Youth Development Program

Leaving Foster Care

FOR YOUTH AGES 14-23 who are, or have been, in foster care.

We offer a wide range of services designed to help youth transition from State custody and care to self-sufficiency and independent living.

To learn more about the Youth Development Program for youth in Washington County, contact Joe Nowlan at (802) 477-2302 or jnowlan@elevateyouthvt.org.

Services can be arranged to take place at our office in Berlin, at area schools, in family homes, or at other appropriate locations. Referrals to other community resources are also provided to youth and families when needed.

Our services are youth-driven and focus on supporting participants to set personal goals, identify steps, remove barriers, and expand natural support networks. YDP provides life skills assessment, training and coaching, referrals to other services including mental health and substance use counseling, access to health insurance and physical health care, education planning and linkage to educational services and supports for high school completion/GED prep and or college preparation, vocational support and training, assistance in exploring and connecting with kinship networks and other social supports, plus support with finding suitable and safe housing.

What parents are saying

“It’s a very important time in their lives where they’re trying to figure out who they are and what they want to do. Without a mentor like the YDP worker, they could just potentially feel stuck. So it’s helpful to have a non-biased party come in and say, ‘Let’s work on these things together. How are you going to better yourself? And how are you going to make these things available to you? What are your goals?’ I’m thankful my daughter had that.”