New Jersey Youth Advisory Boards

May is National Foster Care Month!!

2009-04-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

"All children deserve a safe, happy life — including the 496,000 American children and youth in foster care. Young people in foster care especially need nurturing adults on their side because their own families are in crisis and unable to care for them.

Each May, we salute the compassionate people who make a difference by serving as foster parents, relative caregivers, mentors, advocates, social workers, and volunteers. Thanks to these unsung heroes, many formerly abused or neglected children and teens will either safely reunite with their parents, be cared for by relatives, or be adopted by loving families.

But some children in foster care are less fortunate. Most communities across the country are urgently seeking more everyday people to help these youth overcome their troubled childhoods and realize their full potential. No matter what their age, every young person in foster care benefits from a meaningful connection to a caring adult who becomes a supportive and lasting presence in his or her life.

Take a closer look at the number and diversity of people who were once in foster care. It might surprise you. In fact, there are an estimated 12 million foster care alumni in the U.S. representing all walks of life. Behind this startling statistic are countless stories of children who grew up to be thriving adults while others struggled with life’s challenges all alone. The difference between triumph and tragedy will become very clear as you read about these foster care alumni. Success stories come about when someone takes the time to offer comfort, provide support, give advice, or simply share a milestone moment with a youngster enduring a difficult family situation.

Now is the time to get involved. No matter how much time you have to give, you have the power to do something positive that will Change a Lifetime for a young person in foster care."

for information on how to get involved, visist http://www.fostercaremonth.org

The Impact of the Economic Crisis on Foster Care!

2009-04-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

The United States foster care system was in a bad financial condition even before the current economic crisis. Last fall the Washington Post reported that “in nearly every state… the cost of providing basic care for a foster child exceeds the government's foster-care reimbursement rate.” Researchers at the University of Maryland, who conducted the study, factored in basic needs such as food and clothing. The ensuing economic crisis has likely halted plans for any future government increase in funding for children currently in foster care."

To read more of this article, please visist
http://www.fosterclub.com/article/impact-economic-crisis-foster-care

Attention Graduating Seniors- Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards- Deadline is March 14!!

2009-03-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

The Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards run annually from January through July and honor young Latino leaders with grants for their college education. Applications are open to graduating high school seniors who maintain an un-weighted 3.0 GPA. Award categories include Business, Education (future teachers), Engineering and Mathematics, Journalism, and Sports. Additional categories may be added, so please check back. For specific questions, please consult our FAQs.
The Awards are divided into twelve different regions across the country: Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose/San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, Chicago, Miami, New York, Philadelphia/New Jersey, and Washington, DC. Students may apply to as many categories as they wish within any one region (and only one) regardless of where they live provided that they can attend the regional recognition ceremony.
Three recipients are selected for each category (Gold, Silver and Bronze Medallion) in each of the twelve regions. Special recognition ceremonies are held with local business, education and community leaders to pay tribute to their accomplishments. Gold Medallion recipients are eligible for an additional $5,000 educational grant, a laptop computer, and an all expense paid trip to attend the Hispanic Heritage Awards in Washington, DC.

Writing Competition for Foster Youth- Winner gets a trip to DC!!

2009-03-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

WRITING COMPETITION OPEN TO FOSTER YOUTH
Winners Receive Free Trip to Washington, DC

Write an entry for the Second Nationwide Essay Contest sponsored by the Campaign for U.S. Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

350-500 word essay submissions will be accepted through March 20, 2009. Students of junior high or high school age may apply.

Five winners will be chosen and will receive airfare and accommodations for him/herself and one parent/legal guardian/foster parent to participate in the Campaign’s June 1-2, 2009 Symposium at the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, DC.

The Instruction Kit and Application are available for download on the Campaign’s Web Site at --
http://www.childrightscampaign.org/crcindex.php?sNav=youth_snav.php&sDat=youth_dat.php
(look under Contest Materials).

Resource of the Month: Casey Life Skills Resources

2009-03-09T06:55:00.000-07:00

Here you will find free and easy to use tools to help young people prepare for adulthood. Go to the Casey Life Skills Website at caseylifeskills.org, click on Resources and then click on Resources for ACLSA Guidebook and then click on Free Web Resources to access helpful information that includes budgeting, finding legal help, using credit, sexual orientation, how to vote, safety and nutrition, and much much more!!

Resource of the Month: Orphan Foundation of America

2009-02-02T09:28:00.000-08:00

Founded in 1981, the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) serves thousands of foster teens across the United States. Whether we're providing them with college scholarships, connecting them with mentors and internships, sending them care packages, or testifying before Congress, OFA is a passionate champion of foster youth.
Each year 25,000 young people "age out" of the foster care system. We're committed with our partners and sponsors to help foster teens become tomorrow's productive good citizens. We're working to maximize support for their post-secondary education goals and mobilize the community at large to assist them.
OFA is bricks and mortar and a special place in the hearts of many. Our scholars, alumni, donors, volunteers and youth care workers recognize the uniqueness of its work and think of it as a place where they belong.
The photos of young adults on these pages are not of models, but real students from OFA's extended family, who have been gracious enough to share their lives and stories with the public. We're proud of our students; they fulfill our mission, and their success represents the best form of "payback" to OFA sponsors and supporters.

APPLY FOR THIS GRANT!!!!

2009-01-26T07:34:00.000-08:00

This Grant Called the "Neighborhood Excellence Initiative" is located on the Bank of America website http://www.bankofamerica.com/neighborhoodexcellence

Neighborhood Excellence Initiative®

We have long held the belief that a healthy community is a healthy place to do business. To be successful, we are committed to creating real impact in those places where we live, work, and do business. That’s why we developed the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, our signature philanthropic program, which recognizes, nurtures, and rewards community -based organizations, local heroes and student leaders working to improve their communities. We focus on areas such as: education, community development/ neighborhood preservation, arts and culture, and health and human services. In order to address critical neighborhood needs, we work with local community leaders to identify economic and social priorities, and the visionaries working to sustain, strengthen and grow our communities. Together, we can create healthy, vibrant neighborhoods where all of us can pursue our dreams.

Neighborhood Builders™We fund $200,000 (or local market currency equivalent) for operating support to 2 nonprofit/charitable organizations in each of45 markets. Apply to be a Neighborhood Builder

Local Heroes™We donate $5,000 (or local market currency equivalent) to an eligible charitable nonprofit/charitable organizations, selected by each of 5 Local Heroes in 45 markets. Nominate yourself or another Local Hero

Student Leaders®Five high school juniors and seniors in 45 markets participate in a leadership summit in Washington, DC and a paid internship with a local nonprofit/charitable organization. Apply to be a Student Leader

THANK YOU, Thank You, THANK YOU!!

2009-01-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank each and every one of the youth involved in the survey for the Child and Family Services review. We got overwhelming participation in the survey and the surveys are still coming in!! Thank you to all who participated. Have a great year.

Are you an ALL-STAR!

2009-01-06T07:02:00.000-08:00

The application to become a FosterClub All-Star is now online. Each year FosterClub selects 12 dynamic youth leaders from across the country to participate in the All-Star program. If you like travel, public speaking, and making a difference in the foster care community, this is your internship. You must be age 18 to 24 and have spent time in foster care to be eligible. Application deadline is March 1st. Apply today! http://www.fosterclub.com/

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2009-01-06T07:00:00.001-08:00

Yay! Its a New Year! Woohooo! I hope everyone is looking forward to exiciting new things that the youth advisory board will accomplish in the year 2009.

IMPORTANT SURVEY for Children, Youth and Families!! YOUTH, please fill out!

2008-12-02T10:31:00.001-08:00

Please complete this VERY VERY important survey for the Child and Family Services Review we have coming up in 2009.

Message from Cheryl MacDougall:

“The Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) is a federally-mandated evaluation of New Jersey's child welfare system to assess performance in achieving outcomes for safety, permanency, and well-being for children and families. As part of that evaluation, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is reaching out to Youth to participate in an electronic survey
on how our work benefits children and families. Direct
clicking on the link below will lead the respondent to the survey. NOTE: At times, the appearance of the survey becomes
altered, e.g. questions appear also as responses, etc. If this
occurs, or to avoid this, simply copy and paste this survey link into your web browser address bar and click 'Go'.

We estimate it will take no more than 10 minutes to respond, and appreciate folks taking the time to participate in this important CFSR process.

If you encounter any difficulties with the survey, you may contact the Department of Children and Families Office on Quality at 609-777-0100.

Thank you for your participation.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=euxpw3v_2f34Nzv6AnG0E7Qw_3d_3d

Resource of the Month: New Jersey 2-1-1

2008-12-02T09:39:00.000-08:00

This useful website should be the first place you reference when you need help!! You can search online, chat live with someone, or call then directly. Either way, they can help you find the help that you need. http://www.nj211.org/index.cfm

Another Resouce For you: Statistics of Foster Youth Nationwide

2008-11-11T11:28:00.001-08:00

The Federal Government office Administration for Children and Families releases a report every other year containing information about children in out of home placement. If you want to see other data, see this website http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/stats_research/index.htm#afcars The data is based on the most current information, gathered in 2006

How many children were in foster care on September 30, 2006?
510,000

What were the ages of the children in foster care?
Mean Years
9.8

What were the lengths of stay in foster care?
Mean Months
28.3

What was the gender of the children in foster care?
Male
52% 267,027
Female
48% 242,973

AI/AN-Non Hispanic 2% 10,168
Asian-Non Hispanic 1% 2,978
Black -Non Hispanic 32% 162,722
Hawaiian/ PI-Non Hispanic 0% 1,104
Hispanic 19% 96,967
White-Non Hispanic 40% 205,662
Unknown/Unable to Determine 2% 11,286
Two or More-Non Hispanic 4% 19,112

How old were the children when they were adopted from the public foster care system?
Mean Years
6.6

What was the relationship of the adoptive parents to the child prior to the adoption?

Non-Relative 15% 7,646
Foster Parent 59% 29,997
Step-Parent 0% 36
Other Relative 26% 13,321

Something to think about....better yet, DO something about!!

Resource of the Month: Fosterclub.org

2008-11-11T07:11:00.000-08:00

Fosterclub is a nationwide network for foster youth and provides information on how youth can advocate for themselves and others in the foster care system. It also list pending legislation that you can write to New Jersey senators or governors about supporting. To join the network or for more information, please visit http://www.fosterclub.org/

Another Career Fair!

2008-11-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

* * * The Wall Street Journal Virtual Career Fair * * *
December 9

Dozens of America's best companies will be online
and waiting to talk with you.

It's all FREE, but it's going to get busy.
So, register today at http://www.wsjvcf.com/ to guarantee your spot

Federal Jobs Career Day at Rutgers New Brunswick Friday 7 November

2008-11-05T07:21:00.000-08:00

NEED A JOB? Want to find out how to get a federal job? What are federal jobs, anyway?

Come to the Rutgers Federal Career Day!

"Federal Jobs Career Day"
Friday, November 7, 2008

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Individual Agency booths will be set up during these hours)
Rutgers Student Center, Multipurpose Room & Main Lounge (126 College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ)

11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. (Seminars will be presented on "How to Apply for a Federal Job")
Rutgers Student Center, Room 411 A-C (126 College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ)

This very special event is being sponsored in partnership with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Career Services at Rutgers. If you know of a student or an alumnus/ae who has a desire to work within the federal government, please encourage them to come. If you have always wanted to learn more about these excellent opportunities for the purpose of guiding your students and alumni towards fulfilling careers, then I hope you come too! The seminar, in and of itself, will offer wonderful tips into the sometimes mysterious process of applying for federal jobs and I hope that you will join us for those sessions as well. We have 45 agencies registered and a list of those attending can be found on our Career Services website at http://careerservices.rutgers.edu/. Simply click on the Federal Jobs Career Day on our homepage and the list will appear!

Rocking the Vote

2008-11-05T07:16:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to all those people who were first time voters and repeat voters. The 2008 Presidential election had an unprecedented amount of people getting out their vote for whom they thought would best run the United States of America. The people of America have spoken.

Congratulations to Barack Hussein Obama, president-elect for the great United States of America.

EXCITING Foster Care News!

2008-10-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

"For many thousands of America's foster children, prospects for a permanent home and stronger support will be brighter under a new law that bridged Washington's partisan divide and is touted as the most significant child-welfare reform in decades.

Its title is a mouthful — the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act. And it has raised some questions: Will budget-strapped states embrace some of the options it offers? Why didn't it include initiatives to help curtail child neglect in the first place?"

To read more, click here

Resource of the Month: The Medicaid Extension for Young Adults

2008-10-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

The Medicaid Extension for Young AdultsThe Medicaid Extension for Young Adults (MEYA) provides continued Medicaid coverage for adolescents that meet the following requirements: • was living in a DYFS-paid placement on his or her 18th birthday and • meets Medicaid eligibility requirements except for income

The no-cost coverage is available regardless of income until the adolescent's 21st birthday. Workers and young people can find out more information about this program by calling: The

Medicaid Extension ‘Warm Line' 1-888-235-4766
A youth who is not eligible for MEYA may still be Medicaid eligible under other programs, such as SAIP or FamilyCare. For more information contact the young person's local welfare office.

2009 Conference: Working Together to Create Child and Family Focused Systems

2008-10-07T09:52:00.001-07:00

CALL FOR PAPERS

There is a conference on Friday, March 6, 2009 at the East Brunswick Hilton on Rt 18 in East Brunswick, NJ.

The topics of "Adolescents Aging Out of Foster Care" "Cultural Competency"

The workshops are going to be one and a half hours long and the audience will be lawyers, juvenile justice professionals, medicine, mental health, child protection, prevention, and domestic violence workers.

For More information, please send me an e-mail at smines@ssw.rutgers.edu for the specifics and abstract submission page.

Big Ups! The Burlington YAB Documentary

2008-09-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

The Burlington County YAB is presenting a documentary film called "Defining Permanence: Our Story" It is a story of 5 youth who grew up in the foster care system

October 29th 2008

5:30pm-7:30pm

The Enterprise Center
At Burlington County College
3331 Route 38
Mt Laurel, NJ 08054

RSVP by e-mail to Judith Banks at Family Service of Burlington County at

judithb@famserv.org

CONGRATS TO THE BURLINGTON COUNTY YABS! :)

Job Opportunity for Youth 18 and older!

2008-09-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

This could be a great job opportunity and to earn some serious cash! BUT HURRY, its Cover Letter and Resume are due Friday, September 26, 2008.

"Part Time Youth Specialist Positions (2)

We are looking for two energetic young adults to join the staff of the Office of Adolescent Practice and Permanency for a one year period beginning in September of 2008.

Among the varied duties will be assisting in keeping our transitionsforyouth.org web site current with information and activities of interest to youth; researching and writing articles for and about our youth; and serving as consultants to Division staff.

The positions are located in Trenton at Central Office. The pay is $15 an hour, and individuals are expected to work 15 hours per week. The hours will be based on their availability.

Requirements:
18 years or older
Currently in a DYFS placement or previously in a DYFS Placement
Excellent communications skills(writing, speaking, and listening)
Knowledge of Microsoft Word
Willingness to learn
Strong work ethic
Child abuse and criminal background checks must be completed before beginning employment.

The young adult should e-mail a résumé and a letter of interest, no later than Friday September 26, 2008, to:

patricia.f.warren@dcf.state.nj.us "

Students Can Ride NJ Transit Free This Week!

2008-09-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

NJ Transit is runnin a promotion from September 15-21 where students can ride unlimited for free with a coupon that can be downloaded from their website www.njtransit.com click on Students Ride for Free. Its good for buses, trains, and light rail.

(Please note: you must show the printed coupon with your college or grad school Id)

Resource of the Month: 2ndFloor

2008-09-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

2nd Floor is a toll-free youth helpline for youth ages 13-24 that assists with daily life challenges by speaking with a trained staff member or volunteers. Callers receive an understanding, non-judgemental and caring response. It is a reliable tool for youth to express what is on their minds in a safe and positive manner. For more information, visit www.2ndfloor.org . The helpline number is 888-222-2228. (Please note this helpline is not for professional counseling or for assistance in medical or other emergencies)

Last Minute Foster Care Alumni Picnic!

2008-09-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

I want to let you all know of a great last-minute thing for YAB's to consider attending! The Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA) will have a family reunion for foster care alumni on Saturday, September 20th from 12:30pm-3:30pm at Fern Hill Park, the Intersection of W Abbotsford Avenue and Morris Street in Philadelphia, PA.

You don’t want to miss this chance to connect with others who share your experiences and your passion! Join us for this traditional potluck-style Family Reunion as we claim this tradition as our own.

For more information, call Amanda at (703)299 6767

Day of the event contact: Barbara (717) 398 8007

To RSVP, visit:
www.FosterCareAlumni.org/AlumniFamilyReunion

New Jersey Department of Children and Families Website!

2008-08-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

If you've been interested in learning more information about what the Department of Children and Families (DCF) does and what the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS pronounced die-fuss) does, please visit this website http://www.state.nj.us/dcf/

California Foster Care Legislation News!

2008-08-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

Just a five hour plane ride away, the state of California makes legislative strides for youth in foster care.

"Building on his commitment to youth in foster care, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed legislation to ensure that youth in foster care aging out of the system are as equipped as possible to access resources and services, including financial aid, career services and other benefits." To read more, click here .

If you think these bills could apply to foster youth in New Jersey, ADVOCATE for them here.

The White House Conference on Children!

2008-08-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

The Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) is in the process of submitting a proposal for a White House conference and would like to get feedback from the community to determine the focus for it. To find out more information, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=eLGSF2u7w437waYuRXCINg_3d_3d and fill out the survey! Get involved!

Orphan Foundation of America Scholarship!

2008-08-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

So the application process is closed right now, but I just wanted to put out a notice to all of you who are graduating from high school to check out the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA)Scholarship at http://orphan.org/index.php?id=30 . OFA awards scholarships up to $10,000 dollars, so its worth applying to. Visit the website for more details.

Stand Up 4 Youth on The Move!

2008-08-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

Foster Care Youth Speakout! Our neighbors in New York are sponsoring a youth speak out in Buffalo, NY. A "Speak Out" is "a forum for foster care youth to voice their feelings, thoughts, concerns, and issues about being in foster care to a listeners panel of agency executives, local district commissioners, and officials representing the legal system and government." Their speakout will be held

Saturday, October 25, 2008
at Buckham Campus School
Buffalo State College
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY

From 9 am to 3:30 pm.

To register or find out more info, follow this link to print out forms and fax back by September 25, 2008

FYI: For-Youth Information! Scholarship Program

2008-08-18T08:48:00.001-07:00

The 2008-2009 New Jersey Foster Care Scholarship is available online. Please click on the link below to get your scholarship application. For additional information, please call Foster and Adoptive Family Services at 1-800-222-0047.

http://www.fafsonline.org/Scholarship.html

Another Resource....USE it! :)

Our neighbors in NY made a video I think you should watch--and use!

2008-08-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

Youth in Progress, the New York Statewide YAB created a training video with Hunter College called "Dispelling the Negative Stereotypes of Foster Care Youth." Its a great video, a little over 12 minutes, and you can watch it at http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/socwork/yip/yip_video.wmv
More resources to use :)

Your on FACEBOOK? So are we!!!

2008-08-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

We're on Facebook. Wont you add us as your friend :) Search on Facebook "New Jersey Youth Advisory Board" and add us. We'll add you back, and you can post when your meetings are on the website and get updates from the YAB blog and Facebook! More to come....;)

Big Ups! Daniel Memorial Workshop Presenters- Union YAB

2008-08-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

Big Ups! is a way to recognize and congratulate Youth Advisory Boards that have accomplished great things in their work. This Months Big Up! goes to the Union YAB, which is presenting at the Daniel Memorial/National Independent Living Association Conference "Growing Pains 2008." Their workshop is titled "Learning about Relationships and Making the Right Decisions in Ones Life" described as

"In this presentation you can expect to learn about relationships and how they affect one's
life. In this presentation the youth will teach the staff on how they should be treated. The youth will explain to the staff the importance of them knowing and understanding their boundary
issues. Staff will learn how to deal with confidentiality issues as well as crisis management issues for example. The youth will also focus on how the decisions they make for themselves can affect the rest of their lives and the relationships around them. Presented by:

Howard Wingard, Coordinator, Jessica
Williams, MAC/YAB President, Famitta
Durham, MAC/YAB Secretary and Marion
Simmons, MAC/YAB Vice President - Elizabeth, NJ"

To learn more, visit http://www.danielkids.org/Sites/web/images/conferences/GP08_invitation.pdf

CONGRATS! YAY! WOOOHOOOO!

August Website Spotlight: Transitions for Youth

2008-08-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

The Transitions for Youth Website www.transitionsforyouth.org from the Rutgers School of Social work is a tremendous resource for youth transitioning from foster care in the state. This website will explain the different programs Transitions for Youth offers, what different services are available for youth transitioning out of care, links and resources available to aid in transitioning related issues, and pages for youth in care, alumni, and service providers. Here's a resource---use it! :)

Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland + Burlington YAB BBQ!

2008-08-12T09:34:00.001-07:00

Please join us for an end of the Summer YAB BBQ!!!!!!!

When: August 28, 2008
Where: Washington Lake Park
Washington Township
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Who’s invited: Youth/Young Adults and their Service Providers

RSVP by August 27, 2008 at 12:00 noon to
Erin Klein, YAB Coordinator
856-881-6622 x. 204
*GREAT BBQ provided for those who RSVP

Agenda:
Meet with another YAB and HAVE FUN!!!!

What is the mission of New Jersey Youth Advisory Boards?

2008-08-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

The mission of the Youth Advisory Boards are:

To create educational opportunities,

 Develop a network for youth, and

 Empower youth for a better future by:

promoting youth and adult partnerships,

influencing change in youth programs and service, and

effecting policy and administrative planning for youth in care.

Welcome!

2008-08-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the YAB Blog! Here you can find all the information about the county-based youth advisory boards includind meeting dates, minutes, locations, special events, etc! Please check back here frequently to find up-to-the minute information as it becomes available.