Recently, the District of Columbia held the Youth Permanency Convening.  Sponsored by the Child and Family Services Agency, Freddie Mac, Kidsave and Casey Family Services, the convening served as the beginning of what must become an ongoing dialog regarding the achievement of successful youth permanency. Around the country we have seen a significant increase in the numbers of older youth who are coming into the foster care system. Further, not only are children coming into care at older ages, they are remaining in care longer with many aging out of the foster care system. Many child welfare agencies are beginning to redefine permanency and are exploring non-traditional ways of achieving permanency for youth within the foster care system.

This convening was a wonderful first step in what must be a continued emphasis on permanency for youth in the District of Columbia foster care system. What I found especially powerful during the convening was the involvement of current and previous DC foster care youth in this important conversation. Their insight and experience was not only invaluable but incredibly enlightening. In one of the breakout sessions I attended, There is No Price Tag on Achieving Permanency, a youth, currently attending nursing school, tearfully expressed how the lack of family support impacted her life. However, she spoke about her mentor who had been a constant in her life for a number of years. She stated that her mentor, although not biological family, played a significant role in providing her with the support and encouragement that she lacked from her biological family. 

Achieving permanency, whether it is in a tradition or non-tradition way, is imperative for youth within the foster care system.  I was blessed with a wonderfully supportive family and I could not imagine my life without their support. There must be a long-term commitment in this city to ensure that every youth in the foster care system have access to a network of positive and lasting support.

The fine folks at DC Vote have launched a new web campaign to educate America about the need for full voting rights for DC. Click Here to check it out.

On Saturday, June 14th, 2008, Wholeness for Humanity (WFH) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will host the Anacostia EcoTour in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the Potomac Pedalers Touring Club. Building upon the success of the MLK Anacostia EcoTour and the Cherry Blossom Anacostia EcoTour, the tour will:

• Connect community leaders with citizens;
• Promote environmental and community stewardship; and
• Raise awareness about the health of the Anacostia Watershed.

Join this leisurely 12 – 15 mile bike ride through the Anacostia Watershed. The Anacostia EcoTour will give participants a first-hand look at the environmental achievements and contributions of concerned citizens in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. Anyone interested in becoming an EcoTour guide will have the chance to lead legs of the Anacostia EcoTour and afterwards, participants will get a chance to mingle with the Potomac Pedalers Touring Club at the Black Hill Regional Park Picnic.  The free Anacostia EcoTour can only accommodate 30 cyclers, so you must register soon!  There will also be another tour on June 28th. Click June 14th Eco-Tour or June 28th Eco-Tour for more information.

WHEN:
Saturday, June 14th, 2008
9:30am – 10:00am: Anacostia EcoTour Registration
10:00am – 1:00pm: Anacostia EcoTour
1:00pm – 3:00pm: Black Hill Regional Park Picnic

WHERE:
Navy Yard Green Line Metro on New Jersey Avenue (Behind US DOT) 200 M Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 -- Anacostia EcoTour Registration and Departure Point

Anacostia EcoTour Stops:
• U.S. DOT Headquarters Building/Triangle Park
• Virginia Avenue Community Garden
• Eastern Market
• Judy’s Solar Home
• Ward 6 RiverSmart Home
• Kingman Island
• Benning Road Bridge
• Marvin Gaye and Lady Bird Johnson Park
• The Urban Tree House at Anacostia Park
• Poplar Point
• The Syphax School
• Nationals Park

Reminder: Please join Councilmember Wells at this month’s SW Office Hours this Thursday, June 12, 2008, 8:00 to 9:30 am at The Channel In on the Waterfront, 650 Water Street, SW.

Traditionally, Councilmember Wells and members of his staff will arrive at the Channel  Inn, to make the Council office more accessible to residents living in the neighborhood.  Representatives from his constituent services staff will also be on hand to help handle requests from residents.

The SW community office hours recurs on the 2nd Thursday of the month at The Channel Inn.  For more information please contact the office at 202-724-8072.