Tyler Smith Works to Improve Foster Care

I have been doing really well. Since receiving the scholarship, I have been doing an internship with the Child Welfare League of America and Casey Family Programs. I'm working with both organizations to produce a CD-Rom that will be used as a training manual for caseworkers, family member, and foster parents of LGBTQ foster youth. It'll contain work from various professionals and many LGBTQ organizations such as Lambda Legal.

I am also working on the Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment which is used to assess the skills of foster youth. Together, Casey and I are going to produce a video that will be streamed from the Casey Life Skills website to train caregivers on how to properly use the assessment. The video will also help caregivers better comprehend assessment results and find better ways to discuss them afterwards. This project is known as the "conversation."

I just got back from Washington, DC where I got to work with the CWLA and attend the National Alliance to End Homelessness' annual conference. While I was in DC, I helped facilitate an all day training with Prince George's County social workers in Maryland on LGBTQ specific issues. It was quite exciting!
Tyler Smith 2007 GSBA Recipient