What's New
Spotlight Feature
Youth Play a Major Role in Last Week's National Convening on Youth Permanence
"Having a lifelong family made the difference as to who I am"–Mary Lee Kimmins, law school student and former Opportunity Passport™ participant
The 2008 National Convening on Youth Permanence "Families for Life: Powerful, Possible and a Priority for Youth in Foster Care," was held May 1-2 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC. Sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation/Casey Family Services and Casey Family Programs, this convening was attended by more than 600 participants, including child welfare state administrators, policymakers, youth and young adults, birth parents, media, and foster care stakeholders.
Youth had a true voice in the convening and set the stage for the workshops and activities over the two days. Attendees heard what is working and what it will take to advance the critical work of establishing lifelong families. Workshop topics included: Engaging Youth as Advocates and Advisors to Achieve Permanence, Engaging Birth Parents and Family Members as Resources for Older Youth, Youth Voices in Court Hearings, and Addressing Racial Disparities in Achieving and Sustaining Family Permanence for Youth in Foster Care.
According to Annie E. Casey Foundation President Doug Nelson, this convening was a milestone meeting in the history of child welfare policy. He emphasized the importance of not moving young people so far from their schools, families and friends, separating siblings, and not valuing adequate kinship care and other guardianship options. David Berns, executive vice president of Child and Family Services, remarked that we have a long way to go to establish new policies and build public will at the national level. "Strong, loving, permanent families are what is necessary," he stated.
During a youth panel, Joshua Conner, a young adult from the Jim Casey's Nashville site (and a former Opportunity Passport™ participant) said that stability and always knowing that he has a "home base" are the biggest reasons why permanence is so important. Krista Penrod, of the Iowa youth board Elevate said that having something consistent in your life, no how much you move, is so important and a big part of permanence.
In the next coming weeks, the following will be available:
- A complete set of post-Convening resources at www.youthpermanence.org, including video and audio clips and an array of materials shared during the event;
- A special issue of Voice, an Annie E. Casey Foundation signature publication, with Convening coverage;
- A convening summary that shares the themes and lessons generated during the two days;
- An issue of Connections Count, an Annie E. Casey Foundation/Casey Family Services enewsletter, with video clips and other resources for youth permanence; and
- A new essay from the Casey family of organizations on integrating youth permanency planning and preparation for adulthood.
