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Join Daniel Memorial Institute
and NILA as we proudly present ...

The 22nd Annual
National Independent Living Conference

"Growing Pains 2009"
September 1-4, 2009 ~ Nashville, TN

Now in its 22nd year, this conference is a must-attend event for youth service professionals, independent living professionals and youth ages 15+. Presenters include top leaders and experts in the field of independent living. The national youth conference is comprised of special sessions dedicated to the needs of youth who are currently in care. These include training sessions, workshops, panel discussions and leadership/team building activities.

Each general session and workshop will present innovative ideas on how youth can deal with life’s ever changing situations. One of the main missions of daniel is to help professionals, clients and their respective organizations establish and maintain effective Independent Living Programs.

Adults and youth are encouraged to apply to present workshops at this conference. If you are interested in the issues surrounding independent living and today's youth, this conference is for you! For more information, call or e-mail Stephanie Waugerman, Conference Coordinator at (904) 296-1055 x:1013 or swaugerman@danielkids.org.

 
   

 


Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act Convening Report


One week after the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 became law, Partners for Our Children and the Juvenile Law Center convened a meeting in Seattle to discuss how this new legal framework could be used to smooth the transition of foster youth into adulthood. The convening brought together policymakers, administrators, advocates and scholars to use FCSIA's new context to begin to develop an agenda for reform of programs and policies for older youth who are in foster care or making the transition to adulthood from the foster care system.
A report of the proceedings, including substantive information that participants shared with each other, as well as many of the recommendations that emerged from the two days of discussion can be viewed here. These recommendations do not necessarily represent consensus, but reflect the authors' sense of what is most important if federal and state policies and programs are to have an enduring impact on the lives of foster youth.


NRCFCPPP’s Complete Listing of State Foster Care Contacts

The National Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice and Permanency Planning has compiled a complete listing of State foster care contacts (updated 5/09) as part of the 2009 National Foster Care Month campaign. For each State and the District of Columbia, the listing offers the appropriate organization/agency name, telephone number (when available), and website for those seeking to learn more about foster care or how to become a foster parent. Access the document online here.


 
 

 
 
 

 
 
Join NILA for FREE! That's right, you can now join NILA for free. Don't miss this great opportunity to join NILA at no cost. NILA is a grassroots organization that is committed to enhancing the futures of young people by promoting quality services for our most vulnerable and valuable population . . . its youth. Click on the "Join NILA" tab to join now..

Click here for more information about NILA.


 
 
 
 

The purpose of NILA is to provide a national network for sharing information from a grassroots level.

We provide technical assistance, youth advocacy, and support mechanisms to assist professionals working with foster care and promising youth who are making the transition into adulthood.

 
     
 
spotlight


 
   
 

Cathy Turner
Independent Living Coordinator for Project Prepare
Daniel Memorial, Inc.
Jacksonville FL.


Cathy Turner has worked for Daniel Memorial for over 19 years. She is currently the I.L Coordinator for Project Prepare. Project Prepare is an independent living program serving homeless youth, ages 16-21. Services consist of a three to six month residency at the Independent Village, mental health counseling, independent living skills instruction, and up to two years of case management. The goal of the program is to transition each youth from a state of homelessness to that of economic independence.
Cathy is an illustration of effective youth care work. She is creative and responsive to the needs of the young people and families she works with. Cathy is always looking for opportunities to promote insight and learning. She is a strong advocate for young people and families, and builds positive relationships with them. Many young people that Cathy has worked with still maintain contact with her years after leaving the program. Here are some comments from her past clients:

Her outgoing and compassionate nature is an immediate attraction.

She’s a fabulous person who really understands and cares.

Cathy is very understanding, supportive, and a great role model!

Cathy’s ability to problem solve crisis situations, her energy and willingness to be a team player and her human touch makes her an invaluable asset to us and all the youth she has touched over the years.


Thanks Cathy,
for helping our most vulnerable
and valuable population . . .
its youth.

Their tomorrow will be
better because of you!

 
     
Telephone: (904) 296-1038    E-mail: info@nilausa.org
 
       
 
 
 

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