Empowering Foster Youth: Shaping Child Welfare Policy

Empowering Foster Youth: Shaping Child Welfare Policy

Written by Ashley Garcia-Rivera, Policy Advocacy Fellow
Published on: Sep 03, 2024
Category Policy & Advocacy

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on an organization making a difference in the lives of children and families including foster youth: the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) and its impactful FYI program. Since its inception in 2001, CCAI has been a beacon of hope, striving to ensure every child has the chance to grow up in a safe, loving family. Founded by passionate advocates committed to transforming the child welfare landscape, CCAI has become a powerful force, leveraging the influence of the Congressional Adoption Caucus to push for meaningful change. By connecting child welfare experts with U.S. Congress, CCAI plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that improve the lives of children and families.

Foster Youth Internship (FYI) Program: Empowering Voices, Shaping Futures

One of CCAI’s flagship initiatives, the Foster Youth Internship (FYI) Program, empowers young adults with foster care experience to have a voice on Capitol Hill. Since its inception in 2003, this transformative program has allowed interns to dive deep into the heart of policymaking, advocating for child welfare, permanency, and adoption reforms. Over the past 16 years, FYI interns have produced policy reports that draw from their own experiences, offering actionable recommendations to enhance the foster care system. These reports don’t just stay on the shelf—they are shared with U.S. Congress, the White House, and influential policymakers, igniting changes that directly impact the lives of children and families.

Nadia Goforth’s Advocacy: Addressing Underutilization and Inequities in Chafee Services

Among the voices in this year’s Foster Youth Internship (FYI) report, Nadia Goforth’s story stands out. Her focus on the underutilization and inequities in the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood comes from a deeply personal place.

Adopted at the age of two, Nadia re-entered foster care at 13, facing the challenges of transitioning out of care with limited resources and support. Despite excelling academically and engaging in independent living programs, Nadia was unaware of extended foster care options and Chafee services that could have eased her transition. This lack of awareness led to a difficult path marked by homelessness and instability. Her advocacy shines a light on these gaps, calling for a more equitable and informed approach to supporting foster youth.

Nadia’s personal journey underscores the critical need for equitable access to Chafee services. Her professional work with foster youth has reinforced the importance of incorporating youth perspectives into program design and implementation to ensure these services meet the evolving needs of those they aim to support.

Policy Recommendations to Strengthen Chafee Services

To enhance awareness and accessibility of Chafee services, Nadia proposes several key amendments to the Social Security Act:
  • Annual Notifications for Youth: Amend Title IV-E to require states to annually notify youth about available Chafee services through caseworkers and court hearings, starting at age 14. This would include an annual meeting focused on an overview of Chafee services, available support in the youth’s area, and their specific transitional needs.
  • Collaborative Reporting on Best Practices: Amend Title IV-E to mandate collaboration between the Administration for Children & Families (ACF) and system-impacted youth to develop and publish a report on best practices for notifying eligible youth about available services and updating Chafee programs.
  • Youth and Family Input in State Planning: Amend Title IV-B to require states to include input from system-involved youth and families in their five-year Child and Family Services Plans, ensuring these plans are responsive to the needs of those they serve.

The Path Forward: Listening to Lived Experience

In my interview with Nadia, she emphasized the importance of listening with intent to individuals with lived experience. Policymakers, social workers, and advocates must take the time to hear from the community they serve, ensuring that their voices shape the policies and programs designed to support them. Nadia’s dedication and advocacy are paving the way for a brighter future for foster youth. By amplifying these vital voices and experiences, we can build a more inclusive, supportive, and effective foster care system.

The work of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) and its Foster Youth Internship (FYI) Program aligns closely with our mission at the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.). Both organizations are deeply committed to improving the lives of children and families impacted by foster care and adoption. Through advocacy, education, and direct engagement with policymakers, CCAI’s initiatives complement C.A.S.E’s efforts to provide critical support services and resources to foster and adoptive families.

By highlighting the voices and experiences of young adults who have navigated the foster care system, programs like FYI help shape policies that directly address the needs and challenges faced by this community. This synergy underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in transforming child welfare systems and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive in safe and loving environments. Both organizations are dedicated to creating a future where every child feels supported, valued, and empowered.

Read the Full 2024 FYI Report