Special Features & Profiles
Cover Story: Supporting Youth Transitioning to Adulthood
The number of youth aging out of foster care each year has increased from 19,000 to nearly 30,000 over the past decade. Too many youth are unable to complete their educations, find housing and jobs or get medical care. Many are not being connected to supportive families. But new legislation, and the attention of several key members of Congress, may go a long way to improving outcomes for older youth. Gary Stangler, executive director of the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, is guest author.
Before and After: Chris Steigerwald of CASA for KIDS of Geauga County in Ohio presents a dramatic turnaround for a child who finally gains the support of a CASA volunteer.
|
Read about the Fostering Connections to Success Act, legislation designed to improve outcomes for youth leaving foster care, in the July 2011 Judges' Page newsletter.
|
Voices & Viewpoints
 |
Volunteer Voice
Ann Garnier of Alameda County, CA, specializes in advocating for teen mothers in foster care. Learn how she helps these girls navigate to young womanhood.
|
 |
From the CEO
Michael Piraino considers ways to promote justice for children in foster care. He argues that our nation cannot succeed economically until we ensure the success of all US children.
|
 |
Leadership Reflections
Rep. Jim McDermott, WA, celebrates passage of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act. He also looks forward to spearheading more support for older youth in care.
|
 |
Partner Perspective
Celeste Bodner, founder and director of FosterClub and an alum of foster care, addresses 7 myths associated with transitioning from care to adulthood.
|
 |
Alum Editorial
FosterClub All-Star Ashley Jackson describes education as her compass to the future. After losing all connections to her family, her college cohorts become her permanent circle.
|
 |
Closing Words
National CASA spokesperson Judge Glenda Hatchett recalls remarkable teens who came through her juvenile courtroom in Atlanta. Their main need was connections to caring adults.
|
|
Regular Features
Top Tips for Volunteers
Ryan Miller, team leader for the Transitioning Youth Project in Austin, offers 5 ways to better serve teens in care. The CASA program focuses on giving youth a voice and facilitating connections to caring adults.
Association News
Dr. Phil features foster youth and supportive senators; National CASA earns renewed Standards for Excellence certification; CASA programs partner at American Legion convention; The Connection wins awards.
Book Club
The Power of Half documents the Salwen family's quest to cut their living costs in half and donate the balance to charity.
Child Welfare News
National child welfare organizations report on latest research, publications and news of interest.
Program Spotlight
Tara Beckman of Alameda County CASA in San Leandro, CA, highlights her program's new tools for youth transitioning to adulthood.
Resources for Foster Youth
Lupe Tovar, an alum of foster care who now works for the National Resource Center for Youth Development, shares tools useful to older youth in care.
Field Notes
CASA programs around the US report their news, including events, awards and other success stories.
Connection Sightings
Fran Follett, an advocate with CASA for Lancaster County in Lincoln, NE, spent two weeks in Uganda volunteering at Hope Children’s Home.
|
