Independent Living Project

The Butler Institute for Families at the University of Denver received a three-year Department of Health and Human Services training grant in 2000 to develop and deliver specialized training for child welfare staff, foster parents, and other service providers working with youth in placement toward becoming independent adults.

This innovative project assembled both a National Advisory Board of youth development experts and a local Advisory Committee of youth and service providers to assist in curriculum development and review.

The three year training plan included a total of 25 sessions consisting of a two-day basic skills training and six advanced workshops in areas of special populations and practice issues.

The Institute has not scheduled anymore of these trainings beyond September of 2003.

Advisory Committee Members

Sherri Adams, Independent Living Manager, Adams County Department of Social Services

Dorothy Ansell, Associate Director, National Resource Center for Youth Development

Jane Berdie, Former Director of Education and Training, American Humane Association

Ronna Cook, Senior Study Director, Westat Incorporated

Peter Correia, Associate Director, National Resource Center for Youth Development

Darwin Cox, Regional Leader, Casey Family Programs

Lucille Echohawk, Indian Child Welfare Specialist, Casey Family Programs

Valerie Jenkins, Colorado Department of Human Services

Robert Lewis, Training Consultant

Debora Ortega, Professor,Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver

Jennifer Prop, Graduate Research Assistant, University of Kansas

Meg Williams, Adolescent Programs Administrator, Colorado Dept. of Human Services

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