2007 Conference

INDEPENDENCE DAY
Research, Resources, and Law Reform for Teens Transitioning Out of State Programs

Friday, April 6th
Knight Law Center
Eugene, Oregon

This conference presented the best research, legal reforms, and financial resources available to build a safety net for young adults aging out of the State's foster care, youth corrections, and special education systems. It featured six speakers with varying specialties.

Foster Care

Dr. Amy Dworsky
Chaplin Hall Center for Children, University of Chicago, Midwest
Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth
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Prof. Michele Benedetto discussed the legal issues that arise when youth age out of foster care.

Michelle Benedetto
Golden Gate University School of Law, San Francisco
Founder of the Legal Aid Society of San Diego Youth Outreach Project
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Other resources - kids aging out of foster care

Special Education

Dr. Audrey Trainor and JRP attorney Brian Baker discussed the educational and legal problems of children graduating from special education programs.

Dr. Audrey Trainor
Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education (RPSE)
University of Wisconsin at Madison
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Brian Baker
Juvenile Rights Project, Portland
Education law specialist
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Other resources - kids exiting special education

Youth Corrections

Dr. Leslie Leve presented her research on girls in the juvenile justice system.

Dr. Patricia Chamberlain & Dr. Leslie Leve
Oregon Social Learning Center, Eugene
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Dr. Patricia Chamberlain and Attorney Pat Arthur

Patricia A. Arthur
National Center for Youth Law, Oakland
Senior attorney specializing in juvenile justice and complex litigation
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Other resources - kids transitioning from youth correction