Residential Care:
The residential programs for boys have been operating for over 30 years. Emphasis is on moving residents to the least restrictive environment including foster care or back with family members. The dedicated staff have been with the program for an average of 2 years, with some staff working more than 5 years in the same home. This dedication and consistency has lead to a very family-like environment in the homes which makes the programs unique in the county. Here are the programs at a glance:

• Two 6-bed facilities for boys ages 11-18.
• Highly structured programs with effective behavior modification component.
• Mental Health service are provided through a unique collaboration with Catholic Charities Division of Child Services. A licensed Clinical Social Worker will provide individual, group or family therapy on an as needed basis for each child.
• Average stay of 9 months in younger boys? program with 85% family reunification success rate.
• Weekly Independent Living Services for older residents.
• Emphasis on fitness and recreational activities to build self-esteem.
• Experienced Staff work with children experiencing many life limiting mental health issues, among them are: Developmentally Delayed, Attention Deficit Hyperactive, Reactive Attachment and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and many others.
• Open to dependants and wards.

Emancipation Program for girls:
The emancipation program started in January, 2003, and was born out of a need within Santa Clara County to help youth prepare for life on their own without the support of the system. The program affords residents more freedom than they would find in a traditional group home, but also requires more responsibility such as holding down a job and paying bills. Since its inception, the program has evolved in a positive direction and the focus on emancipation issues has intensified. The program now boasts a high rate of success with most girls going on to Transitional Housing Programs, holding down jobs and furthering their education. A recent graduate was accepted to college with a scholarship! The program description follows:

• Serving girls ages 15.5-18 who want to live independently.
• A mock economy teaches money management.
• Girls hold down paid or volunteer jobs in addition to attending school.
• They learn everything from balancing checkbooks to plunging toilets to how to apply for an apartment.
• Upon graduation girls receive household items of their choosing including dishes, towels, mattresses and bedding.
• Open to dependents and wards.

 
Foster Family Agency:
Please click here for more information on our foster parenting programs.

Transitional Housing Placement Program (THPP):
In March of 2006 STAR Program opened a new project called the Transitional Housing Placement Program (THPP) at the request of Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services.

Too often we see foster youth “age out” of the welfare and probation system with little or no assistance, and often, six out of ten times, they end up homeless, incarcerated or in the adult dependency system. Without direction they are left with paths of uncertainty and destructive behaviors. Too many of our emancipated foster youth are in vulnerable situations- homeless, unemployed, without high school diploma or equivalent degree, teenage parents, incarcerated, and many more too painful to name. Yet the irony of these situations is that these youth have aspirations, but lack the necessary supports unlike other children in their own families.

The goals of the STAR THPP is to empower the youth so once they do emancipate, they are able to navigate through life on their own and become self sufficient adults, but more importantly to be capable of reaching their aspirations. This program provides this opportunity for eligible youth between the ages of 16 and 18.

THPP includes housing with minimal staff supervision. All participants are required to attend an academic program and attain employment or volunteer experience. Staff works extensively with each participant to learn necessary life skills such as vocational training/career planning, academic success and money management. Additionally, to supplement our program, participants are required to be enrolled in the Independent Life Skills Program (ILP) in collaboration with another community partner in the county. The ILP program allows participants to practice independent living skills in their own home while receiving support and services from staff.

STAR THPP has thus far had 18 youth since its’ inception in March. All former and current participants remain in contact with program staff for support and follow-up as post emancipation is critical stage of their success. Staff continues to help graduate and alumni to ensure a smooth transition from dependency to independence. Each of the THPP alumni has obtained their high school or equivalency degree and is currently enrolled in college. Furthermore, all THPP alumni are currently employed and have stable housing.

Our THPP program recognizes that by empowering youth, aspirations can be realized. It may take a little guidance, but goals can be achieved and the routes that may have been impossible can become real. With this framework, participants can finish high school a semester early and transition into college in pursuit of a higher degree. Participation in the program is a step closer to reaching the “STAR”.

 

Referral
If interested please contact Paula Galvez Program Manager (408) 246-4365 ext.115