A publication sharing ideas and insights
VoiSpringc 2007 Volumee Eight Issue Two National Foster Care Month: Making Their Stories Good Ones
Foster Care Month Mobilizing a Nation Actress Victoria Rowell Honoring the Women Who Raised Her Casey Alliance Pioneering Racial Equity Practices Kevin Campbell Connecting Children with Lost Families
662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 3 55/30/07/30/07 33:09:58:09:58 PPMM Raymond L. Torres
From the Executive Director’s Desk
Not long ago, I heard a remarkable young women talk about her journey through foster care. Lupe is a 24-year-old student at Arizona State University and, by all accounts, is doing well – a testament to the resilience of many of our foster youth. Lupe endured more than 10 different placements, causing her to change schools repeatedly and lose friends. Despite the many disruptions and heartbreaks in her life, she has emerged a star – a FosterClub All-Star.
As an All-Star, Lupe is a national spokesperson for FosterClub, an innovative and rapidly growing nonprofi t that connects young people in foster care, and trains foster youth to share experiences and insights.
The most moving part of Lupe’s story was the impact of recently having completed a permanency pact with her mentor, giving her assurance that she would Voihave someone to turn to in an emergency, to come home to when ce she wanted. Although Lupe does not have a legal lifetime connection to a family – certainly the ideal permanency outcome – the pact was an important step for her.
In this issue of Voice, we continue to discuss the many dimensions of permanence. As we embark on this year’s observance of National Foster Care Month, we refl ect on the crucial role families play in a foster child’s life. Foster parents today enable fos- ter children to reunite with their families or move on to adoption or guardianship. Fortunately, most children in foster care do return home. Moreover, the majority of adoptions of children in care are done by their foster parents.
Yet with all of this good work, too many older children linger in foster care without a family. These youngsters, mostly children of color, are condemned to “age out” of the system, disconnected, alone, and adrift. Lupe reminds us that we must press for an alternative outcome for these youngsters. We must work harder to fi nd relatives, guardians, and adoptive parents who can become the lifeline that these children need and deserve.
Raymond L. Torres
Casey Family Services i
662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 4 55/30/07/30/07 33:10:06:10:06 PPMM Raymond L. Torres
Del Escritorio del Director Ejecutivo
Hace poco, escuché a una destacada joven hablar de su trayectoria a través del sistema de cuidado de crianza. Lupe es una estudiante de 24 años, en la Universidad del Estado de Arizona y, segun dicen, esta haciendo un buen trabajo en sus estudios – lo cual es un testimonio de la capacidad de muchos jóvenes que estan bajo el cuidado de crianza de rehacer sus vidas. Lupe aguantó más de 10 internaciones, con cambios repetidos de escuela y la pérdida de muchas amistades. A pesar de las interrupcio- nes angustiosas y dolorosas en su vida, ella surgió como estrella – a FosterClub All-Star.
Como “All-Star”, Lupe es portavoz nacional del FosterClub, una organización innovadora y creciente sin fi nes de lucro que crea lazos entre jóvenes en cuidado de crianza y que les enseña a compartir sus experiencias y percepciones.
La parte más conmovedora de la historia de Lupe fue durante el convenio de permanencia que cumplió con su mentor, asegurán- dole que ella tendría recurso en caso de emergencia y un hogar a donde podría acudir cuando quisiera. Aunque no tenga un lazo legal de permanencia con una familia – lo cual sería el resultado ideal – este arreglo fue un paso muy signifi cativo para ella.
En esta edicion de Voz, continuamos ilustrando las diversas dimensiones de permanencia. Al iniciar el Mes Nacional de Cuidado de Crianza de este año, nosotros refl exionamos sobre el papel crítico de la familia en la vida de un niño en cuidado de crianza. Los padres/madres de crianza hacen posible que los niños se reúnan con sus familias o logren la adopción o la tutela legal. Afortunadamente, la mayoría de los niños sí regresan a sus propios hogares. Además, muchos padres/madres de crianza lle- gan a ser padres y madres adoptivos.
A pesar de todos estos esfuerzos, demasiados jóvenes permanecen por largo tiempo bajo el cuidado de crianza sin familia. Estos jóvenes, la mayoría niños y niñas de color, están destinados a permanecer en el sistema hasta que lleguen a ser mayor de edad, desconectados y aislados. Lupe nos hace recordar que debemos buscar sin cesar a otras alternativas. Tenemos que trabajar duro para encontrar parientes, guardianes y padres/madres de acogida, quienes puedan ser la linea de la vida de salvación que estos jóvenes necesitan y merecen.
Raymond L. Torres
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662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 5 55/30/07/30/07 33:10:08:10:08 PPMM Exchange A TIME TO STEP UP FOR KIDS: FOSTER CARE MONTH MOBILIZES THE NATION
It’s about the stories – the deserve to be told in newspapers and maga- others to make lifelong connections with stories of 513,000 chil- zines across the country,” declares Virginia a child,” he says, noting that the Annie E. dren in foster care today. Pryor, chair of the National Foster Care Month Casey Foundation/Casey Family Services is Partnership. “If nothing changes, almost 10 a founding member of National Foster Care For Lupe, a 24-year-old million children will be part of the foster care Month. “While we clearly are dedicated to alumna from foster care, system by 2010. The media can be our partner supporting children in fi nding families and her story initially seemed in changing that future.” community connections throughout the year, full of challenges and May shines a spotlight and brings together loneliness. “I spent One of the realities the national campaign local, state, and national organizations in a 19 years in foster care and had more than 10 is trying to “rewrite” is the lack of culturally concerted effort to change the lives of placements with families, never making a real appropriate homes for the disproportion- children in care.” connection with any of them on an emotion- ate number of minority children in care. al level,” the Arizona youth told a roomful of “There simply are not enough foster families leading journalists in March. “Today, I have that match the culture and background of “THERE IS SO MUCH GOOD my ‘permanence,’ and it feels amazing to feel children in care,” said Raymond L. Torres, acknowledged, to have stability. Connections executive director of Casey Family Services, HAPPENING IN THE FOSTER are essential for all youth in the foster care during the roundtable. “Being with a family CARE SYSTEM, AND THESE system.” where there is a familiar language and culture can make a huge difference in reducing the POSITIVE STORIES DESERVE National Foster Care Month, commemorated trauma children experience when they are TO BE TOLD IN NEWSPAPERS every May, is focusing on the experiences of removed from their families of origin. It is so youth in care this year. The campaign is giv- important that we encourage more Hispanic AND MAGAZINES ACROSS ing youth an opportunity to share their own families to become foster and adoptive par- THE COUNTRY.” stories, and, as important, it is highlighting ents or to come forward and help these young how community members and prospective people in other ways.” families can help make the stories of these The National Foster Care Month website young people good ones, ones that feature Pryor, who also is the manager of strategic – www.fostercaremonth.org – has information enduring family relationships. alliances for Seattle-based Casey Family and links highlighting ways that people can Programs, is proud of National Foster Care Lupe’s personal account of life in care is help- get involved at the right level for them. The Month’s theme of helping people to focus website also has details about events and cam- ing to tell the larger story of today’s system on helping a child in care, regardless of the of care. She and a host of experts and other paigns that will be part of the month-long amount of time they have to offer. “No mat- celebration. youth participated in National Foster Care ter how much time you have, you can do Month’s fi rst journalist roundtable, recently something for a foster child. If you only have This year, there will be a number of national held in New York City. The event helped a minute, send a message to a child in care, events hosted by alumni of the foster care sys- to educate the media – including reporters, learn about success stories, or make a con- tem. Victoria Rowell, an actress, author, and editors, and producers from Newsweek, ABC tribution on our website. If you have more Casey Foundation national spokesperson, is News, National Public Radio, the Associated time, volunteer or be a respite provider. If Press, and others. you have even more time, become a foster or “There is so much good happening in the adoptive parent, a mentor, or a social worker.” foster care system, and these positive stories Torres agrees. “Every May we look forward to honoring foster parents and encouraging
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telling her own story of life in foster care. She will hold her annual high tea fundraiser in Los Angeles for her Rowell Foster Children’s Positive Plan charity. Book-signing events around the country are promoting her recent- ly published book, The Women Who Raised Me, a New York Times bestseller, that honors her foster mothers and the mentors in her life who encouraged her to follow her dreams. Other celebrity spokespeople include All-Pro Tennessee Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck, who is organizing a tailgate party, and singer Janiva Magness, who will use her recent nominations for the Blues Awards to educate people about foster care. In addition, local events will take place in every state. They run the spectrum from a youth conference in Texas to a pool party to salute foster parents in New Hampshire. In Maine, a group of collaborative child-serving agencies, including Casey, will place a pin- wheel for every child in care in parks located in Portland and Bangor. The Blue Ribbon Campaign – developed in 2004 to display a blue ribbon for every child in care in the U.S. – continues this year to support and promote foster parenting. The National Foster Care Month is a partnership Care Coalition; National Foster Parent campaign has been expanded to include Band of 14 organizations including Casey Family Association; and the National Resource Together, which encourages young people to Programs, the Annie E. Casey Foundation/ Center for Family-Centered Practice and show their support by wearing blue tape on Casey Family Services, and Jim Casey Youth Permanency Planning. their fi ngers. Opportunities Initiative. Other partners are These organizations represent more than Across the country, individuals and organi- the Black Administrators in Child Welfare; 250,000 professionals, children, and families. zations are reaching out to governors, state Children’s Bureau, Administration for “At the end of the day, we all have the same legislators, mayors, city councilors, and other Children and Families, U.S. Department of goal: to improve the lives of young people in representatives to issue offi cial proclamations Health and Human Services; Child Welfare foster care,” says Pryor. “We’re all doing it in declaring May as Foster Care Month. Last League of America; National Association different ways, but we share the same goal of year, proclamations were issued in nearly all of Public Child Welfare Administrators; helping every story be the very best it can be.” 50 states. National Association of Social Workers; National Association of State Foster Care Managers; National CASA; National Foster
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662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 7 55/30/07/30/07 33:10:36:10:36 PPMM Exchange YA ES HORA DE RESPALDAR A LOS JOVENES: EL MES NACIONAL DE CUIDADO DE CRIANZA – MOVILIZACION NACIONAL
Tiene que ver sobre todo con las historias cuidado hoy mismo. Ella y un grupo nutrido a encontrar lazos familiares y comunitarios – las historias de los 513,000 niños y niñas en de periodistas y otros jóvenes participaron en durante todo el año, haremos brillar en el mes cuidado de crianza hoy día. la primera mesa redonda del Mes Nacional de de Mayo una luz fuerte mientras juntamos Cuidado de Crianza, realizada últimamente organizaciones locales, estatales y nacionales Para Lupe, mujer de 24 años y ex alumna del en la Cuidad de Nueva York. en un esfuerzo concertado para hacer cambios cuidado de crianza, su historia fue llena de en la vida de jóvenes en cuidado de crianza.” desafíos y soledad. “Pasé 19 años en cuidado “Hay tantas cosas buenas sucediendo hoy de crianza y más que 10 internaciones con día en el sistema de cuidado de crianza, y las El sitio web del Mes Nacional de Cuidado familias, pero nunca hice contacto a nivel historias positivas deben salir en los diarios y de Crianza – www.fostercaremonth.org – tiene emocional,” dijo la joven a un grupo nutrido revistas a lo largo del país,” declara Virginia información y lazos para otras páginas web de periodistas destacadas en el mes de Marzo. Pryor, presidenta de la Asociación del Mes para que cualquier persona pueda integrarse “Hoy día, tengo mi ‘permanencia,’ y me Nacional de Cuidado de Crianza. en el nivel mas adecuado para ellos. siento asombrada que me reconozcan, que tenga estabilidad. Es imprescindible para que Una realidad que la campaña nacional Este año, habrán varios eventos nacionales los jóvenes en cuidado de crianza tengan lazos intenta “re-escribir” es la falta de hogares patrocinados por ex-alumni de cuidado de emocionales.” culturalmente apropiados para un numero crianza. Victoria Rowell, actriz, autor, y por- desproporcionado de niños y niñas minorías tavoz nacional del Casey Foundation, relata en cuidado de crianza. “Sencillamente, no hay su propia historia en cuidado de crianza. sufi cientes familias de la cultura y la origen de Promoverá su Té Anual en Los Ángeles para niños en cuidado de crianza,” dijo Raymond recaudar fondos para su sociedad benéfi ca, L. Torres, Director Ejecutivo de Casey Family Rowell Foster Children’s Positive Plan. Habrá Services en la mesa redonda. “El estar integra- también eventos de promoción y venta-fi rma do en una familia donde hay idioma y cultura de su libro recién publicado, The Women Who conocida sirve para disminuir el trauma de Raised Me (Las Mujeres Quienes Me Criaron), un niño separado de su familia de origen. Es el cual honra a sus madres de crianza y los sumamente importante que se animen más mentores quienes la animaron a hacer reali- familias hispanas para que tomen el papel de dad a sus sueños. padres/madres de crianza.” La Campaña Lazo Azul (The Blue Ribbon Pryor, quien también es la gerente de alianzas Campaign) – iniciada en 2004 para lucir un estratégicas en Casey Family Programs ubica- lazo azul por cada niño en cuidado en los Durante el Mes Nacional de Cuidado de do en Seattle, está orgullosa del tema del Mes EE.UU. – seguirá este año para promover Crianza celebrado en Mayo, el enfoque es Nacional de Cuidado de Crianza de animar y apoyar el cuidado temporal de crianza. Se la experiencia de los jóvenes. Esta campaña a la gente a apoyar a un niño en cuidado, no ha ampliado la campaña para incluir Band les da a los jóvenes la oportunidad de com- importa el tiempo que tenga. Together, que demuestra apoyo por llevar cinta azul en el dedo. partir sus propias historias y, tan importante Torres está de acuerdo. “Cada mes de Mayo, también, subraya como la comunidad y las esperamos la oportunidad a honrar los La Asociación del Mes Nacional de Cuidado familias potenciales de crianza puedan hacer padres/madres de cuidado de crianza y animar de Crianza abarca 14 organizaciones, entre que sus historias sean alegres, que incluyen a otros para que establezcan lazos perdurables ellas, Casey Family Programs, la Annie E. relaciones perdurables familiares. con un niño o niña,” dice el, comentando Casey Foundation/Casey Family Services, y La historia personal de Lupe en cuidado con- que la Annie E. Casey Foundation/Casey Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative. tribuye al relato mas amplio del sistema de Family Services son miembros fundadores del Mes Nacional de Cuidado de Crianza. “Si bien nos comprometimos apoyar a los jóvenes
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A FAMILY FINDS HOPE THROUGH REUNIFICATION
Esther Ross’s substance abuse consumed substance abuse, or incarceration to health- that communities offer supports that will her life. She lost her job, close friendships, ier lives. Since her arrival at ReFocus, Ross help them overcome future challenges that and her will to live, but it wasn’t until has reunited with two of her four children, could place the children at risk for re-entry the Massachusetts Department of Social Earl, age 15, and Ahmeesha, age 13. She into foster care, which would further trau- Services (DSS) removed her children that now also enjoys weekend visitation with her matize these youngsters,” says Raymond she realized she needed to change. other two children. L. Torres, Casey Family Services executive director. “Comprehensive services might “Having lost so much due to my drug The road back to a united family is a work include intensive case management, parent- addiction, it made me feel like I failed as in progress, but Ross is grateful for a second ing and life skills education, family-focused a parent,” Ross recalls. “I felt depressed. I chance. She has come to see that change therapy, and assistance accessing community had hit my rock bottom. That’s what made is not easy, especially when you’re a par- resources.” me decide that it was time to get my family ent rebuilding damaged relationships. The back, get my children back.” She did not reunifi cation process has helped the family In Ross’s case, DSS has played a critical role know it at the time, but she was seeking confront their trust issues that resulted in reunifying the family. She credits the family reunifi cation. from the mother’s substance abuse and re- close relationship with her social worker, establish their family connections. as well as additional supports and services, Reunifi cation is a permanency option that such as family therapy, one-on-one counsel- aims to help children in foster care and their ing, and employment assistance. birth families build safe, loving relationships with supports and services that ensure chil- FAMILY REUNIFICATION IS A The family therapy sessions have pro- dren can remain with their families. VIABLE PERMANENCY OPTION vided the family a neutral, productive, and healthy environment where they can express According to preliminary estimates from the THAT AIMS TO HELP CHILDREN their grievances and work towards healing, federal Adoption and Foster Care Analysis IN FOSTER CARE AND THEIR according to Earl and Ahmeesha. “Once and Reporting System (AFCARS), reuni- mom did what she did, I lost all trust and fi cation was the case plan for nearly half BIRTH FAMILIES BUILD SAFE, faith in her, because, we were just children, (46 percent) of all children in foster care LOVING RELATIONSHIPS… and I just felt like she dogged us,” Earl says. in 2002. In addition, more than half (56 “Now I trust her more. We’re still not where percent) of the children who exited foster we were, but we’re working on it together as care that year returned to a birth parent or “Through this reunifi cation process, I’ve a family.” principal caregiver. learned, although I’m in recovery and things Ahmeesha agrees: “Even though we were Three years ago, with the guidance of her are getting better, the children do have feel- ings that are very relevant, and even though living in two separate states, I planted in my family and support from Massachusetts’ mind, regardless of what my mother had DSS and Connecticut’s Department of I’ve healed and decided to move on, there is a lot of hurt and emotional damage that done, or how mad I may be at her, that’s Children and Families (DCF), Ross began still my mother, no matter what happens.” the necessary steps to reunify with her they have suffered as a result of my actions,” children through an out-of-state program Ross affi rms. Today, Ross and her children are standing called ReFocus Outreach Ministry Inc. Because studies show that the majority of on stronger ground. Surrounded by a The Bridgeport, Connecticut, agency is a children who leave foster care are reunifi ed support network, they never gave up on faith-based, nondenominational residential with their birth families, it is important each other. facility designed to assist women who are that public and private agencies have post- making the transition from homelessness, permanency supports. “Even though these families have been reunited, it is essential
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662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 9 55/30/07/30/07 33:11:20:11:20 PPMM Exchange WORKING TOGETHER THROUGH PERMANENCY TEAMS
Eight months ago, Nicole McKelvey-Walsh life are all functioning at an improved level.” of commitment is, and who is going to be was nervous as she drove to work at Casey Casey social worker Shannon Kadish agrees, the future family,” explains Casey Family Family Services’ Bridgeport, Connecticut, “As young as they are, these kids know we’re Services Project Director of Permanency Division. She was to lead her fi rst perma- all trying to move forward on their behalf. Services Lauren Frey. “It’s a very humane nency team meeting – a coming together of The foster mother says, ‘I can’t give up on and compassionate way to deal with chil- supportive adults connected to a particular these kids.’ I think we all feel that way.” dren and families. It is a respectful and child in foster care – which was scheduled empowering process that embraces the best for later that day. She remembers thinking: of the teaming models with the best of per- “This case had all of the common social ills: “ WE NEED TO BUILD RELATION- manency practices.” domestic violence, substance abuse, hous- SHIPS AMONG THE ADULTS ing issues, incarceration, and generations of Every aspect of the permanency teams involvement with child protective services.” IN THEIR LIVES BECAUSE KIDS focuses on planning for the safety, family permanence, and well-being of that child. Still, McKelvey-Walsh was hopeful because OFTEN ARE CONFLICTED “The clarity of these three goals and the everyone involved with this permanency ABOUT THEIR LOYALTIES TO emphasis on being future-focused helps to team was committed to working together keep the teams working together on behalf for the children. “We knew the kids needed BIRTH, FOSTER, AND of the children,” says Donald J. Roussel, a family permanence and they needed it ADOPTIVE FAMILIES.” senior project associate at the Casey Center quickly. They were 2 and 5 years old and for Effective Child Welfare Practice who has they already had been in care for two years.” been serving as a permanency coach in the The fi rst meeting of the permanency team, Both Kadish and McKelvey-Walsh now are Bridgeport Division. Kadish in Bridgeport which serves to envelop a child with adult optimistic that the children may be able to agrees. “There is a real intensity to this pro- connections, included birth parents, a return home. But, if that’s not possible, they cess and the meetings, but the clear focus grandmother, an aunt, the foster mother, know that the foster mother – who previously helps everyone to stay on the same page.” state social workers, and Casey Family fostered the birth mother – will work to help Services staff. the birth family continue to be part of the As much as possible, the young people take children’s lives. The permanency team process the lead in forming permanency teams. In Over the ensuing months, this permanency has made this possible by facilitating a spirit fact, this approach grew out of discussions team has continued meeting regularly of partnership among committed adults and with youth in foster care who said they – together and in smaller groups – striving by keeping everyone focused and involved. had not been included in making decisions to identify a lifelong family connection for about their futures and thought, if they had the young siblings, as well as surrounding The Concept been involved, things might have turned the youngsters with a network of support Permanency teams have grown out of the out differently for them. As a result, the and love. Annie E. Casey Foundation’s increased permanency team is formed at a youth’s focus on encouraging lifetime connections, suggestion. Then, caregivers, birth families, “I’ve already seen a difference,” says particularly for those older youth who are and other signifi cant adults are consulted McKelvey-Walsh. “The boy was having all at risk of leaving foster care without any to get their ideas. The team also includes sorts of behavioral problems when we fi rst family relationships. As the Foundation’s Casey Family Services staff members and saw him. Now, he is in a completely differ- direct service agency, Casey Family Services other social workers. The cooperation of ent place, I think, because the adults in his is giving shape to this vision in its work with state agencies and social workers is essential children in foster care. “Permanency teams because foster children are technically in are about identifying who is the family now their custody. for a child, what the team members’ level
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“Youth in foster care had an artifi cial way of getting prepared for
adulthood. Learning these skills within families is the usual way, and
the way it works best. Permanency teams enable families to move
back to this model of preparing for adulthood through families.”
More than Meetings Permanency team meetings provide a frame- work for people to build relationships for the child. Usually, the larger team meetings take place every six to eight weeks with smaller meetings – between birth and foster parents, for example – in between. “The biggest surprise has been that the large team meetings are not where the real work takes place,” says McKelvey-Walsh. “That really takes place in the individual and joint meet- ings.” The meetings continue as long as the youth is in care or until he or she returns home or can be adopted. Children and youth always are involved in the process and meetings, but in different “Permanency teams create a new kind of building a reconnection as a family. ways. Younger children are consulted about family based on all the adults who have a This approach shares the responsibility for upcoming meetings, especially around what relationship with that child,” explains Frey. should be covered and how they can par- “People are incredibly honored when we tell planning among team members. “It also balances the power among the team so no ticipate. For the youth who are age 12 and them a youth wants them to be part of the older, the emphasis is on both preparation team. It’s also phenomenally empowering single individual feels overloaded,” says Frey. Rather than relying heavily on professionals, and actually attending and participating in for the kids. They really are impressed by the meetings. In every case, children and people’s commitment to them.” permanency teams emphasize the involve- ment of youth and family. “The focus is youth are consulted before the meeting and Permanency teams also increase the options on getting professionals out of their lives debriefed afterwards. of who can be a permanent family for a child. because that is normalizing and because a The entire permanency team process helps Through this process, adults who already family, not a social worker, is going to be the children work toward a happier, healthier know the youth can make a commitment to most important part of a child’s life.” adulthood, according to experts, mostly being permanently involved in his or her life. Including people from different aspects of because the emphasis on teaching life skills All Aboard the child’s life also can help to alleviate the is placed within the family. “Youth in foster An important aspect of the teams is that confl icted loyalties that are often a serious care had an artifi cial way of getting prepared people are included based on what they can emotional drain on children in care. “We for adulthood. Learning these skills within contribute, rather than excluded for what need to build relationships among the adults families is the usual way, and the way it they cannot do. For example, in one team, in their lives because kids often are confl ict- works best,” says Frey. “Permanency teams a young man’s sisters participate in meet- ed about their loyalties to birth, foster, and enable families to move back to this model ings by phone because they live in another adoptive families,” Frey says. “Kids spend an of preparing for adulthood through fami- state. They are helping him prepare for col- enormous amount of emotional energy feel- lies.” lege: making choices, writing applications, ing that they have to choose one family over To learn more about permanency teams, con- and preparing for the SATs. They have another. These adults need to work together tact [email protected]. been working together for almost a year. and focus on the child. The more the adults After years of being estranged, they are can do that, the better the child will do.”
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IN HER NEW BOOK, VICTORIA ROWELL REVISITS THE WOMEN WHO RAISED HER
From the moment little Vicki Lynn Bevans – whether you’re born into it or are lucky Throughout April and May, Rowell is Sawyer Collins Rowell came into this world, enough that it fi nds you. Sometimes, it does crisscrossing the nation, appearing at book- and until she reached the age of 18, she was indeed take a village to raise a child, and signing events and receptions in her honor a ward of the state, fi rst in Maine and later Victoria’s life is glorious proof of that.” and advocating for continued improvement in Massachusetts. Today, Victoria Rowell is in the foster care system. She already has an accomplished actress, philanthropist, and Rowell is best known to millions of people appeared on the cover of Jet Magazine, and the national spokesperson for the Annie E. for her portrayal of Drucilla Winters on has been interviewed on such television Casey Foundation/Casey Family Services. The Young and the Restless for 13 years, as programs as the Montel Williams Show, well as an eight-year tenure with Diagnosis NBC’s The Today Show, CBS’s Early Show How she avoided the fate of many other Murder with Dick Van Dyke. Over the and ABC’s The View. On April 30, in Los foster children who “emancipated” from the past year, she has completed two feature Angeles, California, she joined city and state foster care system alone and without the fi lms: “Home of the Brave,” with Samuel offi cials at a reception and on May 4, the means to support themselves or realize their L. Jackson and Jessica Biel, and “Of Boys Governor of Maine. dreams is recounted in a poignant mem- and Men” with Angela Bassett and John oir now available through Harper Collins Townsend. Her other fi lm credits include Books. In The Women Who Raised Me, “The Distinguished Gentleman” with Eddie “IT WAS HOMAGE TO MY Rowell pays homage to the foster moth- Murphy, “Dumb and Dumber” with Jim ers who came into her life, loved her, and Carrey, and “Eve’s Bayou” with Jackson MENTORS AND MOTHERS. I guided her throughout her journey. The and Diahann Carroll. She also portrayed FEEL EXTREMELY GRATEFUL book, now on the New York Times extended matriarch Josette Metoyer opposite Forrest bestseller list, also credits the many friends, Whitaker in Showtime’s acclaimed mini- I’VE BEEN ABLE TO REVISIT mentors, and associates who played an series “Feast of All Saints,” based on the EACH OF THEM – MOTHERS, important role in her development as a novel by Anne Rice. She has been nomi- professional ballerina, model, and actress in nated twice for an Emmy and has been TEACHERS, BALLET television and fi lm. honored with 11 NAACP Image Awards. INSTRUCTORS, ACADEMIC In one of the fi rst offi cial reviews of her In 1990, Rowell founded the Rowell Foster INSTRUCTORS, WOMEN IN work, the Smokey Mountain Sentinel said: Children’s Positive Plan (RFCPP) to give “Victoria’s lyric and descriptive voice is direct services and supports to foster youth ALL WALKS OF LIFE.” evident in this memoir, as she describes her in the areas of fi ne arts, higher education, home state of Maine with the same love health care, fi nancial literacy, sibling reuni- “Writing this book was the hardest and the and affection as her family and friends. In fi cation, cultural enrichment, and life skills. greatest thing that I have ever done,” Rowell fact, Maine becomes a character itself, as the She also has helped foster youth fi nd job told Voice. “It was homage to my mentors reader is introduced to little-known history opportunities in the entertainment industry and mothers. I feel extremely grateful I’ve about the northernmost region on America’s through her connections with Viacom tele- been able to revisit each of them – moth- East Coast. … Her story is one of survival, vision productions, BMG, and Oxygen. ers, teachers, ballet instructors, academic perseverance, and the importance of family “I think foster care has changed a great instructors, women in all walks of life. deal since I was a foster child,” Rowell said. “Now, many states have extended services beyond age 18. If I had what’s offered today, I would have been able to go to col- lege. I’ve always regretted that I did not.”
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“I saved all the letters I had ever written to each of them as well as their replies.” As she read through those letters, she found a common theme: “Do not quit. Do not give up. We will help you.”
“I’m also relieved that I’ve fi nished it and profoundly grateful to Harper Collins for seeing the importance of this story and releasing it in time for National Foster Care Month and before Mother’s Day,” she continued. When asked what “I talk arts and through that experience, to grow. she hopes readers will gain from about the It’s been a tremendous joy to see individual the book, she replied: “You should importance of kids succeed,” she continued. never minimize what you have to correspondence in offer and, perhaps, one day you will the book,” Rowell said. “Right now, Jonnel Holbert, a student with decide to foster, mentor, or even adopt a “My fi rst foster mother, Agatha a classical piano background, is graduating child in foster care.” Armstead, wrote very vividly, and from college. He is the fi rst RFCPP youth to do so,” she reported. Jonelle will perform For her, the most diffi cult part of the proj- I learned to write vividly back to her. at the RFCPP High Tea at Noon fundraiser, ect was revisiting all the women who had Sometimes those vivid and supportive mes- May 20, in Los Angeles. cared for her and reliving the experiences sages were all I had to keep me connected of her childhood. “I had to go back and on holidays and other times. Of her affi liation with the Casey go deep,” she explained. “It was very pain- “Now I insist that my own children cor- Foundation and Casey Family Services, ful because these women poured into me respond. Thank you notes are a must. No Rowell says that “it has meant, purely and everything they had to give, and I had to emails. It’s very important to teach children simply, ‘family’ to me. I feel tremendous recycle that. to keep in touch through letters. It may be pride in serving as national spokesperson and I am grateful for the wonderful support “I saved all the letters I had ever written to tedious, but it’s so important. We emphasize I receive.” each of them as well as their replies,” she this with the kids in RFCPP, too. And we added. “I had a thousand pictures as well, encourage them to keep an archive of their and I went through everything.” As she read letters, as I did,” she said. through those letters, she found a common “RFCPP has shown me that everything in theme: “Do not quit. Do not give up. We The Women Who Raised Me is validated. I will help you,” she recalled. took the template that my ballet teacher Esther Brooks used and I duplicated it, tailoring it, but following the same idea: to offer poor children and foster children – disenfranchised children – and their fami- lies the opportunities to be exposed to the
9 Voice Magazine
662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 1133 55/30/07/30/07 33:12:00:12:00 PPMM Exchange CASEY ALLIANCE SUPPORTS PROMISING PRACTICES IN PROMOTING RACIAL EQUITY IN CHILD WELFARE
The nation’s child welfare system is begin- With the 2000 Census, it became very clear When the state legislature mandated in 2001 ning to address inherent racial inequalities that Ramsey County had a growing commu- that the Department of Human Services in how it safeguards and supports vulnerable nity of color and features the country’s largest study the outcomes for African-American children. Children and families of color, population of Hmong, an ethnic group from children in the child welfare system, the especially African Americans and Native China and Southeast Asia. “Our child popu- RCCHSD established a framework to guide Americans, continue to experience worse lation is much more racially diverse than the how child protection staff engaged with outcomes than their Caucasian counterparts. adult population,” explains Montgomery. families. As a result, guides for practice and Improved data is helping advocates in certain self-assessment tools for social workers, and jurisdictions realize the true scope of dispro- As a result of its changing population, handbooks for supervision were developed to portionality in their own communities and, RCCHSD recognized the need to study the raise the awareness by child protective staff with that understanding, change is beginning impact on its services, workforce, and plan- regarding diversity issues. to come. Casey institutions are supporting ning for future resources, as well as to address this work through the Casey-Center for the the disproportionate number of minority Implementation of the statewide framework Study of Social Policy Alliance for Racial children in the county system. in Ramsey County served as an initial step Equity (the Alliance). for RCCHSD in bringing racial equity to the In 2005, for example, African-American chil- system. A 2004 Children’s Justice Act Grant For example, in Minnesota, the Alliance dren represented only 16 percent of the child from the U.S. Children’s Bureau helped currently is assisting the Ramsey County population, but accounted for 35 percent to establish the Ending Racial Disparities Community Human Services Department of all maltreatment reports and 44 percent Project, a multi-year project to reduce racial (RCCHSD), a public child welfare organi- of all out-of-home placements. In addition, disparities in the child protection system and zation, in implementing a groundbreaking American Indians comprised 1.1 percent in out-of-home placements. project to raise awareness among social work- of all children, yet were fi ve percent of all ers and the community about racial dispro- children placed in care. In the reverse, the The fi rst three phases of the project include: portionality and disparities in foster care. numbers for Caucasians refl ect the historic planning, making connections within com- preferences of the system: While Caucasian munities, and strategy implementation. “In order to re-educate and eliminate the children represented 66.3 percent of all The Alliance, of which the Annie E. Casey existing racial disparities, all professionals children, they only represented 36 percent Foundation and its direct service agency, working with families need to understand of foster care placements. Language barriers Casey Family Services, are part, is helping institutional racism and its impact on fami- might account for the under-representation continue the work of this project through lies of color,” says Becky Montgomery, a of Asian children in the system, which con- additional funding and technical assistance. planner with RCCHSD. stituted seven percent of youth in care but Other Alliance members include the Center nearly 18 percent of the entire child popula- for the Study of Social Policy, Casey Family In Minnesota, with its system of state-super- tion. Programs, Jim Casey Youth Opportunities vised and county-administered child welfare, Initiative, and the Marguerite Casey conversations about racial inequality began “We’ve been fortunate to have a lot of public Foundation. in the 1980s. However, community feedback support to study and implement change and a more recently changing family demo- within the department in terms of our As part of the planning process, RCCHSD graphic initiated a series of comprehensive relationship and practice with communities hired a series of cultural consultants that changes in relation to race and child welfare of color,” Montgomery says. “The actual represent the different racial communi- in Ramsey County, which includes the city request to review child welfare services came ties (African American, American Indian, of Saint Paul. from the African-American community Hmong, and Latino) to help guide and itself when a group of community advocates inform the department’s decision-making pressed the legislature to address the issue.” efforts. “The cultural consultants are mem-
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bers in good standing from their own com- “Ramsey County creates real hope for the An outgrowth of the Ending Racial munities. The consultants clearly support fi eld that family and systems improvement Disparities Project is RCCHSD’s overarch- the work we are doing and create a feedback can occur through the design and usage ing goal of achieving a cultural shift in mechanism that connects us to each of the of policies and practices that are aimed at the attitude of the community toward the populations we are serving,” Montgomery reducing racial and ethnic disproportionality agency and to transform itself into an “anti- says. “They are deeply committed to this and disparity,” says Khatib Waheed, from the racist institution.” To achieve these goals, work and are able to provide information Center for the Study of Social Policy and the RCCHSD has begun a process to change about their people’s history, circumstances, Alliance facilitator. how the agency sets policy and implements concerns, and issues.” practice. While reaching out to parents and other family members, RCCHSD also educated RCCHSD has developed a multi-year plan RAMSEY COUNTY IS IMPLE- professionals involved in child protection and focused on creating a more diverse agency out-of-home placements. that is culturally aware and sensitive by MENTING A GROUNDBREAKING strengthening its contract services, by build- To support a community-wide conversa- PROJECT TO RAISE AWARE- ing a better support system for minority ven- tion on institutional racism, RCCHSD dors, and by eliminating the causal factors of NESS AMONG SOCIAL WORK- held full-day workshops for a mixed group disparities as they are identifi ed. of professionals, including the manage- ERS AND THE COMMUNITY ment staff of community-based agencies RCCHSD also has established fi ve Action ABOUT RACIAL DISPROPOR- used by the department, as well as with Teams to address administrative operations: the Ramsey County Attorney’s Offi ce, the leadership, recruitment, staff retention, train- TIONALITY AND DISPARITIES Public Defender’s Offi ce, the Court, the ing, and contractual services. These Action IN FOSTER CARE. Sheriff’s Department, the Saint Paul Police Teams will support management by helping Department, and the Saint Paul Public to develop more appropriate operational and Schools. administrative policies and procedures in each work area as needed. Since the project started, the cultural consul- In addition, RCCHSD reaffi rmed its com- tants have conducted focus groups with their mitment to Family Group Decision Making “Ending racial disparities and becoming an respective communities, leading an exchange (FGDM), which enlists extended family anti-racist organization is something that we with recognized and emerging leaders on the members and other adults connected to a will be talking about for the next fi ve years,” existence of disparities, discovering what is particular child in developing a plan to safely says Montgomery. “However, these issues are working and what needs improvement in the care for the youngster. The county began so ingrained in our society that we might be child protective system, and soliciting sugges- using FGDM in 1996, but now has adapted running this project for the next 20 years. tions for increasing racial equity and keeping the model to be held within seven days of a The commitment is there to realize our children safely at home whenever possible. child being placed in a foster home. Ramsey vision of racial equity.” County, along with 12 other sites, also is In addition, focus groups were held with The Alliance will follow Ramsey County’s parents from the most disparate communities participating in Casey Family Programs’ Breakthrough Series Collaborative on reduc- progress, as well as the efforts of three addi- – African American and Indian American tional pilot sites, which include Guilford – who had once engaged with child protec- ing disproportionality, as well as one on kin- ship care. County, North Carolina; King County tive services. Both groups spoke to the need (Seattle), Washington; and Woodbury for additional support services during times County (Sioux City), Iowa. of stress or crisis in helping keep children safe and families intact.
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STATE CONVENINGS SPEED MOMENTUM OF MOVE TO PERMANENCE
Building on the momentum of the 2006 collaborations with the courts to support the National Convenings on Youth National Convening for Youth Permanence, youth permanence. Permanence in 2005 and 2006. “There states across the country are galvanizing was a lot of energy generated from both efforts to overcome barriers to permanence After an initial discussion period, the par- Convenings that spawned some reorganiza- for youth in their care. Several states are ticipants divided into small groups, with tion within the Department of Children, hosting their own permanency convenings each group asked to address a specifi c Youth and Families (DCYF),” she says. and, among those, the work in Tennessee question relating to youth permanence. and Vermont is illustrative of the energy “The key component to this process was Those reorganizing efforts, aimed at and focus being applied to achieving the having a youth facilitator for each group,” improving permanency outcomes for goal of lifelong families for all children and Miller says. “When the group addressed kids in Vermont’s foster care system, have youth in foster care. the youth’s question, there was the living, included the creation of permanency teams breathing example of the purpose of the in each district throughout the state and Tennessee whole discussion. the hiring of a permanency consultant who For Viola Miller, commissioner of the supports those teams and helps facilitate Tennessee Department of Children’s “The screenings were incredibly successful! permanency planning. In addition, during Services, the National Convening trans- Every week, we had a diverse mix of people the past year, practitioners in several dis- formed the way the Department approaches from all sectors of the community, from tricts have been trained in Family Finding, a the issue of permanence. state staff to consumers, to parents, youth, method of identifying family members who and private agencies,” Miller says. may have been out of touch with a youth in “We came back with the conviction to go care (see page 13). with the heart fi rst, and the head will fol- Miller and her team held a statewide per- low,” she says. If they could convince the manency convening on April 27, 2007. The Vermont is holding its second state conven- community of the need kids have for fam- themes and action steps that emerged from ing in May, which will demonstrate new ily, then everyone would “get their heads the public screenings guided the content of data on youth outcomes. Like Tennessee, around what they needed to do to make this event, where teams from each region youth voices will be central to the discus- that happen.” assessed local data to identify every youth in sions. Participants will hear directly from care – especially those most at risk of eman- young people about what permanence Miller and her team, in collaboration cipating without a family – and engaged in means to them, what works, and what with Tennessee’s public television station, planning for family permanence as well as doesn’t. planned a series of screenings designed to preparation for adulthood. create public awareness and sensitivity to According to Greenblatt, Tennessee and the issue. According to Miller, there were The Casey Center for Effective Child Vermont are just two of a growing number four two-hour screenings in which a broad Welfare Practice and its director, Sarah of states implementing practice measures cross-section of participants came together Greenblatt, have been integral parts of that will help to ensure that all children in for learning and discussion. The screenings Tennessee’s planning team, and were pre- care experience the transformative power of were structured with minimal presenta- senters at the state convening. belonging to lifetime families. tion of information, poignant video clips Vermont Resources and information from the about kids “aging out,” and discussions on According to Maggie Reilly, deputy direc- particular topics: fi nding and supporting Vermont Permanency Convening are available tor of the Casey Family Services Vermont online at www.caseyfamilyservices.org. quality families to parent kids in care, build- Division, there have been signifi cant ing support for families at risk and for kids changes in the state’s child welfare practice facing emancipation from the system with since state teams – including Casey and no connection to family; and enhancing state child welfare agency staff – attended
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KEVIN CAMPBELL: PIONEER IN FINDING FAMILIES FOR YOUTH IN CARE
Kevin Campbell has served childrenClose-up and families as a human service administrator and director for more than 20 years. As a director at Catholic Community Services of Western Washington State, he helped create Family Finding, a practice that reconnects children with lost biological family members by utilizing Internet-based search technology. In 2005, he was appointed vice president of strategic planning and service innovation for EMQ Children & Family Services, a nonprofi t agency in Campbell, California, dedicated to transforming the lives of children with serious emo- tional diffi culties.
Today, Campbell serves as an independent technical assistance provider and has provided training and consultation for the California Permanency for Youth Project, working in 14 counties to strengthen permanency planning practice. He also has provided technical assistance for the National Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice and Permanency Planning at the Hunter College of Social Work in New York City, and travels extensively throughout the country, training child welfare staff and community partners in the Family Finding model.
VOICE: What led you to create Family efforts will be made to discover the truth • Discovery, where we identify a minimum Finding? about each missing person. Without this of 40 family members of the child; promise, lasting peace and economic and CAMPBELL: I was working with Catholic community re-development will not happen • Engagement, when we contact and engage Charities in Washington State and we were in affected states, communities, or families. family members who know the child best challenged building teams of support for or who have an historical perspective of young people in foster care, especially those In the project sites where I worked with the family; with severe behavioral and emotional prob- some of the loneliest and longest-waiting lems who had had many failed placements. young people in foster care, I found a • Preparation and Planning involves meet- I was charged with building the teams that haunting similarity. The families of these ings with the parents, family members would create permanency plans for these youth had no idea what had become of who have been identifi ed, and others young people. them, and the young people knew nothing important to the child to plan for the of their families. They had not forgotten future of the child; I happened to hear a National Public Radio one another and they were not healing. report about the International Red Cross • Decision-Making takes place with the and its family-tracing strategies that help This discovery led me not only to family- young person, the team, and the social reunite families separated by confl icts and tracing techniques, but to an effort to work worker to determine how the child can be natural catastrophes. After more research, for the restoration of dignity for the families integrated safely into a relationship with I learned that the Red Cross’ strategies and young people in foster care. To accom- one or more family members, and what were developed in response to the Geneva plish this, we do two things: tell the truth emotional and other supports need to be Conventions, which ensured the basic to families and young people about what in place in order for that child to achieve a human right to know the fate of missing has been happening and offer each family lifelong connection with the family; family members. This work was called the member a chance to help. • Evaluation, when we determine if there’s a Restoration of Dignity. Simply put, before thoughtful and resourced plan to achieve peace can be restored, families of the missing VOICE: What are the essential components of Family Finding? legal and emotional permanence, with a must be promised by the government that timeline for completion and at least a Plan CAMPBELL: There are six major steps in the B and C; and process:
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“I LEARNED THAT THE RED CROSS’S STRATEGIES WERE DEVELOPED IN RESPONSE TO THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS, WHICH ENSURED THE BASIC HUMAN RIGHT TO KNOW THE FATE OF MISSING FAMILY MEMBERS.”
• Follow-up Supports, when there is an for the young person now and in the future child or who makes a lasting connection enduring plan of support – including is part of telling the truth to family mem- with the child, but he or she may be able support from family and the community bers. to corroborate information from others in – for the young person and adult family the family who voice a desire to be com- members. VOICE: How successful are you at locating mitted to the child. Finally, I recommend family members? that a planning meeting be held with family VOICE: How does the process actually members and others before introductions work? CAMPBELL: In every case, we have come up with family members. I tell my teams to young people are made. So, we have CAMPBELL: In the discovery phase, we that they should identify a minimum of 40 criteria that must be met before we engage examine the case fi le, and there almost people and that has happened 90 percent of the youth with the family member, which always is at least one name – either a parent the time. We’ve found as many as 300 rela- is the same as any responsible child welfare or relative – which offers us a start. With tives for a child through our searches. practice. the Internet tool ussearch.com, all we need VOICE: How do you follow up to evaluate is the mom or dad’s name, a birth date, the effi cacy of the program? if possible, and one address where they’ve “WE DO TWO THINGS: TELL lived in the past 24 years. THE TRUTH TO FAMILIES AND CAMPBELL: I let all the jurisdictions where I’ve worked know that they need to do their The search will bring up other family mem- YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT WHAT own evaluations. CBS News’ 60 Minutes bers and anyone with whom the parent HAS BEEN HAPPENING AND program took a list of these jurisdictions has lived in the last 24 years, which often and went back to some of them four or includes family members who have made OFFER EACH FAMILY MEMBER fi ve years after their training. Twenty-fi ve efforts to help others by providing housing A CHANCE TO HELP.” percent of the youth were reunited with when young adults faced homelessness. We their families and another 50 percent have identify one person on the maternal side maintained relationships with their birth and one from the father’s side, if possible, families. who have somewhat of a historical perspec- VOICE: How do you know when it’s safe to tive on the family, for example, a grand- connect the child with the relative you’ve Not surprisingly, the rates of young people mother or great aunt or uncle. identifi ed? who end up living with their family are deeply affected by the amount of time We don’t give them a lot of details at fi rst. CAMPBELL: It’s not as simple as identify- and resources that are available to support For example, we might mention the fi rst ing names and then connecting people to the family and the youth in the process of name of the child’s parent, but we engage the youth. It’s very much a step-by-step achieving permanence. Some providers have this person by saying something like, “I’m process, with evaluation at each phase. We sustained rates of 75 percent when they worried about one of your family members, have carefully thought-out scripts for social have been supported to build dedicated and I think you might be able to help.” We workers who engage in Family Finding, and teams; whereas social workers overloaded ask targeted questions that help us ascertain we offer minimal information until we’ve with traditional caseloads and responsibili- that we have the right person and, most of confi rmed the status of the fi rst contact, ties often have only been able to achieve a the time, we’re able to connect with some- which, as I mentioned, is usually someone rate of 25 percent of young people moving one who is aware that there is a youth in who’s been around long enough to have a home. This is not a refl ection of a lack of the family who had an experience with the big-picture view of the family. expertise or caring, but more a question of child welfare system and, almost always, lack of time and resources. they want to help. Admitting our concern This person may not end up as the family member who provides permanence for the
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“The families of these youth had no idea what had become of them,
and the young people knew nothing of their families. They had not
forgotten one another and they were not healing.”
or extended families who would come for- ward if we called them, told them the truth, and asked for their help. After working with teams in more than 40 jurisdictions, I am convinced of this. I also know that when you provide child welfare workers with the “THIS DISCOVERY LED ME NOT tools and support necessary to work ONLY TO FAMILY-TRACING with youth and their families, those young people can be part of forever families. TECHNIQUES, BUT TO AN The remaining challenge is the basic reform EFFORT TO WORK FOR THE of the child welfare system away from a RESTORATION OF DIGNITY FOR focus on long-term placement and away from unproven treatments that not only fail THE FAMILIES AND YOUNG to help many young people signifi cantly, PEOPLE IN FOSTER CARE.” but also use up budget resources that could be reinvested in prevention and interven- tion supports.
OICE V : Can you describe an example of There are four possible adoption plans VOICE: What will it take to see change how a child’s life was changed dramatically moving forward, and no matter which happen? through Family Finding? one is selected, each of these relatives will have specifi c supportive roles in his life. CAMPBELL: ussearch.com is amazingly effi - CAMPBELL: There was a 16-year-old youth So, this youth went from being the most cient and effective, but I would trade any who had been living on the grounds of a endangered person in the psychiatric unit Internet tool for a supervisor that had the psychiatric facility in California since he for eight-and-a-half years, to working at knowledge and desire to do this work. The was 8 years of age. The young man’s mother a youth center for the past nine months, supervisor, more than any other person in was deceased, and he only knew one uncle, going to school, visiting family in Oregon the string of people involved in child wel- who had been in and out of prison. Our and, most important, having the sense of fare cases, is the one who has to understand team found a lead in an earthquake notifi - belonging that is so crucial. In addition, and support the process of fi nding family cation fi le in the service provider’s records the agency working on this case reported to members for every child in care. Supervisors at the hospital. We called the person in the me at the beginning of this year that, since who fully support their teams in this work fi le and, through him, located family in using the Family Finding methodologies, 13 – who make working with families their Oregon. We began the outreach process, out of 20 kids went home for the holidays. number-one priority – will change the and months later the youth was visiting Before Family Finding was introduced, the system. with family and beginning to build those number was just three out of 20. relationships. After 19 months, 32 family members came together for the planning VOICE: What is your vision for change in and decision-making process on behalf of the child welfare system? this young man. CAMPBELL: Most young people in the cus- tody of America’s foster care, probation, and mental health systems have caring and capa- ble family members within their immediate
15 Voice Magazine
662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 1199 55/30/07/30/07 33:12:45:12:45 PPMM Casey Close-up Diane Kindler, Clinical Director
longtime and well-respected School for Public Service at the University of VOICE: When you were a deputy division practitioner within Casey Southern Maine and the Department of director, you were instrumental in helping Family Services, Diane Kindler Health and Human Services as part of a craft the agency’s training curriculum for recently was appointed clinical research effort called the Maine Adoption new supervisors. What are the characteris- Adirector for the organization. Prior to this Guides Project. It was an interesting effort to tics of a good supervisor? post, she served as deputy division director in work with families who had adopted children the agency’s Maine Division. She is a nation- from foster care, not just from Casey’s case- KINDLER : A good supervisor is someone al leader on post-adoption supports to fami- load, but from other agencies as well. The who listens well. It has to be someone who lies, having contributed to the launch of program led the division to open an offi ce in is comfortable having his or her door open, Casey’s fi rst post-permanency program. Bangor to support families statewide. because so much of social work supervision is being accessible. The most important job VOICE: What brought you to Casey? The social workers in the program strived of a supervisor, however, is to model appro- to empower the families with whom we priate clinical and professional skills for the KINDLER : I was ready for a change. I had worked. Their needs and wants dictated the direct-line staff. been in private practice as a family therapist intensity of services and contact with Casey; for 12 years prior to joining Casey Family sometimes a family needed more support, VOICE: How are you feeling about your Services in 1999. I had worked with Mark and other times less. We also worked to new role as clinical director? Millar, Maine’s division director, previously connect families with available community KINDLER : I’ll miss the staff in Maine, but at other organizations, and was happy to resources. work with him again as the team leader I am very excited about this new position. for the post-adoption services program, We learned the value of parent support My love is child welfare practice, and to which was just getting off the ground. Most groups, which we found to be critical for help our divisions provide quality services important, I was excited by the opportunity parents. These were “parents of challenging through best practices will be very satisfy- to work in adoption, which is something I children” groups for those families who had ing. My job is to help integrate a focus on love professionally and personally. adopted special needs children through the lifelong family relationships into all of our child welfare system. They tended to feel services as part of the agency’s larger move VOICE: How did you fi nd your experience isolated by their situation and the needs to greater permanence. The idea that every in private practice? of their children. To encourage parents to child deserves a family is part of everything that we do. KINDLER : I truly enjoyed the variety of attend, we offered childcare and even fed people I worked with and the direct service the kids. Historically, as a long-term foster care agen- aspect. My practice also was convenient dur- VOICE: In Casey literature, we often use cy, our own staff has been an important fi g- ing the process of adopting my son from the term “adoption-competent practice.” ure in our clients’ lives, and being a Casey India. Toward the end, the infl uence of man- What does it mean to be adoption compe- kid meant a lot for both social worker and aged care made billing and insurance almost tent? How is it different from being a foster client. With this new model, it’s the fam- a second job in itself. In addition, private parent? ily that is central to a child, and that’s a practice is isolating professionally. I wanted profound change, but one that is important to have the interaction with other clinicians. KINDLER : Primarily, it’s an understanding and best for children. that adoption is complex; that it is a devel- VOICE: How did you shape the post- opmental experience. The adoption process adoption program in Maine? does not end when the papers are signed, KINDLER : Casey’s effort in Maine was an but rather, it sets in motion a series of emo- innovative collaboration with the Muskie tional responses around which parents and children often need support.
Casey Family Services 16
662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 2200 55/30/07/30/07 33:13:18:13:18 PPMM News & Highlights EARNED INCOME CREDITS BRING JOY TO THE TAX SEASON
For low-income families around the country, For its part, Casey Family Services is work- we talk about ways we can help them plan tax season offers a unique opportunity to ing in its communities to help families to and save.” strengthen their fi nancial position and, ulti- access this federal benefi t and use it to build mately, bolster their children’s future. family security. The other elements of the A key element of the Maine Division’s suc- campaign are free tax preparation and fi nan- cess has been strong collaboration in its “The federal Earned Income Tax Credits cial management referrals. The Casey EITC fi ve VITA sites throughout the state. In the make the tax season a time of growth, rather program has grown steadily in Connecticut, Lewiston and Auburn region, for example, than frustration,” says Casey Family Services Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, the coalition includes the mayors of both Executive Director Raymond L. Torres. “In Rhode Island, and Vermont. towns along with other representatives from 2006, Casey staff helped nearly 3,000 fami- city government, nonprofi t organizations, lies in areas where we work get more than “We really see EITC as an entry point and community action groups. “It is really $4 million in federal tax refunds and nearly toward our goal of building family economic exciting to see the strength of the various $2 million in earned income tax credits. In success,” says Casey Family Services’ Maine sites and how each coalition looks different addition, we offered advice, training, and Division Director Mark Millar. The division based on the needs of residents,” says Millar. access to services that will help these families found that 40 to 45 percent of people who to use and save their money.” came to its free tax-preparation clinics were These community-based collaborations are eligible for EITC, the federal government’s responsible for the growth of the local EITC largest anti-poverty program. “They could efforts. get as much as $4,000 from the credit. “It’s those powerful coalitions, like we’re see- That’s signifi cant dollars for families,” says ing in Casey’s Maine Division, that make Florence Young, also of Casey Family the National Tax Assistance for Working Services’ Maine Division. In the Pine Tree Families Campaign so effective,” says Bonnie State, between 2004 and 2006, this initiative Howard, senior associate at the Annie E. has returned almost $5 million in federal tax Casey Foundation. “Each year EITC and refunds and more than $2 million in EITC asset-building coalitions demonstrate deeper dollars to communities in need. levels of commitment and investment, are The annual Super Saturday events have been able to engage infl uential champions to take From left: Maine Division Director Mark Millar an effective way to reach out to new clients the baton and run with it, and are respon- shares asset-building ideas with Jessica during a in Maine. Representatives of banks, credit sible for putting millions of dollars back into free tax-preparation clinic. unions, and other organizations join experts the hands of low-income working families.” on child care, housing, and other issues Most important, these efforts help families The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is in providing information and resources to improve their lives. Rhoda Butler, of the an essential element of the Annie E. Casey people while their taxes are being prepared. York County CA$H Campaign, remembers Foundation’s National Tax Assistance for “People come to get their taxes done, specifi - one young lady in particular. “After she got Working Families Campaign, which it her taxes done, I persuaded her to take just launched in 2003 in collaboration with the cally to get them done quickly and for free. In the course of doing that, we can provide a minute to talk to a counselor and learn Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) program. about a matching savings account. I could Nationwide in 2006, the campaign, which information about things such as savings, home ownership, or setting fi nancial goals,” see the transformation in her as she began to includes the Casey Family Services’ sites, see the light at the end of the tunnel.” prepared more than 220,000 tax returns, says Millar. “We talk about asset-building putting close to $344 million back into the right from the beginning now,” says Young. hands of low-income working families. “Even as they are getting their taxes done,
17 Voice Magazine
662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 2211 55/30/07/30/07 33:13:26:13:26 PPMM News & Highlights YOUNG COMMUNITY LEADER WINS NATIONAL SERVICE AWARD
Kevin Lapointe thrives on challenges. When wanted to protect her,” Lapointe explains. Kevin Lapointe in Washington, D.C., after win- the young man took a group of adolescents The next few years were challenging for the ning the CWLA’s Kids to Kids National Service to an adventure ropes course, he wanted to youngster, who suffered academically and Award earlier this year. demonstrate how individuals can accom- sank into depression. “The hurdles in my plish great things when they focus on a task. life seemed so large. I was pushed back to going back to school, graduating with high On his fi rst attempt, he selected the most the ninth grade twice and it seemed easier honors, and gaining meaningful employ- diffi cult route. And, he did it blindfolded. to quit school every day.” ment.” This willingness to When he was 12 years old, however, his At age 17, Lapointe worked as a youth ser- bypass the easy way neighborhood’s former police outpost trans- vices coordinator at another housing project has made the 20 year formed into a family resource center with in the city. While there, he facilitated the old from Lowell, Casey Family Services. It quickly became a local youth advisory council and discovered Massachusetts, an safe haven for him. his own passion for mentoring and leading. inspiration for others “I coached a basketball team of 12 and 13 in a community hun- “Our programming at the center began to year olds. We won the local championship gry for role models. shift from being staff driven to youth driven and I was named Coach of the Year,” he The respect held for with the inception of a Youth Advisory says proudly. Lapointe by his peers Council,” says Joan Matteuzzi, a Casey “Sports really developed my leadership recently led the Child social worker at the center. “Kevin offered skills,” he adds. “Not only could I learn Welfare League of America (CWLA) to to help with everything. He assumed a lead- everyone’s fears, limits, and expectations, I honor him in Washington, D.C., with its ership role among his peers by organizing also found my own.” 2007 Kids to Kids Award for making a dif- and planning different projects.” ference in the lives of other youth. Through the council, Lapointe fi rst learned As he discovered success in his own life, Lapointe looked to the future with a new The award highlights Lapointe’s journey that he could be successful when he put mindset. At age 17, he joined the Army of growth, transforming from a youth who his energy into something. “We sponsored National Guard, and spent the summer was marginalized within his community to educational sessions at the center,” he says. before his senior year in high school at Boot a peer leader and role model. “I enjoyed the challenge of getting more and more kids to attend. I really was proud Camp, where he excelled academically and Raised in the state’s largest public housing of what we were accomplishing, since we physically. Now he gives one weekend a project in a hard hit community, Lapointe selected the topics and found speakers.” month to the Guard and works full-time as stood out as a target in a neighborhood of a truck driver with his sights set on becom- families of Latino and Cambodian heritage. Lapointe sees Casey’s involvement with ing either a police offi cer or fi refi ghter in Headed by his mother, his family was the helping him and others see past the low- the future. only white family in the project. “I was income environment of the project. “There This summer, Lapointe and his Guard unit this little Irish kid, always getting picked is so much negativity in Lowell, so it’s easier will deploy to Iraq. After his tour, he plans on,” Lapointe says. At age 10, at a school to get into trouble,” he says. “It’s tough to return to Lowell, a community he views bus stop, a 13-year-old boy pulled a gun to be good, get a job, and get a house. I in a whole new light. “There are good parts on Lapointe, an event which had a lasting learned through Casey that I did want to this city, and my entire family is here,” impact. that, though. The hurdles holding me back seemed smaller and smaller.” he says. “I know I can come back and make “I was so scared, but I didn’t tell any of even more of a difference.” my teachers or even my mother at fi rst. I Matteuzzi agrees: “Kevin used the council as a springboard to many successes, including
Casey Family Services 18
662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 2222 55/30/07/30/07 33:13:36:13:36 PPMM Perspectives FINDING THE WAY TO
YOUTH PERMANENCE
by Paul DiLorenzo, ACSW, In the focus groups, we covered a wide They will tell you that before social workers MLSP range of topics. There were questions about muse about permanence, they should be education, employment, housing, and doing something about the excessive turn- What we do not know health care. In some groups, the conversa- over rate of staff, the multiple placement about the frequently dis- tion tilted towards one or another of these experiences of children in care, and the lack cussed issue of youth per- areas. Some of the youth were involved of meaningful legal representation for foster manence could fi ll a book. with the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities youth. Our conversations about Initiative so, in those groups, the conversa- the topic could be measured in volumes. tion focused on asset-building activities. Most of these young people know what we Our conclusions, and subsequent activities, In other groups, the primary interest was should do and, in many cases, how to do it. are slim. On the other hand, it might be a in the status of their living arrangements, They do not agree on the question, “How cliché for us to acknowledge this, but when especially as it related to homelessness. In old is too old for adoption?” However, they it comes to their well-being, young people all groups, there were questions about per- demystify most of the questions that have often do know better. sonal and family connections with specifi c immobilized us. Their message is clear: “Keep it simple and keep us involved.” Over the past few months, I have had the emphasis on permanence and adoption. opportunity to facilitate several focus groups Without hesitation, they believe that they with young people about their experiences have a right to remain in contact with transitioning from the care of the public A LIFELONG FAMILY FOR THESE their birth families, especially their siblings, child welfare system. Those meetings took YOUTH MEANS SUPPORT, whenever it is safe to do so. Some of these place in four different cities, with youth young people had not seen their brothers or ages 15 to 25 years. About two-thirds of ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE, sisters, aunts, uncles, or other family mem- the youth had already left state custody. AND CONNECTIONS TO ADULT bers for over seven years. They believe we In every group, the subject of permanent are failing miserably on that front. As a real- families and lifelong connections emerged. DOOR OPENERS. ity check, they remind us that permanent All of the youths began their remarks with families come in all sizes, shapes, and forms, alternating airs of nonchalance and bra- Their ideas and recommendations for and their preference is for some sort of reat- vado. However, the tone of the conversa- improvement were always straightforward, tachment to their families of origin. In case tion turned quickly. When it came to the full of common sense, and without senti- we did not already realize it, young people inconsistent connections with their birth mentality. point out the ridiculous decision to change families, or the lack of stability in substitute the nature and scope of benefi ts and sup- care, or even the clumsy opportunities they This is in stark contrast to the debate we are ports for families who go from fostering to have had for adoption, these young people having among ourselves. Social workers and adoptive status. Every one of them said that spoke without inhibition. Their observa- advocates continue to volley back and forth the challenges in these newly formed fami- tions were as much about the process as they about who is “adoptable” and the meaning lies do not remain at the bar of the family were about the results of the system’s efforts. of permanence. We also spend a good deal court. The youth I interviewed asked why Perhaps that is what made their stories and of time thinking of new ways to extend the it takes so long for the question of adoption the prospects for their future so compelling parenting role of the state, knowing that to arise. The interviewees acknowledged – and concerning. most young people return to their families that the longer this goes unresolved, the less of origin. Listen to young people and they interest they have in adoption. encourage us to start with the basics.
19 Voice Magazine
662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 2233 55/30/07/30/07 33:14:07:14:07 PPMM Perspectives
Youth truly value what they sometimes refer to as that “one person”
who will stick with them until they are out of the proverbial woods
of transition.
WITHOUT HESITATION, THEY BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO REMAIN IN CONTACT WITH THEIR BIRTH FAMILIES, ESPECIALLY THEIR SIBLINGS, WHENEVER IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.
In addition, the young people encouraged multiple adult professionals in the lives of Young people readily identify exceptional social workers to reframe the reasons for youth in transition, it appears that everyone social workers that are inclusive, goal direct- permanence. As one young person noted, is responsible for teaching independent liv- ed, forgiving, accepting, and consistent. “I’m not at that age where people can mold ing. On the contrary, this lack of clarity can Among the youth, there was a consensus me. I have my own ideas about who I am result in no one being fully responsive to that they want us to be good listeners, part- and what I want.” A lifelong family for the young person. Youth truly value what ners, coaches, and mentors, who occasion- these youth means support, encouragement, they sometimes refer to as that “one person” ally will push back when the young person guidance, and connections to adult door who will stick with them until they are out is being too self-indulgent or lazy. They do openers. They want to go from protected of the proverbial woods of transition. not need us to chart the course to a forever child to a partner in life planning. The family. We just need to accompany them young people who were interviewed were along the road. Like most young adults, not very concerned about how to defi ne a THE REAL ISSUE FOR THESE they are cautiously optimistic that they will permanent family. Some did regret having YOUTH IS THEIR RIGHT TO BE fi nd the answers as they go. missed an opportunity for adoption. Still, in their minds, the time had passed and they FULLY ENGAGED IN THEIR OWN Paul DiLorenzo is a private consultant, spe- cializing in the areas of child welfare and had resigned themselves to the reality of PLANNING PROCESS. their fractured family situations. youth development. He has more than 30 years of experience in both the public and pri- As a result, many of the youth emphasized vate sectors. the need to be prepared for independent The real issue for these youth is their right living. They want competent, involved to be fully engaged in their own planning adults who can teach them everything from process. In turn, our responsibility is to cre- paying bills, cooking, managing and navi- ate a path to lifelong family support and, gating systems like higher education, how simultaneously, enhance the young person’s to get and keep a job, and what to do when sense of control, decision-making opportu- things occasionally go awry. When there are nities, and hope for the future. We want to model behavior that is wise, trusting, and accepting of those things that are not likely to change.
Casey Family Services 20
662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 2244 55/30/07/30/07 33:14:35:14:35 PPMM Perspectives Supporting Grandparents and Relative Caregivers
View from
byWashington Robin Nixon, Executive More than 2.5 million children are being programs and services. This program would Director, National Foster raised by grandparents and other relatives, provide families with the guidance they Care Coalition and many need fi nancial assistance in order need to learn how to obtain health care cov- to support their new family members, erage for the children in their care, apply for JJ, the oldest of four chil- according to a 2007 issues brief from the housing assistance, locate childcare, enroll dren at age 14, moved Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP). them in school, and gain access to other with his brothers and Of these children, more than 125,000 are services. sister in Michigan to their in the formal foster care system, represent- grandparents’ home when they realized that • Establish a Kinship Guardianship ing almost 25 percent of the overall popula- their mom and dad could not provide a Assistance Program to provide federal assis- tion of children in care. safe home for them. That’s right – the kids tance to states for subsidized guardianship decided, and left on their own. This deci- The discussion of what supports kinship programs to better serve the needs of kin- sion, while right for the kids, presented a families might require is complex, but the ship care families. This provision gives states tremendous challenge to their grandparents benefi ts to children from such an arrange- the option to use their Title IV-E funds to and aunt, who willingly took on the respon- ment are very clear. Children placed with provide payments to grandparents and other sibility of four children. Neither their home relatives experience more stability in their relatives who have assumed legal guardian- nor their incomes were big enough for a living arrangements, have fewer behavioral ship of children they’ve cared for as foster family whose size had doubled overnight. problems, and are often able to remain parents. Even their house, built by hand by JJ’s connected to friends and to their schools, • Ensure notice to relatives when children grandfather and other family members, was according to the same CLASP brief. enter foster care to make it easier for fami- not large enough. There is a lot of attention in the nation’s lies to stay together. The newly expanded family was forced to capital to the issue of supports for grandpar- The new version of this bill, introduced in sell their home and build a larger house on ents and other relatives providing kinship early 2007, strengthens systems already in family property out in the country, doing care and permanent homes for their young place to support these families by expanding much of the work themselves. JJ remembers relatives. Pending legislation would provide eligibility for the Foster Care Independence working several all-nighters installing hard- additional funds and services to kinship Program and strengthening requirements wood and tile fl oors in order for the house caregivers, and would establish subsidized for collaboration in Navigator grants. to be ready for licensing. The family com- guardianship as a valid permanency option pleted a specialized kinship care licensing for children. For more information on specifi c legisla- process with the state, and received a small tions, please visit the Child Welfare League of The Kinship Caregivers Support Act, subsidy for about three years. The grand- America, www.cwla.org; Generations United, reintroduced in the current Congress by parents then adopted the four kids and www.gu.org; and the Kids are Waiting Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-NY, effectively ended all support or assistance Campaign, www.kidsarewaiting.org. would take a number of steps to strengthen from the child welfare system. While JJ and support not only for kinship caregivers, but his siblings are happy and secure with their for young people in kinship placement, family, JJ regrets the stresses and fi nancial as well. The proposed Act would do the struggles experienced by his aging grandpar- following: ents as they took care of and, subsequently adopted, him and his siblings. He wishes • Establish a Kinship Navigator Program in that there were more supports available to states, large metropolitan areas, and Indian them. tribal organizations to assist kinship caregiv- ers to navigate their way through existing
21 Voice Magazine
662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 2255 55/30/07/30/07 33:14:41:14:41 PPMM Perspectives PERSPECTIVES ALUMNI ANGEL: RINGING A BELL FOR AMAZING OFFERINGS?
by Nathan Monell, And in particular we celebrate the foster “My foster parents had a nickname for me Executive Director, Foster and adoptive parents who fi nd a way to cre- and when they called me that, it made me Care Alumni of America ate victories large and small from the imper- feel special, like I belonged.” fect circumstances they choose to embrace, Ring the bells that still and the foster children and youth, who, “My foster family had rituals and traditions can ring enduring great darkness, often fi nd them- I could count on. We ate dinner together. Forget your perfect offering. selves at the end, embraced in light. We read stories at bedtime. We said that There is a crack in everything, goofy prayer in Norwegian before holiday That’s how the light gets in. As one alumna writes, “So often in foster meals. We watched reruns of Saved by the care we hear about and celebrate those Bell before school while I brushed my teeth – Leonard Cohen people who ‘beat the odds.’ I think we’re every day.” “My high school graduation photo is up on WE CELEBRATE THE FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE PARENTS WHO the wall in the TV room, right next to their ‘real kids.’ ” FIND A WAY TO CREATE VICTORIES LARGE AND SMALL FROM THE IMPERFECT CIRCUMSTANCES THEY CHOOSE TO EMBRACE, “Now that I’m a parent, my foster parents are the grandparents to my children. They AND THE FOSTER CHILDREN AND YOUTH, WHO, ENDURING like to babysit, too!” GREAT DARKNESS, OFTEN FIND THEMSELVES AT THE END, “Even though I can point to so many times EMBRACED IN LIGHT. when I was treated like a case instead of a person, when I was left without the support I needed, and, when I felt alone, I can also It’s diffi cult and painful to imagine the missing the point when we do that. say that I’m really lucky that I was in foster heartbreak and loss that come when a child Beating the odds implies a more perfect care. I found an amazing foster family who is removed from his home due to abuse or outcome that ever happens in anybody’s still loves me.” neglect. Birth parents often suffer a negative life – real life is just messy. We look for judgment and an internal awareness that those saintly foster families and high- Today, foster parents fi ll an important they have failed the basic expectations we profi le ‘success’ stories. We create an need – and help enormously in guiding hold for all parents. The child, no matter unrealistic expectation that I think sets foster children on their journey home to the age, never understands the uprooting, everyone up for failure.” birth families, to adoptive parents, and the loss of the familiar, nor the empty hole onto adulthood. More than 60 percent of where belonging should be. And we all Instead of talking about saints and suc- children in foster care are adopted by their suffer communally as we realize our neigh- cess stories, it’s important to talk about foster parents. An unknown number remain borhoods, our schools, and our children’s surviving, fi nding love, belonging, “goofy” the lifelong “family” connection for foster friends are missing out on the basic neces- Norwegian prayers, and graduation photos. care alumni. May is a time to remember their contributions – and ring the bell sities and privileges that come with having In the voices of alumni: your own family. loudly in their honor. “I am grateful for my last foster family and For more information about Foster At the same time, we have reason to cel- for being in the system. Without that, I Care Alumni of America, visit ebrate the persistence of the human spirit. would not be where I am now because I www.fostercarealumni.org. would not have survived.”
Casey Family Services 22
662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 2266 55/30/07/30/07 33:14:45:14:45 PPMM Resource Corner Resource Corner Casey Foundation Website Launched activity pages at the end of each chapter. The Annie E. Casey Foundation recently For more information or to order a copy, visit launched a redesigned website that pro- www.youthcomm.org vides up-to-date information on how the organization is working to help vulnerable “Offending During Late Adolescence: How kids and families across the country. A new Do Youth Aging Out of Care Compare feature of the site is the Knowledge Center, with Their Peers?” an online database providing direct access Chapin Hall Center for Children, to more than 2,000 resources from the University of Chicago Foundation’s Knowledge Management sys- young person in foster care with a goal of tem. Viewers can now search for informa- establishing a lifelong, kin-like relationship, This issue brief examines how youth who tion by keyword, topic, and specifi c Casey while pursuing permanency options, includ- are “aging out” of foster care become initiative. There also is an interactive map of ing reunifi cation, adoption, and guardian- involved in criminal behavior and become the United States and territories highlight- ship. involved with criminal justice systems more ing the locations of major Casey initiatives. often than peers who were not raised in For more information on this innovative foster care. Accounting for racial differences To visit the site, go to www.aecf.org. approach, visit www.fosterclub.com. between the samples, the report found that FosterClub’s Permanency Pact Do You Have What It Takes: youth aging out of care had higher rates of A Comprehensive Guide to Success After offending across a range of behaviors from Youth transitioning from foster care are Foster Care property crimes to serious violent crimes. often unsure about whom they can count In addition, a higher percentage of foster on for ongoing family connections and Youth Communication youth reported having histories of arrest. supports once they “age out.” Studies show These differences were true for both males that permanent lifelong connections are Youth Communication has changed the and females. Although offending by foster important in ensuring successful outcomes title and revamped the look of their success- youth is generally higher than other youth, for foster youth. FosterClub has released ful youth book On Your Own. The new and the report found signifi cant declines in most Permanency Pact, a free online resource tool improved book is titled, Do You Have What criminal behaviors for all youth over time. that supports and promotes permanency It Takes: A Comprehensive Guide to Success for youth in foster care. FosterClub defi nes After Foster Care. Its cover page celebrates To view the issues brief, visit Permanency Pact as a pledge by a support- diversity with photos of youth representing www.chapinhall.org. ive adult to provide specifi c supports to a various ages and ethnic backgrounds. The revised edition has dozens of new stories and lessons about how to achieve success after foster care. The stories are written by young people, and engage teenage read- ers to think proactively about how to deal with the emotional, physical, and fi nancial challenges they’ll face on the road to inde- pendence. Social workers, independent liv- ing instructors, and mentors can utilize the
23 Voice Magazine
662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 2277 55/30/07/30/07 33:14:45:14:45 PPMM What the Media Say
What thethe MediaMedia SaySay
Rowell Talks New Book, Career Gary Stangler, executive director of the Jim Change, and MotherhoodMedCasey Youthi Opportunitiesa Initiative: “At age 18, kids are not usually even graduated [Victoria Rowell] also enjoys giving back – from high school. The state has been their especially to foster children. She’s the founder parent legally to age 18, and I think no of the Rowell Foster Children’s Positive other parent would simply cut off their 18 Plan, and national spokesperson year old, even if he or she hadn’t fi nished for the Annie E. Casey high school, without at least the basic Foundation, including Casey supports of having a family to fall back Family Services. on.” “Victoria has been a singularly National Public Radio effective role model and advocate April 6, 2007 for foster and adopted children and youth and an inspiration to the par- Compartir la Ternura ents who care for them,” said Raymond L. Torres, executive director of Casey “Me gustaría que otros se dieran cuenta de Family Services, the direct service agency of que hay demasiados niños que necesitan the foundation. un hogar seguro, cariñoso; necesitan gente dispuesta a darles una oportunidad para que Jet Magazine se superen en la vida y tengan un futuro April 16, 2007 mejor.”– Ivette Negrón, madre adoptiva y trabajadora social para Casey Family R.I. Urged Not To Drop Foster Services. Kids At 18 The Pawtucket Times Selecciones “Even with good homes and loving families,” Pawtucket, Rhode Island May 2007 said Raymond L. Torres, executive director April 4, 2007 for Casey Family Services, “we know very well that children today cannot leave at the Rhode Island Consid age of 18 and make it on their own and Care Cutbacks somehow become successful adults. Why “Much attention has be should we expect that of youngsters in foster the 20,000 teenagers wh care?” foster care every year,” s “It is tough to make it in society,” Torres Montagne, Morning Ed said [to select state lawmakers]. “You need “Many states have tried the right skills; you need the right support. this transition by offerin Kids in foster care started out in very nega- kids services until they t tive circumstances. Even with that, they are services such as health i very resilient kids. As we think about the lege tuition assistance, o responsibility of a parent, as we think about Rhode Island is facing a the responsibility of a state that is charged to to what’s expected to be care for these youngsters, we have to ask our- gambling revenues. The cut its services for foster
Casey Family Services 24
662002_Voice.indd2002_Voice.indd 2288 55/30/07/30/07 33:14:46:14:46 PPMM Important Dates
For additional important dates, visit www.caseyfamilyservices.org. 22007:OO Important Dates 7 Voice is published quarterly by Casey Family May June 13-15 Services, the direct service agency of the Annie National Foster Care Month 9th Annual International Fatherhood E. Casey Foundation, for child welfare profes- sionals, advocates, and the children and families Conference they serve. The opinions expressed within this May 22 National Partnership for Community publication do not necessarily refl ect the views of National Summit on America’s Children Leadership the Annie E. Casey Foundation, including Casey U.S. House of Representatives Morehouse College Family Services. The Annie E. Casey Foundation Washington, D.C. Atlanta, Georgia is a private charitable organization established in www.npcl.org 1948 by UPS founder Jim Casey and his siblings May 23-27 in honor of their mother. June 13-15 The Foundation is dedicated to helping build National Foster Parent Association better futures for disadvantaged children in the 37th Annual Education Conference 2007 Latino Social Workers Organization United States. Started in 1976, Casey Family Omni Shoreham Hotel Conference Services offers permanence-focused foster care, Washington, D.C. Latino Social Workers Organization post-adoption services, family reunifi cation, family www.nfpainc.org St. Augustine College preservation, family advocacy and support, family Chicago, Illinois resource centers, assistance to young families, and May 30-June 1 www.lswo.org nationwide technical assistance through the Casey Center for Effective Child Welfare Practice. One Child, Many Hands: June 26 The mission of Casey Family Services is to improve A Multidisciplinary Conference on Child the lives of at-risk children and strengthen fami- Welfare 2007 KIDS COUNT Data Book release lies and communities by providing high-quality, The Field Center for Children’s Policy, cost-effective services that advance both positive Practice and Research June 26-28 practice and sound public policy. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania International Society for Child Indicators Executive Director: Raymond L. Torres www.sp2.upenn.edu/onechild/index.html Conference Director of Communications: Lee Mullane International Society for Child Indicators Public Affairs Manager: June 6-9 Allerton Crowne Plaza Hotel Roye Anastasio-Bourke 2007 Conference on Family Group Chicago, Illinois Editor: John S. Hodgins Decision Making www.childindicators.org Contributing Writers: Paul DiLorenzo, Nathan National Center on Family Group Decision Monell, and Robin Nixon. Making July 18-20 Design: Inergy Group American Humane 10th National Child Welfare Data and Extending the Conversation Washington, D.C. Technology Conference With a vision of sharing ideas and insights, the www.americanhumane.org “Making IT Work: Linking Data with Voice editorial staff welcomes feedback from its Practice and Outcomes” readers. Please feel free to contact us with your June 9-12 U.S. Children’s Bureau and the National story ideas, requests for additional information on National CASA’s 30th Anniversary Center for Child Welfare Data and topics covered, and updated subscription informa- Conference Technology tion. The editor can be reached by sending an L’Enfant Plaza Hotel email to [email protected] or calling Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Washington, D.C. 203.401.6940. Caribe Royale Orlando, Florida www.nrccwdt.org www.casanet.org/conference/index.htm
25 Voice Magazine
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THE ANNIE E. CASEY FOUNDATION In This Issue
i Executive Director’s Message Voi2 Exchange: ce A Time to Step Up for Kids: Foster Care Month Mobilizes the Nation A Family Finds Hope through Reunifi cation Working Together through Permanency Teams Victoria Rowell Revisits the Women Who Raised Her Casey Alliance Supports Promising Practices in Promoting Racial Equity State Convenings Speed Momentum of Move to Permanence 13 Close-up: Kevin Campbell, Pioneer in Finding Families for Youth in Care 16 Casey Close-up: Diane Kindler, Clinical Director 17 News & Highlights 19 Perspectives: Finding the Way to Youth Permanence View from Washington: Supporting Grandparents and Relative Caregivers Alumni Angel: Ringing a Bell for Amazing Offerings 23 Resource Corner, What the Media Say, and Important Dates
Casey Family Services 127 Church Street New Haven, CT 06510 Telephone: 203 401 6900 Fax: 203 401 6901
888 799 KIDS www.caseyfamilyservices.org
Casey Family Services
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