National Foster Youth Institute

Revolutionizing the American Foster Care System Through Education, Action, and Lifting Up Foster Youth Voices.

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Truly transformative foster care reform is only possible when the individuals who have personally experienced the child welfare system have leadership roles in changing it.

The National Foster Youth Institute is dedicated to ensuring that current and former foster youth have a seat at the table alongside legislators, policymakers, decision makers, families, and advocates.

Learn more about what we do

SHADOW DAY COUNTDOWN
JUNE 14th, 2023

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We create pipelines of leadership that connect current and former foster youth with decision makers to transform the systems that impact children and families in the child welfare system.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
and other decision makers at federal, state, and local levels to identify new policy, program, and practice ideas and provide a realistic look at the challenges of implementing existing child welfare laws.
and other decision makers at federal, state, and local levels to identify new policy, program, and practice ideas and provide a realistic look at the challenges of implementing existing child welfare laws.
EMPOWERING FOSTER YOUTH & FAMILIES TO MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD
by developing professional and leadership opportunities and skills through online and in-person trainings, internships, events, campaigns, and meetings with decision makers.
by developing professional and leadership opportunities and skills through online and in-person trainings, internships, events, campaigns, and meetings with decision makers.
ORGANIZING GRASSROOTS SUPPORT FOR CHILD WELFARE REFORM
at the local level by training current and former foster youth to lead and mobilize around issues specific to their own communities.
at the local level by training current and former foster youth to lead and mobilize around issues specific to their own communities.
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SEE OUR CAMPAIGNS & POLICIES

Helping create a positive impact for foster youth since 2012.

NFYI Online meeting

Since the start of the pandemic, we have hosted more than 20 virtual town halls that provided members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives with insight into how children in foster care and transition age youth were uniquely impacted.

We have helped educate lawmakers on 12 pieces of passed or pending federal legislation to increase resources and protections for current and former foster youth, including the Improving Services for Older Youth in Foster Care Act (H.R. 2847).

We’ve mobilized foster youth voices and voters around local ballot measures like Proposition HHH and Measure M, which were overwhelmingly passed by LA County voters to help fight homelessness.

Through our signature Congressional Shadow Day program, we’ve brought more than 550 current and former foster youth from around the country to Washington, DC to spend a day with their Member of Congress.

See our impact

My experience with NFYI has been an eye-opening journey.

I joined NFYI’s Michigan Local Chapter in 2018 and became completely involved after my Congressional Shadow Day experience in 2019. It was amazing. At that time I was homeless and working three jobs. I was trying to get out of the homeless shelter and doing what I could to advocate so other youth and young adults didn’t have to face homelessness like I was. At first I thought, should I do it? My life isn’t really in the best place. But my fellow advocates and NFYI made me feel heard and validated as I told my story. And from there I’ve been able to work side by side locally and nationally with NFYI to invoke the change many of us need and want to see.”

Michael Davis-Thomas
NFYI Michigan Local Chapter Member

The fact that I am here today shows that I can do anything!

I, and the other foster youth that are here with me today, are changemakers; we’re making a difference.

Junely Merwin
2022 Congressional Leadership Academy Participant
NFYI members have had a huge impact on my office and the work we do. I truly rely on them to tell me what’s happening in our community and how the federal child welfare legislation we pass is being implemented. NFYI supports these young adults in speaking effectively and in recognizing that their experience can be a strength. I’m thankful that they’ve made it possible for me to better serve my district and our nation’s children and families.
The honorable Karen Bass, mayor of los angeles
Founder, NFYI
Co-Chair, Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth
NFYI Karen Bass Meeting

My experience with NFYI has been an eye-opening journey.

I joined NFYI’s Michigan Local Chapter in 2018 and became completely involved after my Congressional Shadow Day experience in 2019. It was amazing. At that time I was homeless and working three jobs. I was trying to get out of the homeless shelter and doing what I could to advocate so other youth and young adults didn’t have to face homelessness like I was. At first I thought, should I do it? My life isn’t really in the best place. But my fellow advocates and NFYI made me feel heard and validated as I told my story. And from there I’ve been able to work side by side locally and nationally with NFYI to invoke the change many of us need and want to see.”

Michael Davis-Thomas
NFYI Michigan Local Chapter Member

The fact that I am here today shows that I can do anything!

I, and the other foster youth that are here with me today, are changemakers; we’re making a difference.

Junely Merwin
2022 Congressional Leadership Academy Participant
NFYI members have had a huge impact on my office and the work we do. I truly rely on them to tell me what’s happening in our community and how the federal child welfare legislation we pass is being implemented. NFYI supports these young adults in speaking effectively and in recognizing that their experience can be a strength. I’m thankful that they’ve made it possible for me to better serve my district and our nation’s children and families.
The honorable Karen Bass, mayor of los angeles
Founder, NFYI
Co-Chair, Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth
NFYI Karen Bass Meeting

By creating leadership opportunities and training for former foster youth, we position them to inform important policy discussions on child welfare.

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SHADOW DAY COUNTDOWN
JUNE 14th, 2023

Days
Hours
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Seconds