By Kelly Urban, Tribune-Democrat—University of Pittsburgh at Johnston is holding an Independent Living Youth Retreat for the 3rd year. The school hosts youth in foster care in Pennsylvania who are nearing “aging out” of the system. The conference is designed to help the youth better prepare for transition to adulthood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Susana Mariscal

 They expect to have about 135 youth from 16 to 21 years old participating in educational workshops, social activities, and panel discussions. The youth are from every part of Pennsylvania.

Pitt School of Social Work’s Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program as well as the Public Welfare Department’s Office of Children, Youth and Families are sponsoring the event.

Wendy Unger, a practice improvement unit leader with Pitt’s Child Welfare Training Program, explains the importance of the conference. “This is an annual event where we bring foster youth together to experience college life, and it’s a place where they can connect with one another and share their common experiences. They are forming lifelong bonds.”

Courtesy of Tribune-Democrat

Original Article: UPJ program prepares foster children for adulthood

Link: http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1533026061/-Lifelong-bonds