My Child Welfare Librarian

Child Welfare Information Gateway

Child Welfare Information Gateway Library Search

My Child Welfare Librarian

Permanency - Results (33 Publications)

Title: Permanency Through Collaboration Between Delinquency and Dependency Courts.
Author(s): Pendleton, Rachael.;Green, Allison.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Child CourtWorks
v. 10, 2, May 2008, p. 1-2
Available from: ABA Center on Children and the Law
http://www.abanet.org/child
740 15th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20005
Printable version (PDF): http://www.abanet.org/child/08_05_Vol10Iss2.pdf
Abstract: This paper describes efforts in Idaho to bridge the gap between child welfare and juvenile justice proceedings to assist youth with cases pending simultaneously in both systems. Idaho's Child Protective Act permits a dependency court to consider delinquency matters if it is in the best interests of the child or society, and Juvenile Rule 16 allows for the expansion of a delinquency case to a child protective case when there is reasonable cause to believe the juvenile defendant is neglected, abused, abandoned, homeless, or whose parents fail to provide a stable home environment. In addition, Idaho law allows free information exchange between the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The Idaho Statewide Trial Court Records Systems (ISTARS) facilitates this exchange using a computerized data warehouse through which workers from both agencies can stay updated on their cases. The perspectives of an Idaho judge and a court improvement director on dual-issue cases are shared, and tips for creating a dual-issue system are provided. 5 references.

Title: "Ready or Not, Here I Come!" Equipping Families for Transitions (Chapter 19 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Orr, J. Matthew.;Brown, Rachel.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: This chapter discusses what therapists can do to equip families for the transition of children from the foster family to the birth or adoptive family. It identifies the central issues that must be resolved and then provides a framework for conceptualizing the phases of this transition. A case example illustrates how therapy can help the various systems involved resolve the identified transition tasks. 4 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: "But I Don't Trust You" Recognizing and Dealing with Parents' History of Trauma: The Story of Amy (Chapter 20 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Jager, Kathleen Burns.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: Based on interviews with 16 women about their personal experiences with trauma survival, this chapter discusses strategies therapists can use to help birth parents involved in foster care overcome barriers to trust and connection. Assessment of the family empowerment process is explained, and a case study is offered. Implications for practice are then reviewed. 14 references.

Title: When the Helper Becomes Traumatized: Taking Care of You (Chapter 21 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Woodard-Meyers, Tracy.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: This chapter discusses the phenomenon of secondary traumatic stress (STS), and how it impacts foster care workers and therapists. Prevention and intervention strategies are presented and include recognition and normalization of STS, establishing positive coping strategies, establishing support systems to talk it out, and seeking professional help. A case study is offered. 1 table and 34 references.

Title: Permanency Planning Report in Response to Senate Bill 368, 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001 - July 2008.
Published: 2008
Available from: Texas Health and Human Services Commission
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/
Brown-Heatly Building
4900 North Lamar Boulevard
7th Floor
Austin, TX 78751
Printable version (PDF): http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/reports/SB368_PermanencyPlanningReport_0708.pdf
Abstract: This report to the Texas legislature and to the governor describes the actions that have been taken to ensure the implementation of Senate Bill (S.B.) 368, a bill that charged the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) with monitoring child placements and ensuring ongoing permanency plans for each child with a developmental disability residing in an institution in Texas. It summarizes the permanency planning efforts of HHSC, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The report concludes that the total number of children with developmental disabilities residing in institutions has remained relatively unchanged in the past five years. It states that while the total number of children in institutions has remained around 1,600, there has been a significant shift in the distribution patterns, as DADS residential settings are continuing to experience a shift to smaller, less restrictive environments. The number of individuals living in all types of DADS institutions decreased moderately from 1,434 in mid-year 2007 to 1,370 in mid-year 2008. The data shows an overall increase in the number of individuals moving to smaller settings in the mid-year 2007 to mid-year 2008 period, with two exceptions, State MR facilities and DFPS licensed facilities. The total number of children living in all DADS non-HCS facilities, however, has declined by one-third in the past five and one-half years, and is down 12% in the past year. Meanwhile, the number of children in all DFPS and all non-HCS DADS facilities combined has declined by 8% in the past year, and 25% since August 2002. 10 tables. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Six Key Principles of a State Church Collaboration.
Author(s): Ford, Sharen E.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Roundtable
v. 22, 1, 2008, p. 4-5, 9
Available from: National Child Welfare Resource Center for Adoption
http://www.nrcadoption.org
16250 Northland Drive
Suite 120
Southfield, MI 48075
Printable version (PDF): http://www.nrcadoption.org/V22-1/Six%20Key%20Principles%20of%20a%20State.pdf
Abstract: This article profiles Project 1.27, a project founded by Rev. Robert Gelinas, lead pastor at Colorado Community Church that collaborates with five Colorado county departments of human/ social services on behalf of the State's 800 children waiting in the child welfare system. The six key principles guiding Project 1.27 are explained and include: seize an opportunity; timing is everything and there's always homework to do; invest time in building relationships and identify common goals; set clear boundaries; track your outcomes; and learn from your failures, and celebrate your successes. Since 2005, Project 1.27 has recruited and trained 213 families interested in adopting children from Colorado's pool of waiting children.

Title: Moving the Child Welfare Reform Train Faster: Improving Maryland's Plan to Address the Foster Home Shortage.
Published: 2008
Available from: Advocates for Children and Youth (ACY)
http://www.acy.org/
8 Market Place, 5th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202-4034
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acy.org/upimages/Moving%20the%20Train.pdf
Abstract: This issue brief highlights an initiative by the State of Maryland to increase the number of foster homes by 1,000 by 2010. It examines the extent to which the Maryland Department of Human Resources has established reasonable targets and identified clear, evidence-based strategies that are likely to enable Maryland to achieve these goals. Critiques are made of the plan's strategies for targeting potential foster families, recruiting foster families, and retention of foster families. It concludes that the initiative contains a bold goal and several ideas with potential, however, it lacks enough specific strategies to address the need. Recommendations are made for including Family Team Decision Making in the plan, as well as other key components. 6 references.

Title: Status Report on Group Home Reduction Efforts: Strategies to Increase Family Foster Homes.
Published: 2008
Available from: Advocates for Children and Youth (ACY)
http://www.acy.org/
8 Market Place, 5th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202-4034
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acy.org/upimages/Group_Care_Update_5_08(2).pdf
Abstract: This brief reports on the progress Maryland has made so far in reducing group home use in foster care, increasing the number of foster plans, implementing its recruitment and retention strategies, and identifying new strategies. It reviews statistics on non-family placements, foster homes, monthly payments, child care, referral bonuses, targeted recruitment, therapeutic foster homes, Family Team Decision Making, and policies relating to group home placements. It concludes that despite implementation of some good strategies with more set for the near future, the State is still largely in a planning mode after more than one year. Recommendations are made for improving progress. 6 references.

Title: Kinship Placements: An Integrative Approach (Chapter 10 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Crittenden, Patricia McKinsey.;Farnfeld, Steve.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: Kinship care is explored as an important alternative to standard foster home placements and guidelines are offered to help case managers make decisions involving relative and nonrelative foster placements that will not only protect children in the short-term, but also promote their long-term development and the availability and goodwill of those adults who rear them. 41 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Creative Ways to Strengthen Family Bonds (Chapter 11 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Barlow, Larry.;Barlow, Sandra M.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: This chapter provides guidelines for experiential activities that can be used with families in the child welfare system to establish, maintain, and strengthen interpersonal connections, and also to identify important emotional issues. It describes creative family play interventions, including family games, role-playing, art, and diverse storytelling techniques. 1 table and 15 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Intervening with Foster Infants' Foster Parents: Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up (Chapter 12 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Lewis, Erin.;Dozier, Mary.;Knights, Michelle.;Maier, Mallory.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: This chapter discusses the importance of secure and therapeutic foster care placements and describes strategies for conducting family therapy sessions that include attachment and biobehavioral catch-up interventions within the foster home. Case examples are provided involving very young children in foster care. 36 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Supporting the Work of Foster Parents (Chapter 13 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Huber, Paul T.;Whiting, Jason B.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: This chapter reviews important foster parent dynamics, including why they choose to foster, what they need to be successful, what their primary stressors are, and how therapists can work with foster parents effectively. A case example is provided of a family that has been involved in foster care for over 12 years. 31 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: "It Isn't Right!" The Need to Redress Experiences of Injustice in Child Abuse and Neglect (Chapter 14 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Hargrave, Terry D.;Brammer, Robert.;McDuff, Laura.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: This chapter describes an approach to family therapy that addresses the manifold perceptions of injustice on the part of family members involved in the foster care system and is intended to diminish repetition of generational malfeasance. Components of the contextual family therapy framework are explained and a case example illustrating its use is provided. 2 figures and 12 references.

Title: "I Want This Child Out of Here Now!" How to Deal with Sexualized Actiing Out in the Foster Environment: A "SMART" Approach to Assessment and Treatment (Chapter 15 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Nadelman, Alice.;Castaldo, Debra D.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: This chapter discusses a comprehensive, two-pronged approach to effective treatment with sexually reactive children in foster care. The approach includes preparation and assessment of foster families and a treatment model called SMART that includes: a solution focused/strength based perspective, multimodal treatment approaches, acceptance and openness, a relational approach, and a team-centered focus. A case example is provided. 2 figures and 24 references.

Title: Combating a Family Culture of Violence (Chapter 16 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Seita, John.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: This chapter describes how family therapy in both the birth and foster families can contain aggressive behavior and provide a different orientation for foster children and their families. The predisposition of foster children to everyday violence is explored, and therapy that focuses on cultivating resiliency in individuals and social systems is explained. The use of the Connectedness, Continuity, Dignity, and Opportunity model is also discussed. 16 references.

Title: "We're in It Together" Family Therapy Where Substance Abuse is a Problem (Chapter 17 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Mooradian, John K.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: This chapter discusses substance abuse by birth parents as a family issue, clarifies the effects of parental substance abuse on family functioning, discusses assessment processes for family therapy, and considers concrete methods for strengthening the family system. Strategies for composing a cognitive map, setting clear goals, and encouraging change are described, and a case example is offered. 52 references.

Title: Teaching Developmentally Appropriate Parenting (Chapter 18 in Foster Care Therapist Handbook: Relational Approaches to the Children and Their Families).
Author(s): Stacks, Ann M.
Published: 2008
Available from: Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)
http://www.cwla.org/
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 250
Arlington, VA 22202
Abstract: This chapter describes a four-stage model of developmental guidance designed to help birth parents develop appropriate parenting skills. The model addresses: awareness of children's emotional states, accuracy of the perceptions, interpretations, and evaluations of the children's emotional display sand behavior, reality-based expectations, knowledge of parenting techniques, and a capacity of monitor, inhibit, and change one's responses to the children. A case example is provided. 43 references.

Title: Make the Adoption Tax Credit Work for Waiting Foster Children.
Published: 2008
Available from: Voice for Adoption
http://www.voice-for-adoption.org
PO Box 2685
Washington, DC 20013
Printable version (PDF): http://www.voice-for-adoption.org/downloads/VFA%20tax%20credit%20principles.pdf
Abstract: This fact sheet encourages the U.S. Congress to make the adoption tax credit work better to promote adoptions of waiting children in foster care and to provide accessible support for families who adopt children from foster care. It cites data from a recent IRS report on the adoption tax credit reveal that the credit, as it is currently structured, is not meeting its original goal of promoting adoptions from foster care. It urges the adoption tax credit to be structured in a way that allows lower-income families to claim the credit, even if they do not have a high tax liability. 1 reference.

Title: Services for Youth in Transition to Adulthood in Systems of Care. (Chapter 19 in The System of Care Handbook: Transforming Mental Health Services for Children, Youth, and Families).
Author(s): Clark, Hewitt B.;Deschenes, Nicole.;Sieler, DeDe.;Green, Melanie E.;White, Gwendolyn.;Sondheimer, Diane L.
Published: 2008
Available from: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
www.brookespublishing.com
Post Office Box 10624
Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
Abstract: This chapter highlights the development, implementation, and preliminary evaluation of the transition systems developed by the Partnerships for Youth Transition (PYT) sites. It provides an overview of the PYT initiative and the age-appropriate interventions and support services, an overview of the Transition to Independence Process model framework, brief descriptions of the community transition systems implemented at the 5 PYT sites, preliminary PYT evaluation outcome findings, and lessons learned from the sites. 3 tables, 3 figures, and 20 references. (Author abstract modified)

Title: Services for Youth in the Child Welfare System and Their Families in Systems of Care. (Chapter 22 in The System of Care Handbook: Transforming Mental Health Services for Children, Youth, and Families).
Author(s): McCarthy, Jan.;Rider, Frank.;Fawcett, Caraleen M.;Sparks, Steve.;
Published: 2008
Available from: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
www.brookespublishing.com
Post Office Box 10624
Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
Abstract: This chapter presents an overview of the mental health needs of children and families involved with the child welfare system, and demonstrates the link between effective mental health services and the achievement of the three major child welfare system goals: safety, permanency, and well-being. A case study of the Arizona child welfare system is offered to illustrate how to work collaboratively across systems and families to build service capacity. 1 table and 41 references.

Title: Need for Adoption Among Infants Investigated for Child Maltreatment and Adoption Status 5 to 6 Years Later.
Published: 2008
Available from: ACF Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE)
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington, DC 20447
Document available online at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/abuse_neglect/nscaw/reports/need_adoption/need_adoption.html
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/abuse_neglect/nscaw/reports/need_adoption/need_for_adoption.pdf
Abstract: This research brief examines adoption among infants involved in investigations of child maltreatment and addresses the following questions: (1) What percentage of infants who are involved with the CWS and who are potentially eligible for adoption are adopted? What are their characteristics and the characteristics of their families of origin? (2) What is the length of time between an infant's first out-of-home placement and placement with the adoptive family? (3) What are the developmental needs of adopted children? (4) What are the characteristics of adoptive families? (Author abstract)

Title: Adolescents Involved with Child Welfare: A Transition to Adulthood.
Published: 2008
Available from: ACF Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE)
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington, DC 20447
Document available online at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/abuse_neglect/nscaw/reports/adolescents_involved/adolescents_involved.html
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/abuse_neglect/nscaw/reports/adolescents_involved/adolescents_involved.pdf
Abstract: This brief provides information to enhance our understanding of the needs of young adults by addressing the following questions: (1) Who are the young adults who had contact with the CWS during adolescence? What types of maltreatment did they experience as adolescents? What risks did they face? What environments are these young adults living in by the time they are 18 to 21 years old? (2) How well are these young adults doing in terms of their physical, psychosocial, and emotional development? How does this development compare with that of young adults in the general population? (3) How are they transitioning to adulthood and integrating into society? How many have a job, and what types of work are they doing? For those who are parents, how are they doing in this new role? (4) What services do young adults need? What have they received? (Author abstract)

Title: Aging Out of Foster Care and Legal Involvement: Toward a Typology of Risk.
Author(s): Vaughn, Michael G.;Shook, Jeffrey J.;McMillen, J. Curtis.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: Social Service Review
v. 82, 3, September 2008, p. 419-446
Available from: University of Chicago Press
http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/SSR/
Journals Division
PO Box 37005
Chicago, IL 60637
Abstract: This article uses data from a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health to explore variation in the risk of legal involvement among youths who have aged out of the child welfare system. Employing latent class analysis, it empirically derives subgroups of youths with common or shared characteristics of risk. The analyses identify four distinct subgroups: the low-risk, moderate-risk, high-risk externalizing psychopathology, and high-risk drug culture groups. Multinomial logistic regressions show that contextual and dispositional factors predict group membership. Attention to the factors that distinguish the groups may attenuate the risk for legal involvement for youths aging out of the child welfare system. (Author abstract)

Title: National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association 2007 Annual Report.
Published: 2008
Available from: National CASA Association
http://www.casaforchildren.org/
100 W. Harrison
North Tower, Suite 500

Seattle, WA 98119
Printable version (PDF): http://www.nationalcasa.org/download/about_us/0807_2007_annual_report_0119.pdf
Abstract: This report presents a review and summary of the annual activities, programs, and finances for 2007 of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (NCASAA). NCASAA is a nonprofit membership organization that works to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children across the country in courtroom proceedings, juvenile courts, foster care settings, and other legal areas. This report gives an overview of the purpose, origins, funding, and activities of NCASAA and includes narrative descriptions of the training and performance of volunteers, and partnerships the organization has established with government to gain national attention for child advocacy issues. In addition to lists of NCASAA members and contributors, this report also contains 4 tables showing the financial statements, balance sheets, and itemized revenue and expenditures for the 2007 fiscal year of operation.

Title: Fostering Successful Transitions to Adulthood Through Collaboration.
Author(s): Katz, Marla.;Rich, Jennifer.;Sciranka, Staycee.
Published: 2008
Journal Name: The Exchange
May 2008, p. 1-12
Available from: National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth
http://www.ncfy.com/
P. O. Box 13505
Silver Spring, MD 20911-3505
Document available online at: http://www.ncfy.com/publications/exchange/0805-electronic.htm
Printable version (PDF): http://www.ncfy.com/publications/exchange/0805.pdf
Abstract: This monograph discusses how the Family and Youth Services Bureau's Transitional Living Program (TLP) can collaborate with the Children's Bureau's Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP) to improve independent living services for young people who are transitioning out of foster care. It explains that while TLP focuses on runaway youth and CFCIP focuses on foster youth, each program is designed to provide critical support and independent living skills to young people without a home who aren't yet prepared to live on their own. Information is provided on the legislative history of TLP and CFCIP, challenges and opportunities for the programs to work together, tips for building a successful collaboration, expanding educational opportunities for youth through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, and the education and training vouches available through CFCIP. Examples of creative collaborations are provided, including the Responsibility. Independence. Support. Empowerment. program at Community Youth Services in Olympia, Washington, and TLPs in Alaska.

Title: Adolescents Involved with Child Welfare: A Transition to Adulthood.
Published: 2008
Available from: ACF Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE)
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington, DC 20447
Printable version (PDF): http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/abuse_neglect/nscaw/reports/transition_adult/transition_adult.pdf
Abstract: In 1999 the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, undertook the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) to learn about children and families coming in contact with the child welfare system (CWS). The sample, which represents the population of children and families who entered CWS services within a 15-month period (October 1999 through December 2000), included 5,501 children (aged 0 to 14 at the time of sampling) from 92 child welfare agencies nationwide. The first national longitudinal survey of its kind, NSCAW gathers information about children's safety, living-situation permanency, well-being, and services after a maltreatment investigation by child protective services. This is the first report to focus on adolescents transitioning to young adulthood, presenting findings from the NSCAW Wave 5 follow-up. It provides information about 620 young adults who were adolescents (12 to 15 years old) at baseline. (Author abstract)

Title: Going to Court: When and How a Foster Parent Can Help: A Guide for Foster Parents and Other Caregivers About Participating in Court Hearings.
Published: 2007
Available from: Shaening and Associates
http://www.shaening.com/
2319 Old Arroyo Chamiso
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Printable version (PDF): http://www.shaening.com/projectDocs/Going%20to%20Court:%20%20When%20&%20How%20a%20Foster%20Parent%20Can%20Help.pdf
Abstract: Intended for foster parents in New Mexico, this handbook explains the role of foster parents in Children's Court, how the Court is involved in child abuse and neglect cases, and the timeline for the court case. Each step in the process is described and the types of helpful information foster parents can give to the court are listed. Tips are provided for writing a written report to the Court and for giving testimony. The right of foster parents to be notified, to attend, and to be heard at many of the Court reviews or hearings is noted.

Title: Preserving Connections: Helping Children and Youth Develop and Maintain Connections.
Published: 2007
Available from: Shaening and Associates
http://www.shaening.com/
2319 Old Arroyo Chamiso
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Printable version (PDF): http://www.shaening.com/projectDocs/Preserving%20Connections.pdf
Abstract: This booklet addresses some ways to preserve and build connections for children and youth in care in New Mexico, including open adoptions. It was written to support all those who work with foster youth to think creatively about how to maintain connections for children; how to help them preserve their life stories; how to ensure that they heal and grow in loving and connected environments; and how to help them have proud connections to their past. Information is provided on the types of connections that should be preserved and strategies are listed for preserving connections with birth parents, siblings, grandparents and other caregivers, foster families, schools, and cultural connections. The advantages of open adoptions in maintaining connections are discussed, as well as the development of Post-Adoption Contact Agreements (PACAs) between the adoptive parents, the adopted child, and the birth family. Misconceptions about open adoption are addressed and answers are provided to frequently asked questions. Finally, the importance of building connections for youth transitioning out of care is stressed and helpful strategies are described.

Title: A Strategic Housing Plan for Special Needs Populations in Los Angeles County.
Published: 2005
Available from: Shelter Partnership
http://www.shelterpartnership.org/
523 West Sixth Street, Suite 616
Los Angeles, CA 90014-1224
Printable version (PDF): http://www.shelterpartnership.org/Common/Documents/studies/StratPlan3.pdf.pdf
Abstract: This report presents a two-year strategic housing plan to address the housing needs of special populations in Los Angeles County. The Plan focuses on the following three special needs groups: youth emancipated from the dependency and delinquency systems; homeless persons with mental illness; and persons living with HIV/AIDS. The Plan is divided into five sections and utilizes information from various sources, such as public planning documents, reports, academic journals, news articles, conference and workshop materials, and caseload information. The first section provides a recent composite of each special needs population in the County and includes information on emancipated foster youth, homeless persons with mental illness, and persons living with HIV. The following section on barriers to accessing and maintaining housing, identifies universal barriers and barriers unique to special needs populations. This section also includes responses from the series of County-sponsored focus groups conducted with program administrators, nonprofit housing and service providers, and consumers of County services. The third section presents an inventory of housing in Los Angeles County that is targeted to each of the three special needs populations. The next section highlights the various public funding programs that are available for providing housing and supportive services to special needs populations in Los Angeles County through formula grants and competitive grants. The Plan concludes with recommendations that offer specific strategies that the County and the Special Needs Housing Alliance should pursue to best address the housing and housing-related needs of their clients. 40 tables, 16 figures, and numerous references.

Title: Transition to Adulthood: A Guide for Those Who Work with Youth In the Foster Care System.
Published: 2005
Available from: Shaening and Associates
http://www.shaening.com/
2319 Old Arroyo Chamiso
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Printable version (PDF): http://www.shaening.com/projectDocs/Transition%20to%20Adulthood%20-%20A%20Guide%20for%20Those%20Who%20Work%20with%20Youth%20in%20the%20Foster%20Care%20System.pdf
Abstract: This booklet suggests many different ways of supporting New Mexico young people who have been in foster care as they transition to adulthood. It discusses what youth need to become successful adults, and delineates specific strategies for ensuring youth receive mental health and health services, education services, employment services, and housing services. Questions to ask youth to ensure they are receiving services in each of these areas are provided. The Independent Living Program of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) is described, as well as services provided under the federal John H. Chaffee Foster Care Independence Program. Special considerations when working with culturally diverse young people, those with disabilities, gay and lesbian youth, and undocumented youth are also discussed. Finally, the role of a Youth Attorney is explained. 2 references.

Title: Helping Classmates Understand Adoption: An Adoption and School Handout.
Published: 2005
Available from: Adoptive Families Magazine
http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/
39 West 37th Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Printable version (PDF): http://www.adoptivefamiliesmagazine.com/pdf/Classmates.pdf
Abstract: This fact sheet provides parents with guidance for answering questions about a classmate's adoption. Answers to questions commonly posed by children are given, and myths about adoption are debunked and recommended books on adoption for children ages 2-11 are suggested.

Title: Away from Home: Children and Youth Living Apart from their Parents: Guardianship and Other Options for Family and Friends Caring for Children and Youth.
Published: 2004
Available from: Shaening and Associates
http://www.shaening.com/
2319 Old Arroyo Chamiso
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Printable version (PDF): http://www.shaening.com/projectDocs/Away%20From%20Home:%20%20Children%20and%20Youth%20Living%20Apart%20From%20their%20Parents%20-%20Guardianship%20and%20Other%20Options%20for%20Family%20and%20Friends%20Caring%20for%20Children%20and%20Youth.pdf
Abstract: This booklet discusses care for New Mexico children and youth who are in out of home placements. It reviews the need for legal authority to authorize medical care and prevent a parent from taking a child away, and describes different options for obtaining legal authority and providing care, including: kinship guardianship, a caregiver's authorization affidavit, power of attorney, foster care, and adoption. The benefits of each approach are discussed, as well as strategies for implementing each option. Governmental benefits for caring for a child are reviewed and additional sources of information are listed.

Title: African American Kinship Caregivers: Principles for Developing Supportive Programs.
Author(s): Szolnoki, Jennifer.;Cahn, Katharine.
Published: 2002
Available from: Northwest Institute for Children and Families
http://depts.washington.edu/nwicf/
University of Washington School of Social Work
4101 15th Ave. NE
Seattle, WA 98105-6299
Printable version (PDF): http://depts.washington.edu/nwicf/Policy_Grant_Maker/Kinship%20Care%20Lit%20Review.pdf
Abstract: This report reviews data on African American kinship caregivers gleaned from roughly 45 published articles to identify core principles for developing programs that support kinship caregivers. Information is first provided on the demographics of African American kinship caregivers, their strengths, the issues they face, and the needs of caregivers. The following principles for supporting programs of are then discussed: take into account larger systems; offer non-stigmatized service delivery; recognize family dynamics and the need for family supports; offer socially supportive environments that reduce isolation; secure program sponsorship to ensure longevity; ensure long-term support for caregivers; and meet tangible needs. A review of the published works is included. 22 references.

Visit Update Subscription to unsubscribe or change your topical selections.

A Service of the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

For more information contact: