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From Inspiration to Action: A Summary of the 2008 National Convening on Youth Permanence

This summary of the 2008 National Convening on Youth Permanence, held May 1 and 2, in Washington, D.C, presents what was discussed at the gathering with the intention of readers applying lessons learned to make a difference in their own communities.

The summary captures the growing awareness shared by participants that all youth in foster care need families, and that youth, parents, and family members can be vital, powerful players in both permanency planning efforts and in improving child welfare systems.

This publication offers examples of promising state, county, and tribal initiatives that advance youth permanency practice; strengthen the role of the courts to support youth permanence; realign agency structure and increase collaboration; address racial disproportionality and disparate permanency outcomes for youth of color; and build public will and promote policy change. 

Download the summary (PDF).

View summaries of all the National Convenings at www.youthpermanence.org.