EVENT ARCHIVES

April 15 and 16, 2010 American Bar Association Conference on Charting A Better Future For Youth: A National Summit on Effective Implementation of the Fostering Connections to Success Act

On April 15th and 16th, 2010,  Roosevelt House hosted a national convening of child welfare experts for a day-long forum entited "Charting A Better Future For Youth: A National Summit on Effective Implementation of the Fostering Connections to Success Act ."  Panelists and participants discussed key provisions of the Fostering Connections Act; challenges and successes in states that have endeavored to move forward with implementation efforts; and cost and benefit analysis and strategies for addressing fiscal challenges.  Participants then met in smaller groups to discuss specific topics affecting the Foster Care system and the Fostering Connections to Success Act, including: Health and mental issues; placement and housing; Education and Employment; the Court and legal process; and youth engagement.

Speakers included:

Laura Farber- Chair, American Bar Association, Commission on Youth at Risk

Jennifer J. Raab- President, Hunter College

Hon. Judith Kaye (Ret.)- Chair, New York State Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children, Member, American Bar Association Commission on Youth at Risk

Carolyn B. Lamm- President, American Bar Association

David Berns- Executive Vice President of Child and Family Services, Casey Family Programs

Carmen R. Nazario- Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services

Representative Jim McDermott (D-WA)- Fostering Connections Act Sponsor

Panelists included:

Hon. Patricia M. Martin- Presiding Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois

JooYeun Chang- Director of Public Policy, Casey Family Programs

Mark Courtney- Director of Research and Development, Partners For Our Children

Erwin McEwen- Director, Illinois Department of Children and Families

Theresa Moy- Congressional Research Service, Domestic Social Policy Intern

Moderator: Miriam Krinsky- Lecturer, UCLA School of Public Affairs; Adjunct Professor, Loyola Law School and Member, American Bar Association Youth at Risk Commission Advisory Council