Join the National Foster Youth & Alumni Policy Council: Now Accepting Applications!

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Now Accepting Applications!

FosterClub and Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA) are now accepting applications for the National Foster Care Youth & Alumni Policy Council (NFCYAPC).

Young leaders who have lived experience in the child welfare system (including foster care, adoption, and kinship/relative care) and are between the ages of 18-26 are eligible to apply.

Learn more about the work of Council members below. 

We would be pleased if organizations working with young people would consider encouraging a youth or alumni of foster care to apply. You can share using the link below. 

Click to Apply Now! 

Important Dates

Application Deadline - March 1, 2019 by Midnight

Notification of application status - March 22, 2019

In- person meeting for accepted applicants - April  2019, Washington DC.

If you have additional questions please email: [email protected]

To learn more about eligibility requirements see below: 

Council members are between the ages of 18 and 26 at the start of their service. All members must:

  • Have personal experience in the foster care system (including all out-of-home placements, facilities, kinship placements, shelters, etc.)
  • Demonstrate the capacity to participate in a leadership position involving child welfare policy (for example, through active leadership on a Youth Advisory Board or Youth Council)
  • Gain permission to travel and be photographed, including ability to obtain required permissions from foster care agency if in extended care
  • Demonstrate responsibility, self-drive and require minimal supervision

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Members of the Council will serve as a representative group for young people who have personal experience in the foster care system. The role of the Council members include (but are not limited to):

  • Utilizing their knowledge of the child welfare system from their personal experiences as well as their advocacy work to inform federal stakeholders on the current state of youth in foster care
  • Reviewing programs and policies to ensure they are achieving their established goals and objectives
  • Responding to legislation and policies that impact youth in foster care
  • Recommending methods to resolve issues and concerns involving youth in care

Council members serve a 24-month term beginning during the month of the first full group meeting following the new member's acceptance of their invitation. The responsibilities of Council members are to:

  • Attend in-person Council meetings (one per year, and a monthly council phone call; meeting dates will be provided in-advance and staff will be pleased to work with Council member employers and/or schools to arrange participation)
  • Join at least one active workgroup upon orientation
  • Attend at least 75% of the workgroup meetings
  • Become an active ambassador of the Council's priorities by identifying opportunities to share the priorities developed within their state / tribe / jurisdiction. 
  • Maintain professional conduct throughout their term of service
  • Articulate ideas and solutions regarding youth issues and concern
  • Interact constructively with peers in a group setting

learn more about the National Foster Youth & Alumni Policy Council at nationalpolicycouncil.org!