2010 Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative Fall Convening

The 2010 Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Fall Convening

Clearwater Florida

November 15-17, 2010

Convening Results:

• Understand how the Initiative's Theory of Change has evolved over time and how it connects the five strategies, emerging policy agenda, and Initiative tools, with highlights on education and employment;
• Share challenges and successes in achieving greater scale, pursuing sustainability, and securing funding as sites continue to implement Initiative strategies and pursue key policy goals;
• Develop an understanding of efforts to address racial disparities in the context of the Initiative's Theory of Change, strategies and policy priorities; and
• Develop deeper knowledge and share promising practices around maintaining momentum and focus in the face of leadership transitions.

Click here for the full agenda.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Bill Shephardson, Center for the Study of Social Policy, Facilitator 

Opening Remarks by Gary J. Stangler, executive director of the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative

What We are Learning About How to Improve Results:  The Evolution of the Initiative's Theory of Change and Partnerships with Communities and States - Presentation by Leonard D. Burton, chief operating officer of the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative

In the Current Environment Policy Matters:  Initiative Policy Goals - Presentation by Lynn Tiede, Senior Associate Director of the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative

Policy Breakout Sessions

Education

Presentation by Kathleen McNaught (ABA Legal Center for Foster Care and Education, Center on Children and the Law) about national information on Fostering Connections and state innovations.

Asset Building

Presentation by Carol Wayman of the Corporation for Enterprise Development on current federal legislation.

Presentation by Inger Giuffrida on the impact and importance of financial literacy training for young people aging out of foster care.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Panel Discussion:  What We Have Learned and Where We Are Headed

Presentation by Mark Courtney, Professor, School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, that provides an overview of what the research is telling us about the subgroups of young adults leaving foster care.

Presentation by Dianna Walters, Graduate Research Assistant, Muskie School of Public Service, on the implications of these data and gives a vision for the next decade on an effective service system and strong policies that support youth in successfully transitioning to adulthood.

Panel Discussion:  Addressing Racial Disparities in the Context of Our Work

Presentation by Judy Melzer, Deputy Director, Center for the Study of Social Policy, that summarizes the national research around disparities.

Presentation by Kristin Weber, Senior Associate, Center for the Study of Social Policy, that provides some examples about how to diagnose the institutional contributors of disparities.

Presentation by Cathi Huerta, Director, Fresno County Department of Social Services, that describes how her agency is taking action to achieve racial equity for all.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Panel Discussion:  Show Me the Money?  Partnering with Local Funders to Ensure Success and Sustainability

Presentation by Miriam Shark, Associate Director, Annie E. Casey Foundation, about what we are learning regarding partnerships with investors.