Upcoming Events
About NILA
Donations
Resources
Join NILA
Youth Pages
Contact Us



HOME

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

 
 



Please click on the section below to go to resources in that category:


Adoption and Foster Care Independent Living
Books/Videos Juvenile Justice
Chafee Independence Act Positive Youth Development
Education Regional Information
Education Training Vouchers Statistics
Employment/Vocational State-Specific Information
Funding Opportunities Success Stories
Government Information Youth-General
Housing  


 
  Adoption and Foster Care
 
Adopting.org


  Provides resources for adoption professionals, foster parents, prospective and adoptive parents, step-parent adoption, and more.
  http://www.adopting.org
   
  AFCARS
  Adoption, Foster Care Statistics
  http://www.afcr.com
 
  American Foster Care Resources
  Section of website dedicated to adoption. Provides information and links to other resources.
 

http://www.afcr.com

 
  AN UNIMAGINABLE CRIME
  On April 13, 2005, 60 Minutes aired a report called An Unimaginable Crime, about a 21 year old mother who is a former foster child. She is now accused of killing her child.
 


Visit http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/04/12/60II/main687562.shtml?CMP=ILC-SearchStories to read this heart-wrenching story. Then, get involved! Write or contact those people who can change the system for the better in every state. Let’s continue to advocate for appropriate care so these tragedies don’t have to happen again!

   
  CASA
  The National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association mission is to speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children who are involved in the juvenile courts.
  http://www.casanet.org
 
  Chapin Hall Report-Child Welfare, Child Well-Being, and the Evidence for Policy Reform.
 

More than ever, state child welfare agencies are focused on outcomes for the children and families they serve. Using data from Chapin Hall's Center for State Foster Care and Adoption Data, this volume offers an unprecedented profile of children as they enter the child welfare system.

  http://csfcad.chapinhall.org/index.html
   
  Connect for Kids
  Connect for Kids makes the best use of communications technologies, specifically the Internet, to give adults – parents, grandparents, guardians, educators, advocates, policymakers, elected officials and others – the tools and information they need to work on behalf of children, youth and families.
  http://www.connectforkids.org
   
  Keeping Kids in the Child Welfare System after 18
  This web seminar presents an overview of the new research and provide state lawmakers, policy-makers, advocates, and others with an opportunity to learn about the experiences of states that allow youth to remain in foster care past their eighteenth birthdays.
  https://chapinhall.webex.com/chapinhall/onstage/tool/record/viewrecording1.php?
EventID=335738639&Rnd=0.8795935291847541
   
  Kinship Center
  The Kinship Center provides adoption, foster, and relative care services to the children and families of California.
  http://www.kinshipcenter.org
   
  News from the National Governor's Association
  The NGA Center for Best Practices convened the National Experts' Roundtable on Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care on Friday, May 20, 2005. Experts at the daylong meeting identified key elements and strategies in a comprehensive state system that assists older foster youth in successfully transitioning to adulthood.
  http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.9123e83a1f678644ddcbeeb5010a0
vgnextoid=29316c4118775010VgnVCM1000001a0101aRCRD
   
  National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
  A comprehensive resource on all aspects of adoption, and is a service of the Children's Bureau, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services.
  http://naic.acf.hhs.gov/
   
  National Youth Development Information Center
  National Youth Development Information Center is a one-stop website for youth workers with interest in any and all of the following areas: funding, programming, research, policy, job and training opportunities.
  http://www.nydic.org
   
  Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study
  Foster alumni suffer higher rates of depression, panic disorders and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder than their peers. In fact, foster alumni have higher rates of PTSD than war veterans, and lower recovery rates than the general population, according to the new Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study.
  http://www.casey.org/Resources/Publications/NorthwestAlumniStudy.htm
   
  State Fact Sheets on Serving Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
  The National Resource Center for Youth Development has state facts on programs and services for youth aging out of foster care.
  http://www.nrcys.ou.edu/nrcyd/stat_home.htm
   
  Teens Wanted - Time.com Article
  Adopt an adolescent? Yes, there are families crazy and loving enough to take that on.
Article from Time.com
  http://www.time.com/time/connections/article/0,9171,1042482,00.html
   
 
   

  Books / Videos
 
Foster Parents Speak: Crossing Bridges and Fostering Change (VIDEO)

  A Powerful New Training and Recruitment Video
Produced by the NYS Citizens' Coalition for Children & PhotoSynthesis Productions
  http://www.nysccc.org
   
  Higher Education Opportunities for Foster Youth: A Primer for Policy Makers
 
This Institute for Higher Education Policy report argues that foster youth are the most disadvantaged group when it comes to opportunities for higher learning. Out of the 150,000 who have graduated from high school and are college qualified, only some 30,000 are attending postsecondary education.
  http://www.ihep.org/Pubs/PDF/fosteryouth.pdf
   
  On Their Own
  A book on youth in transition co-authored by journalist Martha Shirk and Gary Stangler of the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities initiative.

In the foreword, former President Jimmy Carter calls it "a vitally important addition to the literature on child welfare, foster care, and youth development."

Available now in bookstores and at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com. A 50% discount on orders of 20 or more books is available from Basic Books by calling 800-255-1514.


   
  On Your Own Without a Net
 
A new analysis co-authored by Chapin Hall's Mark Courtney indicates that the child welfare system is failing to meet the needs of teenagers in foster care as they “age out” of the system and begin what is often a particularly difficult transition into adult lives.
 

To order On Your Own Without a Net: The Transition to Adulthood for Vulnerable Populations: http://www.press.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/hfs.cgi/00/158258.ctl

Click to read the report, Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth. http://www.chapinhall.org/article_abstract.aspx?ar=1355&L2=61&L3=130

   
  Tutoring Gap-Editorial from the New York Times, February 16, 2006
 
Thanks to the New York Times Editorial Board for recognizing the need to focus on adolescent literacy –
  Read the Editorial
 
   
  Chafee Independence Act
 


Foster Care Independence Act and the Chafee Program Update

 

The National Foster Care Coalition has updated its FAQ's about the Foster Care Independence Act and the Chafee program.

  Volume I: http://www.natl-fostercare.org/documents/faq_booklet.pdf
Volume II:http://www.natl-fostercare.org/documents/faq2_final.pdf
   
 
  Information on ETV's from the Orphan Foundation of America.
   
 
  GAO Report
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d0525.pdf
 
   
  Education
 
Bolstering Youth and a Skilled Workforce


  Section of Connect for Kids Newsletter dated December 13, 2004.
  http://www.connectforkids.org/node/2788#BOLSTER
   
  Drop Out Prevention Center / Network
  Resources for drop out prevention.
  http://www.dropoutprevention.com
   
  The Educational Status of Foster Children, Chapin Hall Center for Children, 2004
  A report from the Chapin Hall Center for Children, whose mission is building knowledge to serve children.
  http://www.chapinhall.org/article_abstract_new.asp?ar=1377&L2=61&L3=130
   
  Educating Youth In Care: The First Year of Education and Training Vouchers
 
In 2001, the Promoting Safe and Stable Families provisions added a sixth purpose to the existing Foster Care Independence Act (FCIA) that called for the availability of Education and Training Vouchers. These Vouchers were funded in Fiscal Year 2004 for the first time and offered students money to continue their education. This program has impacted the way states provide post-secondary education services to adolescents in many ways. The National Child Welfare Resource Center for Youth Development has analyzed how states have implemented the program and have evaluated what areas seem to be working for states and areas that should be focused on for additional study.
  http://www.nrcys.ou.edu/nrcyd/publications.htm
   
  Federal Resources for Education
  Resources for education.
  http://www.ed.gov/free
   
  Free Planning Guides for Community Action
  Free planning guides for community action are available online.
  http://www.coveringkidsandfamilies.org/communications/materials
   
  Helping Foster Care Grads Move On to College
  Connect for Kids makes the best use of communications technologies, specifically the Internet, to give adults – parents, grandparents, guardians, educators, advocates, policymakers, elected officials and others – the tools and information they need to work on behalf of children, youth and families.
  http://www.connectforkids.org/articles/foster_care_grads_college
   
  National Dropout Prevention Center
  The mission of the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network is to serve as a research center and resource network for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to reshape school and community environments to meet the needs of youth in at-risk situations so these students receive the quality education and services necessary to succeed academically and graduate from high school.
  http://www.dropoutprevention.org
   
  National Resource Center for Youth Services
  NRC’s mission is enhancing the quality of life of our nation's youth and their families by improving the effectiveness of human services.
  http://www.nrcys.ou.edu
   
  National Youth Employment Coalition Weblinks
  The National Youth Employment Coalition improves the effectiveness of organizations that seek to help youth become productive citizens.
  http://www.nyec.org/weblinks.htm
   
  Orphan Foundation of America
  This organization helps youth transition to adulthood with special emphasis on assisting them with college and vocational options.
  http://www.orphan.org
   
  No Child Left Behind
  US Department of Education
  http://www.ed.gov/nclb/landing.jhtml?src=fb
   
  Pathways to College Network and Clearinghouse
  The Pathways to College Network is an alliance of 38 national organizations and funders committed to advancing college access and success for underserved students, including those who are the first generation in their families to go to college, low-income students, underrepresented minorities, and students with disabilities.
  http://www.pathwaystocollege.net
 
   
  Education Training Vouchers
 
Helping Foster Care Grads Move On to College


  Connect for Kids makes the best use of communications technologies, specifically the Internet, to give adults – parents, grandparents, guardians, educators, advocates, policymakers, elected officials and others – the tools and information they need to work on behalf of children, youth and families.
  http://www.connectforkids.org/articles/foster_care_grads_college
   
  Orphan Foundation of America
  This organization helps youth in transition to adulthood with special emphasis on assisting them with college and vocational options.
  http://www.orphan.org/etv.html
   
  State Voucher Information
  State-by-state guide to vouchers.
  http://www.statevoucher.org
   
 
   
  Employment/Vocational
 
America's Job Bank


  Online employment information.
  http://www.ajb.dni.us
   
  Annie E. Casey Foundation's Job's Initiative
  This program provides funding and support for community-based initiatives in five cities in order to help young, low-income workers find meaningful jobs and to identify national employment and training models.
  http://www.aecf.org/initiatives/jobsinitiative
   
  Bolstering Youth and a Skilled Workforce
  Section of Connect for Kids Newsletter dated December 13, 2004.
  http://www.connectforkids.org/node/2788#BOLSTER
   
 

Career Planning Begins with Assessment: A Guide for Professional Serving Youths with Educational and Career Development Challenges.

  This guide serves as a resource for multiple audiences within the workforce development system.
  http://www.ncwd-youth.info/resources_&_Publications/assessment.html
   
  Fair Labor Standard Act and Child Labor Laws
  Providing the community experiences required by IDEA may be in conflict with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). As educators providing these types of experiences to students, we need to be aware that specific Department of Labor regulations must be met. This manual is designed to provide the information and forms you will need to meet the requirements of the FLSA while maintaining quality programs for students with disabilities.
   
  Job Shadowing Expectations
  A guideline of how to shadow or follow a potential employer in order to learn about a student's field/industry of interest.
   
  MILITARY EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES:
  U.S. Army
  http://www.goarmy.com
   
  U.S. Marines
  http://www.marines.com
   
  U.S. Navy
  http://www.navy.com
   
  U.S. Airforce
  http://www.airforce.com
   
  All Military Careers
  http://www.todaysmilitary.com
   
  Armed Forces Careers
  http://www.armedforcescareers.com
   
  U.S. Merchant Marine
  http://www.usmm.org
   
  National Youth Employment Coalition Weblinks
  The National Youth Employment Coalition improves the effectiveness of organizations that seek to help youth become productive citizens.
  http://www.nyec.org/weblinks.htm
   
  The Philosophy Behind Transition Work
  A list of a few key ideas that came out of a Casey-wide discussion on transition of youth in the workforce.
   
  Teen Workers website sponsored by OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor
  Teen worker safety and health materials for outdoor occupations. Topics covered include safe driving, lawn care, life guarding, construction, parks and recreation, and restaurants.
  http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/index.html
   
  YouthBuild
  In YouthBuild programs, unemployed and undereducated young people ages 16-24 work toward their GED or high school diploma while learning job skills by building affordable housing for homeless and low-income people.
  http://www.youthbuild.org
   
  Youth Resource Connections
  Department of Labor Monthly Youth Newsletter - Subscribe
  http://www.doleta.gov/youth_services//listserv/subscribe-form.cfm
   
  Youth Rules!
  This organization promotes early work experiences.
  http://www.youthrules.dol.gov/
   
  Youth Training Programs
  US Department of Labor
  http://www.doleta.gov/youth_services
   
 
   
  Funding Opportunities
 
2005 Grant Opportunities Notebook


  A guide to this year's federal funding opportunities for faith-based and community organizations across the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  http://www.hhs.gov/fbci
   
  Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
  The online CFDA provides access to a database of all federal programs available to state and local governments (including the District of Columbia); federally-recognized Indian tribal governments; territories (and possessions) of the United States; domestic public, quasi-public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups; and individuals.
  http://www.gsa.gov
   
  Children's Defense Fund
  The mission of the Children's Defense Fund is to Leave No Child Behind® and to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.
  http://www.childrensdefense.org
   
  The Chronicle of Philanthropy
  Offers information on grants and fundraising.
  http://www.philanthropy.com
   
  Department of Education
  U.S. Department of Education's website.
  http://www.ed.gov
   
  Developing Contracted Social Service Initiatives in Small Nonprofit Agencies: Understanding Management Dilemmas in Uncertain Environments*
Steven G. Anderson

  The author examines management dilemmas experienced by small nonprofit social services agencies as they entered new service domains with the assistance of governmental funding.
  http://familiesinsociety.org/Show.asp?docid=1834
   
  Federal Grants
  Grants.gov allows organizations to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies.
  http://www.grants.gov
   
  The Federal Register
  Published by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents.
  http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/
 
To receive the Federal Register Table of Contents daily via e-mail, please subscribe at: http://listserv.access.gpo.gov/archives/fedregtoc-l.html
   
  Foundation Center
  Information about funding and U.S. philanthropy.
  http://www.fdncenter.org
   
  Foundations On-Line
  Information about Northern California charities.
  http://www.foundations.org
 
   
  Humana Foundation
  The Humana Foundation identifies, funds, and nurtures projects and organizations in three fields: domestic and international health, education, and civic and cultural development in communities where the company has a meaningful presence.
  http://www.humanafoundation.org
   
  National Endowment for Humanities
  NEH is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities.
  http://www.neh.fed.us
   
  Non-Profit Resource Center
  This site is helpful in explaining federal grants and opportunities.
  http://1800net.com/nprc/
   
  NonProfit Zone
  These services are provided for nonprofit organizations, staff, and volunteers: strategic planning, fundraising consulting and training, proposal writing, etc.
  http://nonprofitzone.org
   
 

Orphan Foundation of America/Scholarships

  This organization helps youth in transition to adulthood with special emphasis on assisting them with college and vocational options.
  http://www.orphan,org/scholarships.html
   
  Philanthropy Journal
  Links to useful sites for fundraising.
  http://www.philanthropy-journal.org
   
  Public Welfare Foundation
  The Public Welfare Foundation is a non-governmental grant-making organization dedicated to supporting organizations that provide services to disadvantaged populations and work for lasting improvements in the delivery of services that meet basic human needs.
  http://www.publicwelfare.org
   
  So Far, So Good: Results of GuideStar's
2005 Nonprofit Economic Survey
  It appears that the tsunamis, Hurricane Katrina, and Hurricane Rita had minimal impact on overall giving during the first three-quarters of the year. Demand for nonprofits' services increased, however, and most organizations are concerned about what the 2005 giving season will bring. See what GuideStar’s survey has to say about giving –
  http://www.guidestar.org/news/features/2005_survey_results.jsp
   
 
   
  Government Information
 
Children's Bureau

  http://www.acf.dhhs.gov
   
  Committee on Ways and Means
  http://waysandmeans.house.gov
   
  Connect for Kids' Kids & Politics
  http://www.kidsandpolitics.org
   
  Congress
  http://www.congress.org
   
  CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE MEMORANDUM: Notice of Proposed Rule Making to Implement the Chafee Foster Care Independence Act Database

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is part of the legislative branch of the federal government. CRS, which is a department of the Library of Congress, works exclusively as a nonpartisan analytical, research, and reference arm for Congress.