Regional Definition of Normalcy For Youth In Care

The Definition of “Normalcy”

Defining what “normalcy” means for youth in out-of-home care, and how service providers can promote “normal” adolescent experiences for youth in their care.
Created by the New England Youth Coalition and the New England Association of Child Welfare Commissioner and Directors
____________________________________________________________________________
Preamble:
“Normal” refers to standard or usual activities regularly experienced by youth not in out-of-home care. ‘Out-of-home care’ includes residential treatment facilities, foster homes, group homes, and placements with relatives or kin. In addition to ‘standard or usual activities’, normalcy for youth in out-of-home care includes opportunities for input and participation in decision-making for their cases and day-to-day lives.
Along with defining what “Normalcy” looks like, the New England Youth Coalition hopes this document will raise awareness of the unique experiences of:

● Youth in secure facilities,

● Youth from varying ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds – including Native youth, and

● Youth with non-conforming gender identification and sexual orientations.
____________________________________________________________________________

Final Definition and Normalcy Bill of Rights – COMING SPRING 2016

Categories in Process of being defined
“Normalcy” and Families:
“Normalcy” and Social/Peer Inclusion:
“Normalcy” and Community Inclusion:
“Normalcy” and Cultural Awareness:
“Normalcy” and Age-Related Milestones:
“Normalcy” and Decision-Making: