A Model for Aftercare

Children’s Village program is nationally recognized and replicated

Over its long history, Alliance member Children’s Village, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., has invested in various initiatives that support transition, stability, and community living. The organization was at the forefront of the aftercare movement 25 years ago when it began offering WAY, a specialized program for teens transitioning from a residential setting.

WAY, which now serves around 300 Children’s Village teens, provides long-term mentoring to youth as they leave care and move into the community. The program concentrates on three main areas: school, work, and savings. It is founded on the belief that success in society requires a basic education, the ability to get and keep a job that pays a living wage, and the skill to manage one’s finances.

Teens who participate in the aftercare program for one year (see main article for information about the aftercare program) are eligible to request WAY scholarships that can extend their follow-up support for up to five years.

In most cases the WAY program follows and works with teens for three to five years—and at times beyond that. Counselors help scholars adjust to the demands of life in the real world as they finish high school, move on to higher education, get jobs, open bank accounts, and get their first apartments. At times the counselor is there even when the scholar becomes a parent.

The program is nationally recognized and replicated. Its success has been documented in a longitudinal study, which revealed that of those who maintained their commitment to the program for at least two and one-half years, 80 percent graduated or were attending high school. Additionally, 95 percent were employed or in school. Only 5 percent had adult arrests on their record.

Founded in 1851, Children’s Village is a multiservice organization recognized for its residential expertise. Serving almost 2,000 teens daily, including about 450 who attend the residential school, Children’s Village is set on a 220-acre property. The main campus is located 10 miles outside New York City.