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

Individuals with lived experience in the child welfare system (including foster care, adoption, kinship/relative care) and are age 18 through 26 are eligible to apply.

Learn more about the work of Council members below.

Click to Apply Now!

Important Dates

Application Deadline:  March 22, 2022 by Midnight

Notification of application status: April 20, 2022

Virtual Orientation & Convening: May 2022 (Dates TBD)

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

Council Members are provided a quarterly living allowance for service opportunities and activities they engage in.

To learn more about eligibility requirements see below:

All members must:

·  Be age 18 through 26 at the start of their service

·  Have personal experience in the foster care system (including all out-of-home placements, including foster care, adoption, kinship/relative care, group homes or facilities)

·  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)

·  Be prepared 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

The Council is welcoming up to 8 new members in 2022.

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

·  Educating about laws 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 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 Council meetings including monthly calls and workgroup calls, and, if possible, an in-person meeting. Meeting dates will be provided in-advance and Council 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

·  Be 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

Click to Apply Now!

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