National Foster Youth Institute

Happening right now: we are officially wrapping up a 10-month journey for an incredible group of foster youth activists from across the country! The 2024 Congressional Leadership Academy included: - Over 30 lived experience experts that now have new skills and a broader network - Engagement with nearly 40 members of the U.S. Congress & Senate - Two national press conferences - One piece of federal legislation introduced - One Capitol Hill Town Hall - One Virtual Congressional Convening - Two internship offers - One dance party - Countless conversations that centered #FosterYouthVoices - Thousands of children and families impacted as a result of this program

Congratulations to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation on another incredible Phoenix Awards! And thank you to Casey Family Programs for hosting NFYI at this celebration of the CBC’s growth and impact. NFYI ED Rebecca Louve Yao and Government Relations Director Cortez Carey joined Casey Family Programs President & CEO William Bell and EVP David Sanders, among others.

Children and young adults in foster care should NOT be unhoused. Period. Thank you to NFYI LA Chapter member Iziko for speaking to the Los Angeles Times about their experience navigating the child welfare system, homelessness, and health issues. We are so proud of Iziko for not only being a strong advocate for themselves, but a powerful advocate for others, too. Iziko was among a group of foster youth activists who joined NFYI in May for the LA Foster Youth Shadow Day. This impactful day sparked ideas and action around housing and mental health and we thank LA City Councilmembers and the Board of Supervisors for their continued engagement. Read Iziko's story here: https://lnkd.in/eMeQrNDp

NFYI members Eugenia Wallace and Michael Miser shared their foster care and college experiences in DC last week as Reps. Landsman, Beatty, and Bacon discussed a new bill that would make it easier for foster youth to pay for on campus housing: https://lnkd.in/gCBTGeyc

We're looking for new teammates! If you think you'd be a good fit for one of these positions, please apply today: https://bit.ly/nfyijobs

The NFYI Advocacy Fund (a 501(c)(4)) is currently accepting applications for its fellowship program, with immediate placement available to support the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. This paid, full-time, 12-month program provides intensive policy training and leadership development, empowering fellows to emerge as the next generation of leaders in public service. Candidates with direct lived experience with the foster care system are highly encouraged to apply. To learn more and find out how to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/ggUHBSWq

The NFYI Advocacy Fund (a 501(c)(4)) is currently accepting applications for its fellowship program, with immediate placement available to support the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. This paid, full-time, 12-month program provides intensive policy training and leadership development, empowering fellows to emerge as the next generation of leaders in public service. Candidates with direct lived experience with the foster care system are highly encouraged to apply. To learn more and find out how to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/ggUHBSWq

Thank you to the LA Mayor Karen Bass, LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez and the rest of the city council, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and the entire LA County Board of Supervisors for making #LAShadowDay so impactful and supportive for the foster youth delegates who participated. A dozen foster youth activists spent a day with city and county officials discussing ways to increase supportive services for foster youth. We are so grateful to the electeds and department heads who spent so much time listening to #fosteryouthvoices.

May is National Foster Care Month and a reminder that foster children are America’s children. They enter foster care through no fault of their own. In an often traumatic moment, they can be separated from everything they’re familiar with, including siblings. When a child is placed in foster care or a group home, the government becomes that child’s caretaker and is responsible for their safety, education, success, and — when possible — reunifying families. This month, will you join us in lifting up the foster youth voices that are calling out for change?

Congratulations to NFYI Executive Director Rebecca Louve Yao and Los Angeles Chapter Member Alexis Obinna — they co-authored an essay that has been included in the newly published book "Fighting Mad." In a chapter called "What We Inherit: Foster Youth and the Ongoing Eradication of Our Autonomy," Alexis and Rebecca write about the importance of education, choice, and self-determination in the lives of foster youth and transition age youth, as well as the potential impact of the Supreme Court decision to reverse Roe v. Wade. Thanks to Drs. Krystale Littlejohn and Rickie Solinger for including foster youth voices in this book. "Fighting Mad" is on sale now.