for the Transitional Housing Program (THP). His compassion and dedication combined with his clinical training and background in psychology has made him an essential support for the youth he works with.
The THP is a COMPASS Program at David & Margaret, dedicated to supporting youth with a history of foster care by Creating Opportunities and Making Personal Advancements to Self Sufficiency. These programs are staffed and led by caring individuals like Wayne, and provide essential tools and resources, meeting the youth at their level and preparing them to successfully and independently navigate through adulthood.
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