MEMBERSHIP PROCESS

Members of the National Foster Care Youth and Alumni Policy Council are encouraged to apply by a partner organization. Every Spring, the Council staff distributes an application form to partner organizations. Partner organizations are encouraged to share the application with prospective members. Applicants will receive notice within one week of the application close date as to the status of their application. New members will be invited to attend the annual in person meeting and monthly NPC calls. 

ELIGIBILITY

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