Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
In this proposal, Orange County Mental Health and Homelessness Division will collaborate via contract with Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago to outline a plan for partnering with Orange County Public Schools and Avenues for Life in Orlando Florida, to conduct a U.S. adaptation and evaluation of the Upstream model, a collaborative approach involving schools and community-based partners to prevent student homelessness and school dropout. The Upstream model is an innovative, place-based collective impact intervention. Initially developed and evaluated as “The Geelong Project” in Australia, Upstream demonstrated a 40% reduction in the number of adolescents (ages 12-18) entering the local homelessness system and a 20% reduction in the number of adolescents leaving school early (McKenzie, 2018). A multi-tiered system of support, Upstream involves several components, embraces a prevention perspective, and connects schools and community services to identify and intervene with young people and their families at high risk of becoming homeless to strengthen their resilience and address underlying risk factors before they escalate to crisis. Upstream includes a flexible practice framework, and youth-focused, family-centered case management. The model includes longitudinal follow-up and support to reduce homelessness and achieve sustainable education and lifetime outcomes. By the end of the project planning year, Orange County will have a comprehensive plan for implementation of the Upstream Model.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
