LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that Michigan was one of six states chosen to participate in the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices Policy Academy on Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care. Over the next year, the six participating states will have the opportunity to learn about important research, promising practices and state policy options for addressing the needs of youths in foster care.

Michigan was selected because of its demonstrated commitment to this issue and the progress it has already made toward improving outcomes for older youths in care.

While foster care is a temporary placement for some, other children remain in the state's care for several years and do not find a permanent home. Nearly 500 teens "aged out" of the foster care system in Michigan in the past year, thrusting them into independence without stable, permanent relationships with adults who can help them with some of life's toughest decisions.

"Foster children need the guidance of adults throughout their life - not just until they reach age 18," Granholm said. "Fostering permanent, lifelong connections to caring adults is perhaps the most important thing we can do to make a difference in the life of a young person who is leaving the foster care system."

The state of Michigan recognizes the critical importance of prioritizing supports and services for foster children that are transitioning to adulthood. Over the past four years, Michigan has become increasingly aware of its responsibility to appropriately support and nurture foster youths.

The State Youth Policy Board, an active and highly effective group of leaders from youth boards statewide, advises the Michigan Department of Human Services on all policies and practices that affect young people in foster care, and alumni of the foster care system. The Michigan Department of Human Services is in the process of developing youth boards in counties all across Michigan so that the concerns of all of Michigan's foster children can be heard.

In January 2006, Michigan Department of Human Services Director Marianne Udow and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Maura Corrigan convened a statewide permanency task force to assess current services, enhance the coordination of services, and identify potential public and private resources and services.

The final task force recommendations will be presented to the state Senate and House of Representatives by September 30, 2006.

Participation in the NGA Policy Academy is a powerful resource that will strengthen and enhance the process started by the task force. The academy provides a unique opportunity for state policymakers to work with national experts to design and implement new policies and programs for youth transitioning out of foster care.

"Ultimately, the goal is to improve outcomes for foster youths," Udow said. "These outcomes include increased rates of educational completion, employment, and civic engagement; reductions in teen pregnancy, homelessness, suicide, substance abuse and involvement with the juvenile justice systems; and improved health and well-being."

The NGA Policy Academy will begin in April 2006 and continue through March 2007. States participating in the academy will be represented by a core team, appointed by the governor and comprised of senior state leaders who are in a position to develop and implement substantial changes in policies and practices. Working closely with NGA staff and other experts, state teams will develop an action plan for improving outcomes for older youths in foster care, and those transitioning out of care.