Receipt of Referral
Anyone who knows an eligible youth can refer. Once a referral is received by EPIC, a call is made to the referring party to acknowledge receipt of the referral. The youth is then assigned to a facilitator.

Initial Phone Call
The Youth Circle facilitator will call the foster parent to inform them of the referral and let them know that we will be speaking with the youth. The facilitator will call the youth to set up a first visit to explain the Youth Circle program.

First Visit
The Youth Circle facilitator will meet with the youth in person at a location convenient to the youth. The Youth Circle facilitator will explain the Youth Circle program and give the youth a resource booklet. If the youth decides they want to have a Youth Circle, the facilitator will ask the youth to think about how they want to open the Circle, what is their proudest accomplishment, what are their goals, whom to invite, and what food and drinks they want served.

Youth Circle Coordination
The Youth Circle facilitator will call each of the invitees and explain to them the Youth Circle process and check on their availability. The facilitator will attempt to determine a date, time, and location that are convenient for all of the invitees. An invitation will be sent to each invitee to confirm the Youth Circle.

Youth Circle is Held
The Youth Circle normally lasts up to three hours.

Post-Circle
Each participant will receive a copy of the Youth Circle summary (the youth’s transition plan).