CCAI will be launching several new project this year.  We're excited to share information about our plans with you.  Please be sure to check back for updated information and to learn about ways you can get involved!

Fostering Media Connections

Fostering Media Connections (FMC) is a media-driven, grassroots initiative designed to improve the outcomes for children who have spent time in the foster care system. FMC will accomplish this by highlighting the provisions of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 in media markets across the country. The Act will serve as a powerful news hook to expand on the shortcomings and success of the system as it stands today. By running round table presentations with foster care stakeholders and media outlets, FMC plans to leverage the media and make foster care a top of mind issue. For more information please visit www.fosteringmediaconnections.org.

Africa: The Way Forward

CCAI will host a high level international policy summit on permanent parental care of orphaned children in Africa.  This summit will include representatives from the U.S., Europe and Africa for a series of sessions designed to develop an international strategy for addressing the orphan crisis. CCAI's summit is unique in that child welfare discussion in Africa or rare, and when they do happen, they fail to include government officials who have the power to make a positive impact on this issue.  This summit aims to challenge African leaders to develop and support child welfare systems that promote permanent parental care for orphaned children

Foster Care Experience

The Foster Care Experience is an interactive, walk-through exhibit that transports individuals into the life scenes of children who spent their formative years in the U.S. foster care system.  Videos, photo images, and set design by some of Hollywood’s most talented creative designers will allow individuals walking through the exhibit to step into the life experiences, challenges and triumphs of a child in U.S. foster care.  Following their experience, individuals will be presented with an opportunity to take action and impact the lives of these children by becoming a mentor, Court Appointed Special Advocate, foster parent or adoptive parent of the 463,000 children currently in foster care in the U.S.  Launched in Washington, D.C. at an event with Members of Congress and the Administration in May of 2011 (National Foster Care Month), the exhibit will tour at least three U.S. cities before its final tour destination among celebrities in Los Angeles in November of 2011 (National Adoption Month).  Complementing the physical exhibit will be a state-of-the-art, interactive website allowing individuals who cannot attend one of the tour events the opportunity to “virtually experience” the exhibit and respond with the same action steps outlined above.