PLACE MATTERS
places matter
They shape the behavior, outcomes, and well-being of transition-age youth.
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The places in which we live, learn, and grow influence our trajectory in life. The transition from childhood to adulthood is often a challenging experience for young people. In this important developmental phase, young people need access to community resources and support services to help them thrive as young adults.

Our Strategy Populations
transition-aged youth
(Young people aged 14-24)
Children of incarcerated parents
Our Core Priorities
The Place Matters project aims to support the state of Maine and its communities in redesigning, implementing, and evaluating a community-based continuum of care through systems innovation, data resources, and community inclusion. Our work focuses on translating data and innovative practices into community-based solutions that are both responsive to local needs and supplement existing assets so that all transition-aged young people in Maine thrive into adulthood.
System Innovation
We are committed to working towards universal goals and targeted reinvestment into a community-based continuum of care based on analysis of underlying indicators of economic and
social well-being.
Data Resources
We are informed by and accountable to the best available data across systems and communities, including the underlying factors and forces of place
that shape outcomes.
Community Inclusion
We engage and activate community assets and accountability in local problem solving and adaptation.
Learn more about our work
Community Resources
Learn about asset mapping and the work Place Matters is doing to implement a Community-based Continuum of Care across Maine!

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Report Series
Place Matters has produced a series of reports summarizing our research, community engagement, and policy recommendations. The reports in this series are intended to inform and support the work of policy makers and community members dedicated to improving outcomes for Maine’s youth. As our work continues, additional reports and resources will be added to the series.

Read the Report Series
Latest News
January 2021
Our newsletter contains curated content surrounding policy, research, practice, and news related to system-involved youth. Read past issues and sign up to receive our newsletter!
We have better information than we have ever had about the unintended impact of our good intentions, as well as what contributes to positive youth outcomes. What do we want as a system of care for Maine’s children?