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:
-
Education & Employment
We support youth with school and career planning. Our team offers guidance, resources, and encouragement to help young people finish high school, build job skills, and work toward their future goals.
-
Community Resources
We help connect youth and families with helpful services in the community that support education, health, and overall well-being.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Pathways to Academic and Career Exploration to Success services:
- Youth 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 additional requirements:
- Youth residing in DCP&P out-of-home placement for a cumulative of 9 months or more following the their 16th birthday.
- Youth must have been adopted through DCP&P following their 12th birthday or entered Kinship Legal Guardianship after their 16th birthday.
- Youth experiencing homelessness OR residing or have recently resided in a transitional living program or independent living arrangement
What to Expect
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
FAQs
How long are PACES services provided?
Approximately 2 years.
What can a PACES Coach do to help youth?
PACES Coaches help youth identify, plan and achieve their education and employment goals.
How often do youth need to meet with their PACES coach and for how long?
In-person sessions will be scheduled a minimum of two times per month, and sessions usually around one hour. The amount of time per session depends on the goals of that session.
How do youth qualify for PACES services?
To qualify for Pathways to Academic and Career Exploration to Success services, youth must be:
- Youth 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 additional requirements:
- Youth residing in DCP&P out-of-home placement for a cumulative of 9 months or more following the their 16th birthday.
- Youth must have been adopted through DCP&P following their 12th birthday or entered Kinship Legal Guardianship after their 16th birthday.
- Youth experiencing homelessness OR residing or have recently resided in a transitional living program or independent living arrangement
What happens during the first meeting with a PACES Coach?
During the initial meeting, the youth and PACES Coach will discuss the program, begin the intake assessment, and identify potential goals related to education, employment, and future planning. The coach will also review available services, develop a preliminary plan of care, and schedule the next meeting.
How can a PACES Coach support my educational and career goals?
PACES Coaches work with youth to identify, plan for, and achieve their education and employment goals. They provide guidance, encouragement, and resources to help participants complete high school, explore career pathways, build job readiness skills, and prepare for long-term success.
Will services be provided in person or virtually?
PACES services are provided in person. Youth meet with their PACES Coach at least twice per month, allowing for consistent support, goal planning, and progress toward educational and employment objectives throughout the program.
How are goals developed in the PACES program?
Goals are developed collaboratively between the youth and their PACES Coach. During meetings, participants discuss their interests, strengths, and future aspirations to create a plan that supports educational achievement, career exploration, and long-term success.
