| dc.description.abstract | Permanency rates, measured by adoption and guardianship, are low for teenage youth in foster care. This capstone explores this problem of practice through the lens of a nonprofit dedicated to creating a community of caring adults to surround older youth in care. Through structuring experiences in which youth and volunteer adults engage in program event activities, mentorship opportunities, and host weekend visits, the nonprofit hopes to increase positive permanency rates for older youth in care. Findings suggest that adoption rates remain low. However, the nonprofit's value proposition, derived through the experiences of staff, board, volunteers, and youth, is in providing a permanent community to support youth both in care, and through emancipation. Several detailed findings are offered, followed by recommendations for how the nonprofit might more deeply connect its activities to its permanent community value proposition. | |
