Issue link: http://uwashington.uberflip.com/i/106618
NEEDS •Universities and other colleges need to create a more welcoming and supportive environment — including Native campus organizations. •Young adults need financial literacy, including information about financial aid and loans for college. •Young adults need good mentors as they transition into adulthood. Mentors need to reach out to them regularly rather than wait for young adults to reach out. Also, young adults need "a safety line" back to the community — someone they can call if they are in trouble and need help from back home. •Education and training to make sure young adults have academic readiness. •Education about how their healthcare coverage and access change as they turn 19. •Education and career planning for those young adults who don't plan to go to college. •Effective drug and alcohol abuse prevention and treatment. •Recovery houses and job corps on reservations. •Culturally sensitive, sober living environments (transitional housing). college is currently not an option. They are at risk for substance abuse, crime, depression. •Treatment programs that are Native-focused and Nativebased, with programs for moms and pregnant women. •Programs for families who are dealing with young adult family members engaging in dangerous behaviors, including using drugs and alcohol. •Need planning and programs for those young adults who are "invisible," who drop out from school and for whom •Parenting classes for young adults who are parents, with refresher courses as their babies grow. SUGGESTIONS •Support and encourage young adults through this time of transition — they need goals and the confidence that they can achieve those goals. Plant a seed of support through community praise and dream nurturing. •Prepare them for the stresses at college — may be the only minority/Native person and may feel that they are constantly being evaluated, and also put in the role as the "expert" on Natives. •As young adults leave the reservation/community sometimes their healthcare records are not coordinated. Would be helpful if service providers had some way to coordinate care and share health records of young adults as they transition away. •Educate/support young adults about how to continue to access healthcare as they transition. •Educate and encourage parents to stay involved in their child's life throughout this transition period, including with regards to healthcare. •Support young adults in finding healthy, appropriate networks as they leave home. •Young adults need good role models. •Provide opportunities for young adults to help their Elders, develop a helping attitude, and develop a work ethic (traditional teaching). •Need the opportunity to experience strong, healthy adult relationships (may not have been taught the skills necessary for this). •May be their first time "on their own" and the first time making basic decisions about food choices, keeping up with healthcare, etc. — need support and life skills education. •Support them as they explore their education and career options — need encouragement and confirmation that their goals may change but it is important to have goals. •Reach out (proactively) to young adults rather than waiting for them to seek assistance and support. •Work with young adults so they understand the benefits and costs involved with higher education, including technical schools, and that a college degree doesn't guarantee a job — pre-planning for later. This is especially important if they will need to take out student loans and will have a debt after they graduate. •Have young adults develop a budget for independent living to see how much things will cost (insurance, utility bills, etc.) so they can be prepared and inspired to meet those demands. Summary Report: April 4-5, 2012 25