Published on Alliance1 (http://alliance1.org)
Washington Insider: Child Welfare
System Wide Settlement Reached for NYC Foster Youth
After two years of negotiation, the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) and attorneys representing foster children have reached an agreement meant to provide greater support to youth who age out of the foster care system. Karen Freedman, executive director of Lawyers for Children, which represented the plaintiffs, told the Alliance for Children and Families that the changes are system wide and meant to force ACS to implement its own policies.
Under the pending settlement, a new office will be created that will be devoted to the aging out population and act as a liaison between the ACS and private agencies. ACS will have to monitor and continue to provide services to children who have aged out of foster care for 12 months.
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Building Bridges Report: Creative Financial Strategies
The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) has released a new report
“Fiscal Strategies that Support the Building Bridges Initiative Principles.”
The report summarizes successful programs and fiscal solutions used to implement the Building Bridges best practices which emphasize shorter stays in residential care, community services and post discharge follow up. The document also identifies barriers and challenges to implementing the Building Bridges framework. … more
ESEA Foster Care Amendment Passed
The Fostering Success in Education Amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education (ESEA) Reauthorization Act of 2011 was passed by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee last week.
The Fostering Connections to Success Act of 2008 contained provisions ensuring school stability for foster children, but child welfare agencies’ attempts to implement the law often fell short because of a lack of cooperation and understanding on the part of the schools. The amendment creates a mandate on the education side that matches the one created by Fostering Connections on the child welfare side. … more
Strengthening Workforce Webinar
We are passing along this information on an upcoming opportunity from the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute:
On Wednesday, December 14, 2011, from 3-4:15 PM EDT, the NCWWI invites you and your colleagues to join us for our second session in What Works for the Workforce: Leadership Competencies in Action - A National Webinar Series on Leading Change to Strengthen the Child Welfare Workforce. This webinar is free, and open to all.
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Residential Program Bill Introduced
U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) and U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) have introduced legislation meant to protect teens from abuse in residential treatment centers. It would create regulatory requirements for unregulated facilities, as well as facilities currently regulated under federal and state law.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed identical legislation in previous years.
The Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2011 (H.R. 3126) would: … more
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About the Author
Katherine Astrich is senior vice president of public policy and mobilization for the Alliance and UNCA.
She previously worked as a consultant for The Lewin Group, a national health and human services consulting firm. She has advocated for Medicaid, early education, and workforce assistance programs that benefit vulnerable children and families.
Her expertise includes regulatory and information collection policy. She also has eight years of experience working for the Office of Management and Budget. ... more
About the Author
Cecilia Fiermonte is director of child welfare policy at the Alliance. An attorney, she previously was assistant director at the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law, advocating for policy change and providing training and technical assistance.
She also previously:
- Supervised the child welfare program of the County Attorney's Office in Wyoming County, N.Y.
- Worked in research and evaluation at the Quality Improvement Center on the Representation of Children
- Represented children in family court matters ... more
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