Jocelyn Fetting
She/Her
9 Years in Care
Jocelyn Fetting earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in December 2025. She spent 8½ years in the Illinois foster care system, navigating multiple placements and the Transitional Living Program before aging out at 21. As the oldest of four siblings, Jocelyn often stepped into caregiving roles, shaping her dedication to supporting youth in care.
Jocelyn has been deeply involved in advocacy, serving as an Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Statewide Youth Advisory Board Intern and mentoring students through the Youth in Care College Advocate Program. She has testified in support of key legislation, including the Hair Care Bill (HB 5097) and the STAR Hearings Bill, and was recognized with a Community Hero Award in 2024. She is an alum of the Foster Progress Mentorship and Traverse Programs and has organized initiatives like toy drives for local DCFS offices.
Today, Jocelyn continues her advocacy through the Illinois Child Welfare Exchange (ICW Exchange), where she uses her platform to provide guidance and insight to young people navigating DCFS resources and the transition out of care. Her leadership extends to education and community engagement, balancing advocacy with professional work and continued mentorship. Jocelyn is committed to improving systems for youth in care by combining her lived experience, policy knowledge, and passion for social work to create lasting change.
