Once abused or neglected children are removed from their homes, it is incumbent upon states to ensure that they are not moved unnecessarily from one foster placement to another. Research has clearly underscored the importance of foster placement stability in improving educational and other developmental outcomes, and current federal policy holds states accountable for the stability of children's placements. Yet many children continue to experience considerable instability after they are removed from their homes.

This web seminar will report on a major new Chapin Hall study that found that the challenges foster parents face in meeting the needs of foster children, often without adequate resources, help drive the frequent moves. The seminar will also explore a variety of policies that states can pursue to reduce placement instability, including:

• Mandates and incentives to place children with relatives
• Required assessments and referrals
• Funding for assessment and delivery of specific foster home support services, including respite care and transportation assistance
• Mental health services and support for foster homes
• Refinement of placement stability performance standards

Panelists include:

• Amelia Franck Meyer, Executive Director, PATH Wisconsin, Inc.
• Representative Leah Landrum Taylor, Arizona House of Representatives
• Representative Eric Pettigrew, Washington State House of Representatives
• Nina Williams-Mbengue, Program Principal, Children and Families Program, National Conference of State Legislatures
• Andrew Zinn, Senior Researcher, Chapin Hall Center for Children
• Moderator: Martha Shirk, Author, On Their Own: What Happens to Kids When They Age Out of the Foster Care System

This web seminar is made possible by the generosity of the Col. Stanley R. McNeil Foundation.