Attention Indian Foster Youth
Do you think change is needed for American Indians in foster care?
Are you looking for marketable skills for your resume?
Are you ready to learn the skills needed to be a leader in your Tribe and/or community?
Are you between the ages of 16 & 24?
WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!
You are our focus for the Indian Foster Youth Academy this July 12-17, 2010. Up to 20 Indian foster youth, and former foster youth, will be competitively selected from across California for a FREE week of training in advocacy, cross-cultural communication, negotiation, and other vital skills. You will arrive as an Indian foster youth, but return to your community as an empowered young Tribal leader! Social change begins with YOU.
If you are interested in applying to this academy for Indian foster youth and Indian former foster youth please visit IDRS, Inc.
Be the change you wish to see in the world & apply today!
Application Deadline:
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as admission decisions will be made on a rolling basis until all slots are filled. The final day to submit an application is June 30, 2010.
What You Will Do and Learn:
- 3 Day Leadership Training: Cross-Cultural Communication, Presentation & Advocacy
- 1 Day Indian Foster Youth Policy Development Training
- Each participant will travel to two locations (State, County, Tribal) to advocate for their policy agenda between July 19 and August 31, 2010.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You reside in California on or before June 30, 2010.
- American Indian – enrolled, eligible for enrollment, affiliated with unrecognized tribe, or descendant.
- Foster or former foster youth.
- Definition: You are or have been the subject of a state child custody proceeding including foster care, adoption, voluntary or involuntary termination of parental rights, or other situation where you could not be returned to your parents upon their demand. This includes proceedings in juvenile delinquency court and juvenile probation. Priority for admission in the Youth Academy will be given to those applicants who are or were in California systems.
- Between the ages of 16 and 24, on or prior to July 12, 2010. Proof of age required.
- Available to travel by appropriate and timely transportation on July 11, 2010 to Sacramento and available for return on July 18, 2010.
- Available and able to participate in all trainings for five days.
- Available and able to travel by appropriate and timely transportation between July 19, 2010 and August 31, 2010 to at least two sites in California to make presentations of your design to relevant policy-makers.
Applicants under the age of 18 on July 12, 2010 are required to submit parental/guardian consent, and all travel arrangements will be made through the parent/guardian/Indian custodian or other legally responsible care-giver.
Applicants under age 18 on July 12, 2010 and currently in foster care or probation must receive permission to travel and participate in trainings from their social worker/probation officer PRIOR to applying for the Youth Academy. Social Workers and Probation officers are required to contact the Academy Director, Heather Zenone, prior to application. All travel arrangements will be made through legally responsible care-givers with the input of social workers/probation officers.
For More Information Contact:
Heather Zenone
IDRS ICWA Program Director
916-482-5800 or heather@idrsinc.org
And be sure to visit the website and apply at www.idrsinc.org/youthacademy
IDRS, Inc.
1325 Howe Ave, Suite 201
Sacramento, CA 95825
Our telephone:
916-482-5800
Filed under: News, Youth Resources
