NCALP Receives OSBF’s Outstanding Program/Organization of the Year Award

November 6, 2006

The National Center for Adoption Law & Policy at Capital University Law School was honored on Nov. 3 with the Ohio State Bar Foundation’s 2006 Outstanding Program/Organization Award.

The Outstanding Program or Organization Award is given annual to a nonprofit entity that “promotes the dissemination of public information, improvement of public understanding and enhancement of public education concerning our system of justice and how it impacts the citizens of Ohio.”

Created in 1998, NCALP is the only entity of its kind working to effect change in the laws, policies and practices associated with child protection and adoption systems. The Center, directed by Professor of Law Kent Markus, uses research, advocacy and education to bring positive change to the child welfare system throughout Ohio and the nation.

Some of the Center’s major initiatives include Adoption Academy, the Adoption LawSite, Adoption JobSite, an annual symposium on a significant child welfare/adoption-related topic, amicus curia briefs, and weekly news and case summaries. Adoption Academy is a 12 week class designed to demystify the adoption process for adoptive parents. The Adoption LawSite is the nation’s first comprehensive online compilation and synthesis of the law of adoption; it provides free access to adoption related statutes and regulations, as well as key cases and articles from every U.S. state and territory, along with federal and international materials. The Adoption JobSite matches law students from across the nation with private, public and nonprofit employers working in child welfare and adoption law and policy.

“NCALP makes a significant impact on the judicial and legislative systems affecting adoption and child welfare policies, not only in Ohio but across the nation as well,” said Dean Jack A. Guttenberg. “The work of the Center is exceptional and they are very deserving of this honor.”

Congratulations to NCALP and all its staff and students for the great work they are doing to improve the lives of children and for this justly deserved recognition!