Priority Partners to Sponsor Maryland CASA Foster Youth Summit

Maryland Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association is proud to announce Priority Partners as a sponsor of its first Foster Youth Summit, designed to address the needs of Maryland’s older foster youth who are preparing to transition out of foster care.

Priority Partners is one of eight Managed Care Organizations authorized by the State of Maryland to provide health care services for over 225,000 Medicaid, Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP), and Medical Assistance for Families recipients.

“We are so very excited to be a part of this event,” said Marlana Neumann, assistant director of community/member initiatives for Priority Partners. “Oftentimes health care is the last thing on the mind of an older teen in foster care, so we are excited to find some of our members and educate them on the importance of staying healthy,” she added.

The Foster Youth Summit, entitled Pathways to Independence, is a one-day event for youths, 14 to 21 years old, that will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the University of Maryland School of Social Work in Baltimore, Md from 9am to 3pm.

“With more than half of all foster youth in Maryland over the age of 14, it’s important to educate older youth about the resources available to them within the community,” said Ed Kilcullen, Maryland CASA’s state director. “Without family or dependable adult relationships, they are at a greatly increased risk of experiencing homelessness, unemployment, incarceration and illness,” he added.

“Many times teens do not realize what they can have covered through managed care organizations like Priority Partners,” said Neumann. “It’s always exciting to inform them that health insurance will cover glasses, dental, family planning needs, among other things, at no cost,” she added.

“We are thrilled to have the support of Priority Partners,” said Kilcullen. “Their sponsorship will allow the youths to attend free of charge and other costs associated with the event!”

About Maryland CASA Association

Maryland CASA Association is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1997 and dedicated to ensuring the rights of all children to safe, permanent homes. This mission is carried out in partnership with fifteen local CASA programs throughout the state, which recruit, train and supervise volunteers appointed by the court to serve as advocates for children under court protection due to abuse and neglect. Currently, CASA serves children in 20 of the state’s 24 jurisdictions. For more information, please visit www.marylandcasa.org or call (888) 833-2272.