Ann-Charlotte Proffitt

Director of Practice, Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS)
Master of Public Affairs (MPAff)
UT Alumna - Hook 'Em Horns

[Ann-Charlotte Proffitt @AC_Proffitt]

A8: TNOYS prioritizes youth voice across everything that we do. For example, YYA participate in every aspect of TNOYS' Annual Conference, from planning to execution. We're excited about the incredible YYA speakers and panelists at this year's conference! https://t.co/YGIx8vKGa9

[Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) @TNOYS]

Q8: How can we better lift up the voices of youth and young adults to help them overcome challenges and achieve healthy development? What are examples of youth voice in action? #TNOYSTownHall

[Ann-Charlotte Proffitt @AC_Proffitt]

A6: YYA often talk about needing more education on important topics related to health and the transition to adulthood, such as how to obtain and use insurance, how to schedule and get to doctor's appointments, and similar life skills. #TNOYSTownHall

[Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) @TNOYS]

Q6: Youth and young adults (YYA) often do not have the resources they need for the transition into adulthood. What do YYA need to know about taking care of their health and mental health as they prepare for independent living? #TNOYSTownHall

[Ann-Charlotte Proffitt @AC_Proffitt]

A3: TNOYS has been partnering with @HackettCenter to better understand the mental and behavioral health needs of Opportunity Youth, or young people who are disconnected from school and/or work. We are excited to share results soon! #TNOYSTownHall

[Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) @TNOYS]

Q3: What are ways to improve both health access and health education so that YYA can better understand their options and how to stay healthy? #TNOYSTownHall

[Ann-Charlotte Proffitt @AC_Proffitt]

A2: TNOYS has been listening and learning from YYA who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), and youth repeatedly tell us that they need access to (1) secure housing and (2) comprehensive health care in order to become and stay healthy and stable. #TNOYSTownHall

[Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) @TNOYS]

Q2: In addition to healthcare access, needs like safe shelter and healthy food are essential to YYAs’ physical and mental health. What preventative resources do YYA need to become and stay healthy? #TNOYSTownHall

[Ann-Charlotte Proffitt @AC_Proffitt]

A1: YYA need support regulating their nervous systems, they need trusting relationships with adults, and evidence-based supports. The health, trauma, & resilience track at TNOYS' Annual Conference will explore all of these themes and more! https://t.co/YGIx8vKGa9 #TNOYSTownHall

[Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) @TNOYS]

Q1: What are common physical and mental health needs among youth and young adults (YYA) impacted by systems? What barriers exist to getting their needs met? #TNOYSTownHall #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

[Ann-Charlotte Proffitt @AC_Proffitt]

A7 (3/3): TNOYS will release the CSEY manual publicly in late Fall 2023! Folks who are interested in TNOYS training and technical assistance services can fill out this form to request support: https://t.co/YJQWfd5wMh #TNOYSTownHall #PositiveYouthDevelopment

[Ann-Charlotte Proffitt @AC_Proffitt]

A7 (1/3): Many systems-involved youth have experienced significant trauma, which can impact YYA behaviors, beliefs about themselves and others, relationships, and more. #TNOYSTownHall #PositiveYouthDevelopment

[Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) @TNOYS]

Q7: When supporting YYA with their development, what are obstacles or challenges that may arise? How can they be addressed? #TNOYSTownHall #PositiveYouthDevelopment

[Ann-Charlotte Proffitt @AC_Proffitt]

A7 (2/3): Commercially sexually exploited youth (CSEY) have especially complex trauma histories, & providers must be equipped to recognize trauma & respond appropriately. TNOYS is developing a manual for youth homelessness services w/guidance on meeting the needs of CSEY.

[Ann-Charlotte Proffitt @AC_Proffitt]

A6: Here is what Ronald, a panelist at TNOYS’ most recent Building Alliances with Youth training, has to say about helping youth develop life skills to support their transition into adulthood! #TNOYSTownHall #PositiveYouthDevelopment

[Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) @TNOYS]

Q6: What are strategies to help YYA build important life skills so they can better transition out of systems and into adulthood? #TNOYSTownHall #PositiveYouthDevelopment

[Ann-Charlotte Proffitt @AC_Proffitt]

A5 (2/2): One such strategy is to share power with youth and work collaboratively to solve a shared problem. Research shows that sharing power in this way can dramatically reduce biases and improve attitudes about the “other” group. #TNOYSTownHall

[Ann-Charlotte Proffitt @AC_Proffitt]

A5 (1/2): It is important that providers recognize and address their biases when working with youth because we all have biases, whether we want to admit it or not. In the Building Alliances with Youth training, we explore strategies to do this effectively. #TNOYSTownHall

[Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) @TNOYS]

Q5: It is important to center equity when working with youth and young adults. What are some considerations to best support BIPOC and LGBTQ+ YYA? #TNOYSTownHall #PositiveYouthDevelopment

[Sedoo Ijir @SedooIjir]

A4: Empowering youth means understanding their health challenges. Providers play a crucial role in guiding YYA through barriers like limited health info, mental health gaps, and preventive care. Let's equip them to make informed choices. #TNOYSTownHall

[Sedoo Ijir @SedooIjir]

A3 (2/2): Providers who can walk beside youth in the midst of challenges or mistakes and help YYA understand how their actions impact their goals, contribute to YYA resilience, social emotional learning, and provide a level or normalcy that YYA don't always have. #TNOYSTownHall

[Lauren Rose @LRoseTX]

At TNOYS, we work with young people and empower them to advocate for policy change at the capitol through testimony. You can check out some examples of leaders using their voice at the Texas Capitol here!: https://t.co/UBvfMMT0fc #TNOYSTownhall

[Ann-Charlotte Proffitt @AC_Proffitt]

A2 (2/2): Key strategies include focusing on safety, trustworthiness and transparency, humility and responsiveness, and youth voice. #TNOYSTownHall #PositiveYouthDevelopment

[Ann-Charlotte Proffitt @AC_Proffitt]

A2 (1/2): PYD views youth as resources, not problems. TNOYS’ training, Building Alliances with Youth to Prevent Challenging Behaviors, helps youth-serving providers to think differently about what are often characterized as “challenging behaviors.” #TNOYSTownHall

[Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) @TNOYS]

Q2: How does positive youth development differ from traditional approaches to working with youth and young adults (YYA)? #TNOYSTownHall #PositiveYouthDevelopment

[Ann-Charlotte Proffitt @AC_Proffitt]

A1: Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a research-based approach to youth engagement that emphasizes providing youth with opportunities for leadership and skill-building in order to improve outcomes for youth and adequately prepare them for adulthood. #TNOYSTownHall

[Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) @TNOYS]

Q1: What is positive youth development? How can it lead to better outcomes for young people? #TNOYSTownHall #PositiveYouthDevelopment

[Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) @TNOYS]

The next #TNOYSTownHall is today at 4 p.m.! ⏰ Join TNOYS, youth partners, and organizations like @SamaritanInnOrg, @hftexas, @FBFamilyPromise, and @HCDEtx for a discussion on Positive Youth Development best practices. Check out the questions here: https://t.co/35TrnQALdl

[Ann-Charlotte Proffitt @AC_Proffitt]

@MGPHouston

[Grace Place @MGPHouston]

A9 (1/2): 🗣️ Youth want to feel heard and they want to feel heard by unbiased adults who are interested in uplifting more youth advocates while acknowledging the barriers they face in their multiple identities. This comes from our Youth Voices Empowered group members, just like