Last month, the Children’s Attention Home served as a panelist in the Young Adult Housing & Support Symposium hosted by the Palmetto Association for Children & Families and the South Carolina Department of Social Services in Columbia.
The symposium brought together professionals from across the state to focus on innovative housing programs, supportive services, and best practices to assist young adults transitioning into adulthood. Ashley Thomas, Care Coordinator at the Home, was invited to serve as a panelist during a session on program models, where she shared insights from the Home’s experience in providing transitional housing and independent living support to young adults.
“Our youth need programs and resources that serve as a stepping stone into adulthood,” Ashley highlighted. “Regardless of their trauma, it is our responsibility as a community support team to provide opportunities and experiences to help guide them through the process of becoming and being a young adult. There is no single answer to effectively support young adults, but understanding their needs and being sensitive to them goes a long way for a young person seeking a mentor and support who sees beyond their flaws and trauma.”
The Children’s Attention Home Interim Executive Director Tara Burgess and Director of Programs Alicia Scott also attended the symposium, engaging in discussions focused on supervised independent living, age-appropriate programming, and workforce development. The event showcased the importance of a collective commitment among organizations to provide young adults aging out of care with a stable foundation. Attendees emphasized the importance of listening to the youth and recognizing that their age does not define their readiness for independence. The conversations also highlighted the necessity of offering opportunities, experiences, resources, and mentorship to empower young adults in shaping their futures.
The Children’s Attention Home remains committed to helping young adults navigate the transition to independence by implementing evidence-based practices and collaborating with state partners. The symposium reinforced the importance of a collective effort to provide resources and support young people need to thrive.