MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mariah Craven | [email protected] | 404-975-7084
43 Foster Youth Advocates from Across the Country to Shadow Members of Congress on Capitol Hill
Annual Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day Gives Young Leaders with Lived Experience a Seat at the Table
WASHINGTON, D.C. — June 10, 2026 — Forty-three young adults who grew up in the U.S. foster care system will spend Wednesday, June 10 on Capitol Hill shadowing Members of Congress during the National Foster Youth Institute’s (NFYI) annual Foster Youth Shadow Day on Capitol Hill.
Each participant has been selected through NFYI’s Congressional Leadership Academy (CLA), a rigorous nine-month program that trains current and former foster youth ages 18–30 in leadership, policy advocacy, and civic engagement. After months of preparation these young leaders will arrive in Washington ready to engage directly with the lawmakers who shape child welfare policy.
Their morning in the Capitol will be followed by a luncheon where Members of Congress are expected to join the group. NFYI will also present special recognition awards during the event.
WHAT:
Foster Youth Shadow Day on Capitol Hill — congressional office shadowing, followed by a luncheon with Members of Congress and awards ceremony
WHEN:
Shadowing: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Luncheon & Awards: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Rayburn House Office Building | Rooms 2044 & 2045
WHO:
43 foster youth delegates from states across the country; Members of Congress; NFYI leadership and staff
Over 330,000 children are in foster care in the United States on any given day. More than 15,000 age out of care each year and they face outsized risks of homelessness, unemployment, and poverty. They are rarely heard in the rooms where policy decisions about their lives are made.
Shadow Day is designed to change that. The delegates arriving in Washington this week have been trained to share their personal experiences in foster care and bring specific, actionable policy recommendations on housing, family preservation, health and wellness, and economic opportunity. In addition to discussing child welfare legislation and policy, participants also learn what it’s like to work on Capitol Hill and develop legislation.
“Each year, Shadow Day shows what’s possible when lived experience informs public policy,” said Rebecca Louve Yao, CEO of NFYI. “These young people are shaping the future of foster care in this country and they deserve to be heard at every level of government.”
About NFYI
The National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) is a youth development organization that lifts up foster youth voices to transform the child welfare system. Since 2012, NFYI has used programs like the Congressional Leadership Academy and Shadow Day to build a pipeline of young leaders prepared to create lasting change in their communities and across the country. Learn more at www.nfyi.org or on social media @NFYInstitute.
Interview Opportunities Available
NFYI can facilitate interviews with delegates before, during, or after Shadow Day. Delegates are available to speak to reporters about their experiences in foster care, the policy changes they are advocating for, and what it means to bring their stories to Congress. Participants will be in DC from June 9-12.
To arrange an interview or request press credentials, contact:
Mariah Craven, COO
National Foster Youth Institute
[email protected] | 404-975-7084
www.nfyi.org
Meet the 2026 CLA Cohort: https://nfyi.org/the-2026-congressional-leadership-academy/