University of Southern Maine

Teach Them to Fish: Working with Youth in Transition from Foster Care

This Adolescent Caseworker Competency Training focuses on how to effectively work with adolescents as they move into adulthood and independent living. The development of the competency model and the curriculum utilized a youth development approach which included the involvement of the youth as full partners in the design of the model/curriculum and delivery of the training. The training which focuses on the roles, functions, interpersonal and systems skills workers and care providers need to work with youth in transition. The curriculum is accompanied by a video in which youth share their views on such topics as advocacy, networking, communication etc.

In addition, the Muskie School as part of this federally funded project created the publication, "Partnering with Youth: Involving Youth in Child Welfare Training and Curriculum Development.

Project Contact Information

University of Southern Maine
96 Falmouth Street
P. O. Box 9300
Portland, ME 04104-9300

Martin Zanghi, PI
Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service
1 Post Office Square
P.O. Box 15010
Portland, ME 04112
(207) 780-5867
martyz@usm.maine.edu

Curriculum Availability

Curriculum is available here for free download. There are two manuals in pdf format.

Trainer Manual

Participant Manual