Pathways to Academic & Career Exploration
Pathways to Academic and Career Explorations to Success (PACES) is an in-home service that aims to support youth involved with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) by providing effective transition practices to obtain a high school diploma and engage in post-secondary education, career exploration, vocational training, and other supports and services to assist the youth to secure gainful employment in the future.
We’re here to help with:
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Employment and Vocational Challenges
Providing support, resources, and guidance to help you overcome work-related obstacles, develop skills, and achieve your career goals.
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Community Resources
Connecting you to important resources to guide you through your wellness journey.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Pathways to Academic and Career Exploration to Success services:
- Between the ages of 16 to 21 years old
- Referred by the Division of Child Protection & Permanency (DCP&P)
- Meet one of the following requirements:
- Youth residing in DCP&P out-of-home placements
- Youth must have been adopted through DCP&P after age 12 or entered Kinship Legal Guardianship after age 16
- Youth experiencing homelessness residing or having recently resided in a transitional living program or independent living arrangement
What to Expect
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Reaching Out
After receiving a referral from DCP&P, a PACES coach will reach out to the client directly to schedule an in-person meeting, providing an overview of the program during that phone call.
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Initial Meeting
The client will meet with a PACES coach to discuss services, preliminary plan of care, discuss potential service plan goals, begin the intake assessment, and schedule their next meeting.
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Moving Forward with Care
Services will be provided in-person with a minimum of two sessions per month. Services take place over the course of approximately two years. Throughout the PACES program, clients will receive a high school diploma and will develop long-term educational or employment goals.
FAQ’s
How long are PACES services provided?
Approximately 2 years.
What can my PACES coach do to help me?
PACES coaches help you identify and plan goals for employment and education and help you achieve those goals.
How often do I need to meet with my PACES coach and for how long?
In-person sessions occur a minimum of two times per month, and sessions last as long as you need, usually around one hour. The amount of time per session depends on the goals of that session.
How do I qualify for PACES services
To qualify for Pathways to Academic and Career Exploration to Success services, you must be:
- Between the ages of 16 to 21 years old
- Referred by the Division of Child Protection & Permanency (DCP&P)
- Meet one of the following requirements:
- Youth residing in DCP&P out-of-home placements
- Youth must have been adopted through DCP&P after age 12 or entered Kinship Legal Guardianship after age 16
- Youth experiencing homelessness residing or having recently resided in a transitional living program or independent living arrangement
