When engaging with youth, the outreach worker completes an assessment of every youth’s safety and well-being through a trauma-informed lens by asking questions about his/her housing situation, behavioral and physical health, and through direct observation of behaviors.  The youth outreach team is trained in trauma-informed principles and utilizes community resources to address crises/emergencies as they arise. A significant percentage of the youth present with significant behavioral health issues that require a greater intensity of supportive services.

The annual target percentage for youth safety assessments completed upon engagement in the community is 90 - 100%. During FY22, a total of 100% or 95 of 95 youth received a safety assessment upon engagement in the community. 

Definitions:  

Safety Assessment:  The outreach worker evaluates the UHY’s safety by asking questions about their behavioral and physical health, and observing their behavior, in order to determine if the individual is experiencing a health-related emergency.  If the outreach worker determines that the individual is experiencing a health-related emergency, he/she will contact 911 or the County’s crisis response system, depending on the situation.