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# NFYI

National Foster Youth Institute

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://nfyi.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Advisory: Foster Youth Shadow Day | June 10, 2026, D.C.](https://nfyi.org/advisory-foster-youth-shadow-day-june-10-2026-d-c/) - MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mariah Craven | mariah.craven@nfyi.org | 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
- [Get Out The Vote: Midterm Primaries](https://nfyi.org/get-out-the-vote-midterm-primaries/) - Get Out The Vote: Midterm Primaries This year is a midterm election year – did you know you vote twice in midterms? Before the midterm election on Tuesday, November 3, primaries are held on various dates depending on the state you live in. See this graphic to find the date of your state's midterm primary. What
- [Farewell as Board Chair + Request for Your Support](https://nfyi.org/farewell-as-board-chair-request-for-your-support/) - Message from Outgoing Board Chair, Wendy Smith Meyer: For the past four years, I have been privileged to serve as Chair of NFYI’s Board of Directors, working with so many of you to expand our community of caring to lift up the voices of foster youth. As I prepare to pass the baton to our
- [Statement on Designated Placements Final Rule](https://nfyi.org/statement-on-designated-placements-final-rule/) - This week, the Children's Bureau issued a memo informing state and tribal title IV-B/IV-E agencies that the Designated Placements Final Rule is vacated in its entirety. The National Foster Youth Institute is deeply concerned that there is no longer a federal commitment to a policy intended to help ensure that LGBTQ+ children in foster care are
- [NFYI Supports Bill to Increase Resources for Aging Out Youth](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-supports-bill-to-increase-resources-for-aging-out-youth/) - This week, the Rep. Zach Nunn-led bipartisan effort to advance the Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Act marks a pivotal moment for young people transitioning out of foster care. This legislation—introduced by Congressman Nunn (IA-03) and co-sponsored by Rep. Greg Landsman (OH-01) —seeks to codify and expand the recent federal initiative aimed
- [Statement on Fostering the Future Executive Order](https://nfyi.org/statement-on-fostering-the-future-executive-order/) - For tens-of-thousands of young people aging out of foster care each year, the transition to adulthood can be overwhelming. Finding stable housing, navigating college or career options, and trying to access the right resources (all without the safety net many of their peers have) creates significant challenges. Statistics say that one in five will experience
- [The Long-Term Damage of Family Separation](https://nfyi.org/the-long-term-damage-of-family-separation/) - NFYI board chair, Wendy B. Smith Meyer, Ph.D., LCSW, a retired clinical professor of social work and associate dean of curriculum development and assessment at the University of Southern California, had the following published in Psychology Today: "A sudden and prolonged separation has an incalculable impact on a child. Events that exceed our ability to
- [Report: California Mental Health Listening Sessions](https://nfyi.org/california-mental-health-listening-sessions/) - In the spring and summer of 2025, the National Foster Youth Institute held a series of listening sessions about mental health care with current and former foster youth from across California. Their opinions, experiences, and suggestions were captured in this report, which identifies recommendations for holistic mental health support for foster youth and young adults
- [NFYI Welcomes Sherra Bennett to Board of Directors](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-welcomes-sherra-bennett-to-board-of-directors/) - Arkansas nonprofit executive and philanthropic leader brings additional youth development and social work practice experience to board LOS ANGELES, CA — The National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) announces the appointment of Sherra Bennett to its Board of Directors. A respected leader in philanthropy and a passionate advocate for equity, Ms. Bennett brings a wealth of
- [Statement: Responsibility to all foster youth, regardless of status](https://nfyi.org/statement-responsibility-to-all-foster-youth-regardless-of-status/) - Statement from NFYI: Agencies have a responsibility to foster youth, regardless of immigration status The National Foster Youth Institute is deeply concerned by reports that young people in foster care are possibly being detained by federal immigration authorities, and that some of their caregivers are being targeted as well. When the government places a child
- [Press Release: Foster Youth Share with Congress](https://nfyi.org/press-release-foster-youth-share-with-congress/) - Current/former foster youth are traveling to D.C. to meet with Members of Congress, share their lived experience and offer child welfare policy recommendations.
- [Idaho Invests $23M in Foster Care — NFYI Applauds Move](https://nfyi.org/idaho-invests-23m-in-foster-care-nfyi-applauds-move/) - Idaho invests $23M in foster care, extending support to age 23. NFYI applauds bold reforms that strengthen families and improve outcomes for foster youth.
- [Miami Herald explores the challenges for Transition Age Youth](https://nfyi.org/miami-herald-explores-the-challenges-for-transition-age-youth/) - Life can be hard after leaving Florida foster care. These places offer soft place to land Samantha Roberts, center, the Miami shelter manager, talks with Bianca, left, and Jada, right, who are staying at Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services, participate in various activities on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Miami, Fla. Miami Bridge is
- [National Foster Youth Institute Welcomes Judge Songhai Armstead to the Board of Directors](https://nfyi.org/national-foster-youth-institute-welcomes-judge-songhai-armstead-to-the-board-of-directors/) - Judge Songhai Armstead Joins Board of Directors at National Foster Youth Institute Brings Foster Care and Juvenile Justice Experience to the Role LOS ANGELES, CA — Retired LA Superior Court Judge Songhai Armstead joins the Board of Directors at the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI), bringing both lived and professional experience in the child welfare
- [Los Angeles Fires & Windstorm Resources](https://nfyi.org/los-angeles-fires-windstorm-resources/) - Los Angeles Fires & Windstorm Resources Foster youth and alumni of care may be especially vulnerable to the devastation of the LA fires. With many of our members based in the Los Angeles area, we would like to offer an ongoing list of resources that may provide support and relief. Two Assistance and Disaster Resource
- [Foster Youth Votes are Foster Youth Power — Get Out The Vote](https://nfyi.org/foster-youth-votes-are-foster-youth-power-get-out-the-vote/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 29, 2024 Contact: Crystal Patterson | communications@nfyi.org Foster Youth Votes are Foster Youth Power — Get Out The Vote The November 5, 2024 election is almost here, and as civically engaged foster youth activists, we know how important it is to be heard on Election Days and every day in between.
- [Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day Brings Foster Youth Voices to Congress](https://nfyi.org/congressional-foster-youth-shadow-day-brings-foster-youth-voices-to-congress/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 29, 2024 Contact: Crystal Patterson | communications@nfyi.org Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day Brings Foster Youth Voices to Congress The National Foster Youth Institute’s Annual Congressional Shadow Day Looks to Raise Awareness of Child Welfare System Washington, D.C. – Congress will welcome nearly 40 current and former foster youth to Capitol Hill
- [National Foster Youth Institute Statement on Doe v. Abbott Ruling](https://nfyi.org/national-foster-youth-institute-statement-on-doe-v-abbott-ruling/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 29, 2024 Contact: Mariah Craven | mariah.craven@nfyi.org National Foster Youth Institute Statement on Doe v. Abbott Ruling Ruling Protects Transgender Children & Parents in Texas A three-judge panel of the Third District of the Texas Court of Appeals today ruled favorably on its review of the TROs that had previously been
- [Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation CEO Nichol Whiteman Honored as the National Foster Youth Institute’s Champion of Children & Youth Award Recipient](https://nfyi.org/los-angeles-dodgers-foundation-ceo-nichol-whiteman-honored-as-the-national-foster-youth-institutes-champion-of-children-youth-award-recipient/) - Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation CEO Nichol Whiteman Honored as the National Foster Youth Institute’s Champion of Children & Youth Award Recipient LADF invests $25K in Local Youth Development Nonprofit Helping to Lift up Foster Youth Voices LOS ANGELES (March 8, 2024) – Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation CEO Nichol Whiteman was honored with the National Champion
- [Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to Present Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation CEO Nichol Whiteman with National Foster Youth Institute’s Champion of Youth & Children Award](https://nfyi.org/los-angeles-mayor-karen-bass-to-present-los-angeles-dodgers-foundation-ceo-nichol-whiteman-with-national-foster-youth-institutes-champion-of-youth-children-award/) - Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to Present Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation CEO Nichol Whiteman with National Foster Youth Institute’s Champion of Youth & Children Award Award to Recognize Whiteman’s Efforts to Support VulnerableYouth LOS ANGELES (March 1, 2024) – On March 2, the National Foster Youth Institute and the los Angeles Dodgers Foundation will host
- [National Mentoring Month Special Feature: The Most Admirable Woman](https://nfyi.org/national-mentoring-month-special-feature-the-most-admirable-woman/) - National Mentoring Month Special Feature: The Most Admirable Woman By Bernard Ball Admiration is a strong word to use for someone. It must be earned, not given. When thinking of the most admirable person in my life, I focused on one person, Mrs. Margaret Murphy. Mrs. Margaret became someone very special to me. She was
- [Apply For Congressional Leadership Academy Today](https://nfyi.org/apply-for-congressional-leadership-academy-today/) - Apply For Congressional Leadership Academy Today Hello, current foster youth, and alums of foster care! We invite you to apply to be a Foster Youth Shadow Day Delegate for the 2023 Congressional Leadership Academy Program in Washington, D.C. Click here to apply. To learn more, keep reading. The Congressional Leadership Academy Program is an opportunity
- [Foster Youth Mental Health Policy Brief](https://nfyi.org/foster-youth-mental-health-policy-brief/) - Policy Brief & Legislative Recommendations The Future of Behavioral Health Services for Youth with Foster Care Experience Emma Buckland Young, Angelique Day, Charles E. Lewis, Jr., Rebecca Louve Yao Emma Buckland Young is a student research assistant at the University of Washington. Angelique Day, PhD, MSW, is an associate professor at the University of Washington.
- [NFYI Statement Regarding Leaked LA City Council Recording](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-statement-regarding-leaked-la-city-council-recording/) - LOS ANGELES — Today the National Foster Youth Institute joins our fellow community organizers, fighters for equity and social justice, and activists across Los Angeles in condemning the language in the recording released over the weekend. We also join the calls for Nury Martinez, Gil Cedillo, and Kevin de León to resign from the LA
- [Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth Announces New Leadership](https://nfyi.org/congressional-caucus-on-foster-youth-announces-new-leadership/) - Bipartisan caucus remains committed to protecting the rights and improving the welfare of 400,000 children in foster care and 20,000 young adults aging out WASHINGTON, DC — One of the largest bipartisan caucuses in Congress will be led by a new group of co-chairs from both sides of the aisle who are committed to confronting
- [Affordable housing for kids? Biden wants to help](https://nfyi.org/affordable-housing-for-kids-biden-wants-to-help/) - Affordable housing for kids? Biden wants to help Which appears to also be the cover page for that section: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/03/11/aging-out-of-foster-care-housing/11438451002/
- [Statement from NFYI Regarding the Supreme Court Ruling on Service to Same-Sex Couples](https://nfyi.org/statement-from-nfyi-regarding-the-supreme-court-ruling-on-service-to-same-sex-couples/) - Statement from NFYI Regarding the Supreme Court Ruling on Service to Same-Sex Couples WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Foster Youth Institute joins our partners, current and former foster youth, foster youth families, community members, and community organizers in condemning a decision handed down last week by the Supreme Court, which was yet another setback in
- [National Foster Youth Institute Statement on Supreme Court Indian Child Welfare Act Ruling](https://nfyi.org/national-foster-youth-institute-statement-on-supreme-court-indian-child-welfare-act-ruling/) - National Foster Youth Institute Statement on Supreme Court Indian Child Welfare Act Ruling WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Foster Youth Institute celebrates the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and maintain tribal sovereignty to ensure that tribal youth remain connected and placed within their own communities. NFYI, an organization that
- [NFYI Supports Lawsuit to Force State and County to Fulfill Obligation to Foster Youth—Calls for Parties to Meet Immediately](https://nfyi.org/statement-by-rebecca-louve-yao-executive-director-national-foster-youth-institute/) - NFYI Supports Lawsuit to Force State and County to Fulfill Obligation to Foster Youth—Calls for Parties to Meet Immediately Statement by Rebecca Louve Yao, Executive Director, National Foster Youth Institute WASHINGTON, D.C. — The class action lawsuit filed by public-interest law firms Public Counsel, the Alliance for Children’s Rights, Children’s Rights, and Munger, Tolles &
- [National Foster Youth Institute Announces Restructuring](https://nfyi.org/national-foster-youth-institute-announces-restructuring/) - (June 18, 2018/Los Angeles, CA): The Board of Directors of The National Foster YouthInstitute (NFYI), an organization dedicated to transforming the child welfare system so that it strengthens support for children and families and to substantially improving outcomes for foster youth, announced today that the organization is entering a period of restructuring to ensure future
- [3rd Annual NFYI Virtual 5K Race Ambassador Recap](https://nfyi.org/3rd-annual-nfyi-virtual-5k-race-ambassador-recap/) - 3rd Annual NFYI Virtual 5K Race Ambassador Recap The 2023 Virtual NFYI 5K race weekend is officially in the books! We appreciate your support! It was an astounding success thanks to you. To date we’ve raised $13,850.47 with participants from coast to coast! We are excited to be close to our fundraising goal of $20,000
- [Shared Humanity: A Former Foster Youth’s Reflections on Learning & Celebrating to Lift our Voices](https://nfyi.org/shared-humanity-a-former-foster-youths-reflections-on-learning-celebrating-to-lift-our-voices/) - Shared Humanity: A Former Foster Youth’s Reflections on Learning & Celebrating to Lift our Voices On Saturday, May 6th, I had the honor of attending NFYI’s 2023 Afternoon of Learning & Celebration. The event was in honor of national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate David Ambroz, who received the 2023 Champion for Youth
- [2023 Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day](https://nfyi.org/2022-congressional-foster-youth-shadow-day/) - Since 2012, NFYI and the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth have co-hosted the annual Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day experience, a multi-day conference that brings current and former foster youth from around the country to Washington, DC to share their first-hand experiences in the child welfare system with Congress, and learn how federal legislation and
- [Student Debt Relief for 3-10% of Former Foster Youth Who Graduate](https://nfyi.org/student-debt-relief-for-3-10-of-former-foster-youth-who-graduate/) - National Foster Youth Institute Reminds Communities to Support Former Foster Youth in Filling Out Student Debt Relief Application With just 3-10% of former foster youth obtaining a college degree with little to no support system, student debt is one of very few options available in pursuit of higher education, family-supporting jobs. WASHINGTON, DC — With
- [NFYI Contributes to National Youth Justice Action Month](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-contributes-to-national-youth-justice-action-month/) - Team — I wanted to make sure you saw the proclamation I'm forwarding below that was issued by President Joe Biden for National Youth Justice Action Month. In addition to covering details about what the Administration is doing to address issues within the juvenile justice system, this year's proclamation includes language and ideas developed by
- [Briefing on Kinship Care](https://nfyi.org/briefing-on-kinship-care/) - Facilitating Kinship Licensure & Foster Care Exits to Guardianship By: Angelique Day, Grace Nielson, Scout Hartley, Charles E. Lewis, Jr. Summary: Studies have shown that Kinship placement and guardianship has the lowest rate of reentry into the foster care system. However, potential Kinship caregivers are denied the opportunity to care for the children they love
- [Former LA Foster Youth Advocates for Change to the System](https://nfyi.org/former-la-foster-youth-advocates-for-change-to-the-system/) - Click here to WATCH NFYI Member and 2022 Shadow Day Delegate Junely Merwin tell her story of parenting while in foster care to becoming an advocate for herself and others in Washington, DC. By Cassie Semyon, Washington, DC Spectrum News 1 LOS ANGELES — When she was just 15 years old, Junely Merwin was removed
- [NFYI Member Talks to USA Today About Student Loan Forgiveness](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-member-talks-to-usa-today-about-student-loan-forgiveness/) - What will student loan forgiveness mean for former foster youth? NFYI member Theron Ogedengbe told USA Today that he’s grateful for relief after taking out loans when “I didn’t have any parental forces around me, or anyone to tell me what I was signing up for.” Debt relief will change the lives of some with
- [End of Roe v. Wade May Overwhelm Foster Care Systems](https://nfyi.org/end-of-roe-v-wade-may-overwhelm-foster-care-systems/) - By Russell Contreras Axios Underfunded and overstressed foster care systems are bracing for new pressures if the overturning of Roe v. Wade sends more children their way. Why it matters: About 424,000 children in foster care on any given day already face shortages of placements, low high school graduation rates, and disproportionately high rates of incarceration and homelessness. Without new
- [NFYI's Rebecca Louve Yao Discusses SCOTUS Dobbs Decision on MSNBC](https://nfyi.org/nfyis-rebecca-louve-yao-discusses-scotus-dobbs-decision-on-msnbc/) - Rebecca Louve Yao, executive director of the National Foster Youth Institute, joined MSNBC's Ayman Mohyeldin to talk about how the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade could impact the US foster care system.
- [Fostering Change: August 2022 Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/fostering-change-august-2022-newsletter/) - 2022 Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day Earlier this summer, current and former foster youth from around the world met in Washington, DC for the 10th annual Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day Experience. Since 2012, NFYI and the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth have hosted this one-of-a-kind event that brings together young people with lived experience
- [Open Letter to a Group of World Shakers](https://nfyi.org/open-letter-to-a-group-of-world-shakers/) - The following letter was written by one of the leaders at the 2022 Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day Experience. Theron Ogedengbe is a therapist for at-risk youth, former Shadow Day delegate, and former foster youth. To the Participants of the 2022 Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day Experience — I’m writing this open-ended letter to you.
- [Foster Youth Visit Capitol Hill to Shadow Members of Congress](https://nfyi.org/foster-youth-visit-capitol-hill-to-shadow-members-of-congress/) - FOSTER YOUTH VISIT CAPITOL HILL TO SHARE PERSONAL EXPERIENCES IN CHILD WELFARE WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND PUSH FOR FEDERAL POLICY CHANGE Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Rep. Bass, and actor Jason Lee support youth advocates and bring foster youth voices to the House floor at the annual Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day event. Washington,
- [NFYI Awarded $1 Million Grant for Youth Substance Use Prevention](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-awarded-1-million-grant-for-youth-substance-use-prevention/) - Media Contact: Jacqueline Burbank | Communications Director, NFYI | +1.323.208.1505 | Jacqueline.burbank@nfyi.org NFYI joins cohort of 61 California community-based and Tribal organizations awarded $52 million for youth substance use prevention and education partnerships. LOS ANGELES (JANUARY 4, 2022) The National Foster Youth Institute is honored to receive a $1 million dollar grant from Elevate
- [NFYI Receives $1.25M from Barry & Wendy Meyer Foundation](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-receives-1-25-mm-from-the-barry-wendy-meyer-foundation/) - Media Contact: Jacqueline Burbank | Communications Director, NFYI | +1.323.208.1505 | Jacqueline.burbank@nfyi.org The donation will be received annually in $250,000 increments over a period of five years, totaling a vital $1.25 million dollars of sustained support for the growing foster youth advocacy nonprofit organization. LOS ANGELES (JANUARY 26, 2022) The National Foster Youth Institute is
- [NFYI Opposes Texas Anti-Trans Directive](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-opposes-texas-anti-trans-directive/) - MEDIA ADVISORY NATIONAL FOSTER YOUTH INSTITUTE OPPOSES TEXAS DIRECTIVE TO INVESTIGATE GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE AS CHILD ABUSE Former foster youth share both personal experiences and hard data about why the Texas directive is poised to cause extensive harm to families and youth. Background: Last month, lawmakers in Texas issued a statewide directive to the Texas Department
- [What the End of Roe v. Wade Would Mean for Foster Youth](https://nfyi.org/what-the-end-of-roe-v-wade-would-mean-for-foster-youth/) - MEDIA ADVISORY May 4, 2022 Ending safe and legal abortion would have a drastic ripple effect through the child welfare system, impacting foster youth for generations, says National Foster Youth Institute LOS ANGELES (MAY 4, 2022) On Monday night, the leaked draft opinion of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health sent shockwaves through the country with its
- [Congress to Meet With Foster Youth on Capitol Hill – June 22](https://nfyi.org/shadow-day-advisory-2022/) - MEDIA ADVISORY June 14, 2022 REP. KAREN BASS ONE OF MANY CONGRESS MEMBERS TO MEET WITH FOSTER YOUTH ON CAPITOL HILL – JUNE 22 For 10th year, foster youth travel to Capitol Hill for annual leadership training, including a special opportunity to shadow members of Congress. - Washington, DC (June 13, 2022) – Current and former
- [NFYI Presents Congresswoman Bass with Champion of Youth & Children Award](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-presents-congresswoman-bass-with-champion-of-youth-children-award/) - The NFYI Board awards Congresswoman Karen Bass the Champion of Youth & Children Award at NFYI’s annual fundraiser, An Afternoon of Learning and Celebration, hosted on December 4, 2021, by “Flipping Out” star Jenni Pulos. LOS ANGELES (December 4, 2021) On Saturday afternoon, NFYI members, board members, staff, donors, and former foster youth gathered
- [Statement from NFYI on Kyle Rittenhouse Verdict](https://nfyi.org/statement-from-nfyi-on-kyle-rittenhouse-verdict/) - We are deeply saddened by today’s decision to not hold Kyle Rittenhouse accountable for his irresponsible, provocative, and deadly actions in Wisconsin. It goes without saying that it’s impossible to imagine this same verdict if Rittenhouse was a Black or Brown teen walking the streets with a semiautomatic rifle. As we learned last month during
- [#LostDays Campaign Calls for Juvenile Justice Reform](https://nfyi.org/lostdays-campaign-calls-for-juvenile-justice-reform/) - Six thousand days. That's how much total time the participants in our #LostDays campaign spent incarcerated or on probation when they were in foster care. Developed by NFYI's Juvenile Justice Think Tank, the campaign sought to highlight how the juvenile justice system uniquely and mercilessly impacts foster youth — especially foster youth of color. Launched
- [Counting #LostDays During National Youth Justice Action Month](https://nfyi.org/counting-lostdays-during-national-youth-justice-action-month/) - October is National Youth Justice Action Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about overreaches in juvenile justice, the need for greater accountability and diversion programs, and to lift up the voices of justice-involved youth. The Juvenile Justice Think Tank at NFYI is comprised of members and staff who have experience in both foster care and
- [UPDATE: Renewed Efforts to Support Foster Youth During Pandemic](https://nfyi.org/update-renewed-efforts-to-support-foster-youth-during-pandemic/) - Contact: Mariah Craven | mariah.craven@nfyi.org NFYI STATEMENT ON RENEWED EFFORTS TO SUPPORT OLDER FOSTER YOUTH DURING THE PANDEMIC H.R. 5661 to be Considered by House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday WASHINGTON, DC — The following press statement was issued today by Rebecca Louve Yao, executive director of the National Foster Youth Institute: Last month, we faced the
- [Emergency Pandemic Assistance Deadline is Here](https://nfyi.org/emergency-pandemic-assistance-deadline-is-here/) - The past 18 months have fundamentally changed the lives and viewpoints of everyone in our country. No one has been untouched by economic uncertainty, employment concerns, healthcare issues, housing instability, or a significantly altered social network. For older foster youth and young adults who have recently transitioned out of the child welfare system, it has
- [Help Extend Emergency Pandemic Funding for Former Foster Youth](https://nfyi.org/help-extend-emergency-pandemic-funding-for-former-foster-youth/) - Join NFYI, foster youth and families, Members of Congress, community partners, and other supporters in the call to extend emergency pandemic funding for transition age youth — young adults who have recently aged out of foster care. Hundreds of millions of dollars are at stake if Congress doesn't postpone the September appropriations deadline. Read our
- ['It's like a tsunami': Opioid epidemic pushes kids into foster care - The Buffalo News](https://nfyi.org/its-like-a-tsunami-opioid-epidemic-pushes-kids-into-foster-care-the-buffalo-news/) - 'It's like a tsunami': Opioid epidemic pushes kids into foster care - The Buffalo News The opioid epidemic is not just killing hundreds of local residents – it's leaving hundreds of Erie County children without a home or at risk of being removed from one. They are orphaned children and they are the children of
- [Announcement of Jenny Dang Vinopal as Executive Director of NFYI](https://nfyi.org/announcement-jenny-dang-vinopal-executive-director-nfyi/) - Los Angeles, Ca, September 29, 2017 On behalf of the Board of Directors of the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Jenny Dang Vinopal as Executive Director of NFYI. Jenny has the experience, expertise, and passion that is a perfect fit for the crucially important and
- [Q&A with Rep. Karen Bass: Engaging Youth, Educating Congress](https://nfyi.org/qa-with-rep-karen-bass-engaging-youth-educating-congress/) - Since coming to Washington, D.C. in 2010, Los Angeles Congresswoman Karen Bass has fast become one of the House’s lead champions on child welfare issues. Her first major piece of legislation, the Uninterrupted Scholars Act, was signed into law in 2013 and allows for caregivers to access education records of foster youth to help guide
- [Children Are Dying at Alarming Rates in Foster Care, and Nobody Is Bothering to Investigate](https://nfyi.org/children-are-dying-at-alarming-rates-in-foster-care-and-nobody-is-bothering-to-investigate/) - A two-year investigation finds shocking indifference to the fates of neglected children in for-profit group homes. Source: Children Are Dying at Alarming Rates in Foster Care, and Nobody Is Bothering to Investigate
- [WV struggles with increase in foster children | News | herald-dispatch.com](https://nfyi.org/wv-struggles-with-increase-in-foster-children-news-herald-dispatch-com/) - CHARLESTON - More than 6,100 children are in the West Virginia foster care system as of October and the number keeps growing, according to the acting Bureau for Children and Families commissioner Linda Watts.Watts spoke Tuesday morning to the Joint Commission of Children and Families and told legislators that number had increased in just a
- [NFYI hosted the Inland Empire Roundtable ](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-hosted-the-inland-empire-roundtable/) - The National Foster Youth Institute recently hosted the Inland Empire Policy Roundtable with the UC Riverside Guardian Scholars Program. The NFYI's newly named Executive Director, Jenny Vinopal, and Kenyon Lee Whitman, Program Director for UCR Guardian Scholars moderated the panel. Check out the gallery for more! About the UC Riverside Guardian Scholars Program Operated under the Office
- [NFYI Response to SCOTUS Decision in Fulton vs. City of Philadelphia](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-response-to-scotus-decision-in-fulton-vs-city-of-philadelphia/) - Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the city of Philadelphia could not end a contract with Catholic Social Services after the agency refused to work with same-sex couples that wanted to become foster parents. Rebecca Louve Yao, executive director of the National Foster Youth Institute, issued the following statement in response: "We are deeply
- [National Foster Youth Institute Recruits 100 Current & Former Foster Youth to Speak to Congress](https://nfyi.org/national-foster-youth-institute-recruits-100-current-former-foster-youth-to-speak-to-congress/) - WASHINGTON, DC — The National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) is recruiting 100 young adults with lived experience in the child welfare system to attend a Virtual Congressional Convening in July as part of an ongoing effort to put foster youth voices at the forefront of transforming foster care across the nation. At the four day
- [NFYI Calls for Investigation Into Police Shooting Death of Ma'Khia Bryant](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-calls-for-investigation-into-police-shooting-death-of-makhia-bryant/) - NATIONAL FOSTER YOUTH INSTITUTE CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO MA'KHIA BRYANT'S DEATH Bryant was shot by police outside of her foster home The National Foster Youth Institute joins the Columbus, OH community in mourning Ma'Khia Bryant and calls for an investigation and public report into how the 16-year-old was shot and killed by police on Tuesday.
- [NFYI Stands in Solidarity with the AAPI Community](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-stands-in-solidarity-with-the-aapi-community/) - The National Foster Youth Institute stands in solidarity with the Asian American Pacific Islander community and offers our love and support to AAPI alumni of foster care. The recent shootings in Atlanta and rise in attacks on Asians around the country are the direct result of the racism and white supremacy that jeopardize all of
- [Incoming Sec. of Interior Rep. Deb Haaland Meets with Native American Foster Youth](https://nfyi.org/incoming-sec-of-interior-rep-deb-haaland-meets-with-native-american-foster-youth/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 15, 2021 CONTACT: Mariah Craven | mariah.craven@nfyi.org | 404-975-7084 Congressmember Deb Haaland Meets with Native American Foster Youth to Discuss Impact of Coronavirus Pandemic and Other Issues Washington, DC — Incoming Secretary of the Interior and U.S. Representative Deb Haaland (NM-01) last week met with Native American foster youth and transition
- [NFYI Announces New Executive Director, Rebecca Louve Yao](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-announces-new-executive-director-rebecca-louve-yao/) - Rebecca Louve Yao to lead organization’s expanded efforts to fight for current and former foster youth during and after coronavirus pandemic The Board of Directors of the National Foster Youth Institute announced the hiring of Rebecca Louve Yao as the organization’s Executive Director, effective January 1, 2021. Dedicated to transforming the child welfare system by
- [NFYI Member Op-Ed: I'm a Former Foster Child and Florida's System Needs to be Overhauled](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-member-op-ed-im-a-former-foster-child-and-floridas-system-needs-to-be-overhauled/) - NFYI member Japheth Kariuki wrote a powerful opinion piece that was published by the USA Today Network urging child welfare officials to rewire their thinking and recognize the systemic violence in child removal. Writing about his personal experience in Florida's child welfare system, Japheth offers first-hand advice to policymakers and legislators who are committed to
- [National Foster Youth Institute Calls On Biden Administration To Work With Current And Former Foster Youth To Improve Federal Child Welfare Policies](https://nfyi.org/national-foster-youth-institute-calls-on-biden-administration-to-work-with-current-and-former-foster-youth-to-improve-federal-child-welfare-policies/) - The National Foster Youth Institute extends congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their election victory and looks forward to working with the incoming administration to create and improve child welfare policies. On any given day in our country, 400,000 children are in foster care and hundreds of thousands of transition
- [In Message to Foster Youth, Pelosi Urges Support for Coronavirus Relief Package](https://nfyi.org/in-message-to-foster-youth-pelosi-urges-support-for-coronavirus-relief-package/) - Foster youth may not have been able to shadow members of Congress in the nation’s capital as they usually do each year, but they got to hear directly from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D) about what’s on her mind, thanks to a Wednesday Zoom call organized by the National Foster Youth Institute. “HEROES
- [September 2020 Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/september-2020-newsletter/) - September has been a busy month for us. We’re putting the final touches on our virtual, interactive event on October 3rd. We’d love to see you there! We’ve been supporting current and former foster youth in building community and expanding their local chapters with online events like community dinners, meditation sessions, and open mic nights.
- [August 2020 Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/august-2020-newsletter/) - Message from the Executive Director For the past few months, NFYI has been filling your inbox with invitations to virtual town halls with members of Congress. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, we've held nearly 20 meetings with Representatives who have listened, asked great questions, and shared important insights with participants. Rep. Davis with
- [Message from the Executive Director on Juneteenth](https://nfyi.org/message-from-the-executive-director-on-juneteenth/) - Today is Juneteenth — the day commemorating the end of slavery. June 19, 1865 was when the last slaves in America were informed that they were free. The message reached them in Texas two-and-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had legally freed them. And while hundreds of years of slavery in America had finally come
- [National Foster Youth Institute Announces Addition of New Board Member — Marcus Scribner](https://nfyi.org/national-foster-youth-institute-announces-addition-of-new-board-member-marcus-scribner/) - The National Foster Youth Institute welcomes Marcus Scribner to their board of directors. Scribner, a 20-year-old actor and activist, brings to the position a commitment to improving outcomes for foster youth and transition aged youth, and an enthusiasm for lifting up their voices. “I’m proud to welcome Marcus to our board,” said NFYI Executive Director
- [Statement from National Foster Youth Institute on the Death of George Floyd and the Protests That Have Followed](https://nfyi.org/statement-from-national-foster-youth-institute-on-the-death-of-george-floyd-and-the-protests-that-have-followed/) - The murder of George Floyd by four Minneapolis police officers has sparked an unprecedented wave of public demonstration across our country. Decades of biased policing, systemic racism, inequitable access to resources, mass incarceration and an unjust healthcare system have had deadly consequences for the Black community. The reaction that we’re seeing now is understandable and
- [Call to Action: Help Pass DJay's Bill](https://nfyi.org/call-to-action-help-pass-djays-bill/) - On May 22, 2020, Congressmembers Karen Bass and Gwen Moore will introduce The Dosha Joi Immediate Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act, which would ensure that former foster youth have Medicaid until the age of 26. The bill is named after Dosha “DJay” Joi, a former foster youth, NFYI member, child welfare advocate, and nursing
- [NFYI Urges Congress to Pass “The Dosha Joi Immediate Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act”](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-urges-congress-to-pass-the-dosha-joi-immediate-coverage-for-former-foster-youth-act/) - For Immediate Release May 20, 2020 Contact: Mariah Craven | mariah.craven@nfyi.org | 404-975-7084 National Foster Youth Institute Urges Congress to Pass “The Dosha Joi Immediate Coverage for Former Foster Youth Act” Bill Named After Former Foster Youth Who Passed Away from COVID-19 Would Guarantee Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Youth Until Age 26 Washington, DC:
- [Statement from NFYI on the Passing of Dosha Joi](https://nfyi.org/statement-from-nfyi-on-the-passing-of-dosha-joi/) - Statement from NFYI Executive Director Sally Fairman on the Passing of Dosha Joi Dear National Foster Youth Institute Family: It is with deep regret and sadness that I inform you of the passing of one of our members. Dosha Joi succumbed to COVID-19 related complications early this morning at a Wisconsin hospital. Dosha, who also
- [April 2020 Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/april-2020-newsletter/) - An Update from Executive Director Sally Fairman About How NFYI is Shifting to Support Current/Former Foster Youth During the Coronavirus Crisis I hope you’re staying safe. I wanted to send you an update on some exciting activities that NFYI is conducting in response to COVID-19, and what we have in the pipeline. Also, we have
- [March 2020 Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/march-2020-newsletter/) - A Message from NFYI About Coronavirus In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, I am humbled to see the incredible dedication of our health professionals and the good will of neighbors, friends and strangers. As the crisis overwhelms our hospitals, disproportionately impacting our most vulnerable citizens, I know that NFYI is the future lifeline for
- [February 2020 Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/february-2020-newsletter/) - Quote of the Month: “We know the different cracks we need to fill. Let us be the hammer to be able to break the cycle.” -- Jose Canizal, NFYI Organizing Intern, speaking at the announcement of the LA County Youth Advisory...
- [January 2020 Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/january-2020-newsletter/) - As human beings we are all connected, and you just want to help in any way you can. I haven't been through any of the experiences that these warriors have gone through, but I know we can uplift their voices. - Marcus Scribner to People Magazine about NFYI members Message From the Executive Director Is
- [December 2019 Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/december-2019-newsletter/) - "...we young people are unstoppable." - Greta Thunberg Activist, organizer, and TIME's Person of the Year Message from the Executive Director: Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who participated in our Giving Tuesday campaign. With your help, we were able to raise enough money to send an additional youth to the 2020 Congressional Shadow
- [November 2019 Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/november-2019-newsletter/) - Headlines: Message from the Executive Director Fostering Grassroots Change Fostering Community Change Fostering Nationwide Change Fostering Youth-Led Change Quote of the Month “I'm going to have two jobs, [be] a full-time college student, and living by myself. Oh, wow. I don't know how I'm doing it, but somehow, I get motivated every morning to get off my bed, to
- [October 2019 Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/october-2019-newsletter/) - Headlines: Message from the Executive Director Fostering Organizational Change Fostering Federal Change Fostering Youth-Led Change Fostering Supportive Change Fostering Policy Change Quote of the Month “Our children are the living messages we send to a future we will never see.... Will we rob them of their destiny? Will we rob them of their dreams?
- [September 2019 Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/september-2019-newsletter/) - Headlines: Message from the Executive Director Fostering a Legacy of Change Fostering Grassroots Change Fostering Youth-Led Change Fostering Policy Change Fostering Thoughtful Change Quote of the Month: “Foster youth, just like anyone else, need love and compassion to navigate this life. Love yourself a little extra today.” - Brina Williams, NFYI Michigan Chapter, writing for
- [August 2019 Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/august-2019-newsletter/) - Headlines: Message from the New Executive Director Fostering Organizational Change Fostering Growing Change Fostering Youth-Led Change Current and Upcoming Programs Quote of the Month: “Welcome to the NFYI family.” - Executive Director Sally Fairman to 2019 Shadow Day Participants Message from the New Executive Director It’s probably been awhile since you received an email
- [National Foster Youth Institute Announces New Executive Director, Sally Fairman](https://nfyi.org/national-foster-youth-institute-announces-new-executive-director-sally-fairman/) - Sally Fairman to Lead NFYI to Next Level in Nonprofit’s Expansion (March 21, 2019/Los Angeles, CA): The Board of Directors for the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI) announced the hiring of Sally Fairman as the organization’s new executive director. Dedicated to transforming the child welfare system to strengthen its support for children and families while substantially improving
- [USC sisters advocate foster youth | Daily Trojan](https://nfyi.org/usc-sisters-advocate-foster-youth-daily-trojan/) - For twin sisters Carmen and Lucero Noyola, there is no denying the importance of education in their lives. Juggling packed schedules as single moms, workers and USC students, the pair is on a mission to make higher education more accessible to foster youth like themselves.Working with Jesse Aguiar, the director of the Beyond Foster Care
- [Program helps Colorado teens coming out of foster care system](https://nfyi.org/program-helps-colorado-teens-coming-foster-care-system/) - Like most teenagers, Holli Gutierrez craved independence and freedom. But it wasn’t the type of unfettered existence her peers wanted, not exactly. Not the life without curfews, without adults asking questions, grounding them or offering unwanted advice. She wanted the independence from living with people who hurt her, the ones who said she wouldn’t
- [Lack of volunteers is hurting children in Arizona's foster-care system](https://nfyi.org/lack-volunteers-hurting-children-arizonas-foster-care-system/) - Each of the 15,869 children in Arizona's foster-care system are supposed to have an advocate, someone who fills a role somewhere between friend and lawyer. But only 10 percent of those children had court-appointed special advocates to assist them through the trauma of being separated from their families, according to figures from late June. The court-appointed special advocates, or CASA, program, which
- [California law affirms gender-related care for foster youth](https://nfyi.org/california-law-affirms-gender-related-care-for-foster-youth/) - A new California law signed Friday by Gov. Jerry Brown ensures access to counseling, hormone treatment and surgery for transgender foster youth. The bill “will empower transgender foster youth to live authentically and simply be themselves,” said Democratic Assemblyman Todd Gloria of San Diego, the law’s sponsor. Such treatment would be covered by Medi-Cal, the
- [Tony Dungy, wife Lauren talk children's books, adopting seven kids, foster care](https://nfyi.org/tony-dungy-wife-lauren-talk-childrens-books-adopting-seven-kids-foster-care-orlando-sentinel/) - Tony Dungy is living testimony to family, faith, and football. His family is strong. Dungy has been married to his wife Lauren for 36 years. The couple has 10 children, seven of whom have been adopted. Along the way, he has raised his voice as a passionate advocate for the foster care system in
- [Louisiana trying to extend foster care program until age 21](https://nfyi.org/louisiana-trying-to-extend-foster-care-program-until-age-21/) - Louisiana has taken steps to expand the foster care program, recently agreeing to pay for students to finish high school, rather than immediately cutting off aid when a child turns 18. Now, state officials want to find a way to care for foster children until they turn 21. Lawmakers had to come up with $1
- [8 Common Myths About Foster Care Dispelled | Confessions of an Adoptive Parent](https://nfyi.org/8-common-myths-about-foster-care-dispelled-confessions-of-an-adoptive-parent/) - For years, foster care has been misunderstood, unfairly judged, criticized through local media and television shows, and the subject of harsh headlines. It’s time to set the record straight. We spent 9 years in the foster care system, as a care-givers to more than 23 children. Six of those children never left our care and
- [Immigration crisis spurs foster care interest in Michigan](https://nfyi.org/immigration-crisis-spurs-foster-care-interest-in-michigan/) - It started with a phone call. Randi Fremuth was so heartbroken by the stories of children being separated from their parents at the U.S./Mexico border in late June, she dialed Bethany Christian Services. The 33-year-old mother of three from Chelsea was powerless to intervene in the Trump administration's zero-tolerance immigration policy in every way but one: She could open her
- [A college student receives rare scholarship for unfortunate circumstances](https://nfyi.org/a-college-student-receives-rare-scholarship-for-unfortunate-circumstances/) - Today, we bring you the story of a college student that has gone above and beyond and a local university has taken notice. Jasper Gain, lived with her mother and stepdad till she was 13 and then was sent to live with her biological father."After a period of time living there, there was a lot of stuff
- [Child Welfare Ideas from the Experts #2: Getting Serious About Siblings](https://nfyi.org/child-welfare-ideas-from-the-experts-2-getting-serious-about-siblings/) - Barros identifies three ways she believes Congress can better ensure that siblings removed into foster care can stay together when that is their wish. First, she calls for a National Sibling Bill of Rights that would provide “specific guidance on keeping siblings together.” Source: Child Welfare Ideas from the Experts #2: Getting Serious About Siblings
- [In Focus: From foster child to foster care advocate](https://nfyi.org/in-focus-from-foster-child-to-foster-care-advocate/) - We meet Tanisha Saunders, a former foster youth who uses her experience to advocate for change and resources in the foster care system. Source: In Focus: From foster child to foster care advocate
- [Renaissance Woman — Nanxi Liu | The Argonaut Newsweekly](https://nfyi.org/renaissance-woman-nanxi-liu-the-argonaut-newsweekly/) - Liu is branching out to community affairs. She’s on the board of the National Foster Youth Institute with her local congresswoman, Rep. Karen Bass, and in May she was appointed to the Mar Vista Community Council.“Part of what makes the Westside great is people really love that work-life balance, and so do I. … People’s
- [Support NFYI on Amazon Prime July 16th-17th.](https://nfyi.org/support-nfyi-amazon-prime-july-16th-17th/) - If you are planning to take advantage of Amazon Prime Day great deals on Monday and Tuesday, June 16-17, please shop using AMAZONSMILE and select National Foster Youth Institute as the charity you want to support. NFYI will then receive 0.5% of every purchase to benefit our program! To Start shopping now, click
- [Foster care students honored in annual academic achievement awards - Sun Sentinel](https://nfyi.org/foster-care-students-honored-in-annual-academic-achievement-awards-sun-sentinel/) - Thirty-seven students crossed the Broward College Performing and Cultural Arts Center stage, recently. For some, it was to signify a high school graduation, for others, conquering fourth-grade long division, but for all it was to celebrate an accomplishment. Children's Harbor — a Pembroke Pines-based family group home — hosted its 5th Annual Academic Achievement Awards,
- [From the Frying Pan of Foster Care to the Fire of Adulthood](https://nfyi.org/from-the-frying-pan-of-foster-care-to-the-fire-of-adulthood/) - Homelessness is a big problem for former foster care youth in Kansas City and around the country. “We’ve heard stories of kids who were dropped off at City Union Mission by their social worker because it’s the kid’s 21st birthday,” said Nathan Ross, youth programs supervisor at the nonprofit social service agency FosterAdopt Connect. “Here’s
- [100 Former Foster Youth Visit Members of Congress to Advocate for Child Welfare Reform ](https://nfyi.org/100-former-foster-youth-visit-members-of-congress-to-advocate-for-child-welfare-reform/) - Each May, the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth introduces a resolution to recognize May as National Foster Care Month. Last year the resolution was cosponsored by more than 130 Members of Congress. In addition to re-introducing this important resolution to call attention and raise awareness about this issue, the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth will
- [Former foster youth students share their stories – Daily 49er](https://nfyi.org/former-foster-youth-students-share-their-stories-daily-49er/) - California Assembly Bill 12 allowed assistance for youth in the foster system to receive resources until 21. When those resources are no longer available, support programs such as the LA County Department of Mental Health help these “transition age youth,” or at-risk populations between 16 and 25, ease into everyday life by providing services including
- [Opinion | The Opioid Plague’s Youngest Victims: Children in Foster Care](https://nfyi.org/opinion-the-opioid-plagues-youngest-victims-children-in-foster-care/) - Our stunning failure to care for our most vulnerable children is a cause and devastating consequence of the opioid crisis that is ravaging towns around the country. We can’t end the crisis — or a host of other problems — until we fix our beleaguered child welfare system. As more Americans struggle with opioid addiction
- [LGBTQ Youth in the Foster Care System | Human Rights Campaign](https://nfyi.org/lgbtq-youth-in-the-foster-care-system-human-rights-campaign/) - It is undeniable that great progress is underway toward LGBTQ equality in the United States. Marriage equality swept the nation, the lived experiences of transgender Americans are more visible than ever before, and many youths are coming to identify as LGBTQ in environments far more welcoming and affirming than could have been imagined just a decade
- [Taylor Swift Holds Private Concert for Arizona Foster Kids](https://nfyi.org/taylor-swift-holds-private-concert-for-arizona-foster-kids/) - Taylor Swift is making dreams come true.The “Delicate” singer, 28, met her “littlest fans” — foster children from Arizona — on Saturday when she invited more than 2000 special guests to her final dress rehearsal of her upcoming Reputation Stadium Tour. Source: Taylor Swift Holds Private Concert for Arizona Foster Kids
- [Florida nurse Jess Hamm saw abused twin girls in hospital, adopts them](https://nfyi.org/florida-nurse-jess-hamm-saw-abused-twin-girls-in-hospital-adopts-them/) - A Florida nurse has adopted abused twin girls after she saw one of them being wheeled into her hospital suffering severe injuries — and then finding out she had a sister. Source: Florida nurse Jess Hamm saw abused twin girls in hospital, adopts them
- [We Lost Our Pigtails for National Foster Care Month — The Square Deal™ Wendy's Blog](https://nfyi.org/we-lost-our-pigtails-for-national-foster-care-month-the-square-deal-wendys-blog/) - May is National Foster Care Month, and Wendy’s removed its cameo as a device to “face it” and take a stand for the children in the North American Foster Care system who are waiting for their forever families. Without the adoption process, there would have never been a Wendy’s. That’s because had our Founder, Dave
- [The President of the United States Proclaims May 2018 as National Foster Care Month](https://nfyi.org/the-president-of-the-united-states-proclaims-may-2018-as-national-foster-care-month/) - During National Foster Care Month, we reflect on the dedication of foster and kinship caregivers, faith-based and community organizations, and child welfare professionals who are improving the lives of children and youth in foster care throughout the country. Our Nation is deeply indebted to these selfless and compassionate Americans. We also observe this month, with sadness,
- [LA County is looking for more foster parents; meetings planned in Pasadena and Carson.](https://nfyi.org/la-county-is-looking-for-more-foster-parents-meetings-planned-in-pasadena-and-carson/) - It’s National Foster Care Month, and Los Angeles County has planned a series of events — including one in Pasadena and another in Carson — aimed at attracting more families willing to mentor, foster or adopt children.Roughly 500 children are waiting to be adopted into a loving home, said Neil Zanville, a spokesman for the
- [South Carolina in critical need of foster parents.](https://nfyi.org/south-carolina-in-critical-need-of-foster-parents/) - CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) -The start of May brings the start of Foster Care Awareness month.In South Carolina, the need for foster parents is critical.Across the state and in the Lowcountry there are not enough foster homes for the kids who need them.In South Carolina, officials with DSS said there are over 4,600 kids in foster
- [Tracing Your Roots: Who Left My Mother in Foster Care?](https://nfyi.org/tracing-your-roots-who-left-my-mother-in-foster-care/) - After five wonderful, fun years of helping African Americans find their ancestry on The Root, we are looking forward to carrying on the work of the Tracing Your Roots column through an ongoing collaboration with AmericanAncestors.org by the New England Historic Genealogical Society. Source: Tracing Your Roots: Who Left My Mother in Foster Care?
- [Children In Foster Care Are Dearly Loved! | Confessions of an Adoptive Parent](https://nfyi.org/children-in-foster-care-are-dearly-loved-confessions-of-an-adoptive-parent/) - There is such a big need today for valuable and encouraging resources speaking the truth that children in foster care are dearly loved! Source: Children In Foster Care Are Dearly Loved! | Confessions of an Adoptive Parent
- [In a Loving Foster Family, but Missing Home - "This is Us"  addresses an important issue in the Foster Care community](https://nfyi.org/in-a-loving-foster-family-but-missing-home-this-is-us-addresses-an-important-issue-in-the-foster-care-community/) - An extended relative once pulled me aside at a holiday gathering, confused by my 4-year-old foster son’s uncharacteristic moodiness. Instead of the typically spirited, joyful little boy he’d most often been since he came to live with us eight months earlier, my foster son was sullen and withdrawn.“What’s up with him today?” the relative asked
- [Foster Care Arizona Daily Star investigation: Fixing our foster care crisis](https://nfyi.org/foster-care-arizona-daily-star-investigation-fixing-our-foster-care-crisis/) - After peaking with nearly 19,000 children in foster care in 2016, Arizona set out to keep more families together and pull fewer kids from their homes.Some changes are taking hold, and the number of kids in out-of-home care is trending downward. But the state still hasn't tackled the bigger question: How can we solve the
- [Richard Wexler: SB 1473 is a detour from real child welfare reform and would remove the kinship care preference in Arizona law. Study after study has shown children do better when placed with relatives. ](https://nfyi.org/richard-wexler-sb-1473-is-a-detour-from-real-child-welfare-reform-and-would-remove-the-kinship-care-preference-in-arizona-law-study-after-study-has-shown-children-do-better-when-placed-with-relative/) - Remember “crack babies”? Back in the 1980s, they were the infants supposedly doomed to a life of “certain suffering, of probable deviance, of permanent inferiority.” The predictions were accompanied by graphic depictions of infants going through withdrawal, and condemnation of their mothers for “choosing” addiction over their children.None of the dire predictions came true. And
- [Child Welfare seeks foster parents, volunteers in walk-and-talk event ](https://nfyi.org/child-welfare-seeks-foster-parents-volunteers-in-walk-and-talk-event/) - Child Welfare staff at the local Oregon Department of Human Services offices are heading door-to-door for more help with their continued programs.Their newest efforts, which follows last year’s “100 beds in 100 days” event, are aimed to get out and find volunteers in areas that need more foster parents. This year’s Foster Care Walk and
- [Resource Parents Needed to Foster or Foster-Adopt a Child – Santa Clarita Valley Signal](https://nfyi.org/resource-parents-needed-to-foster-or-foster-adopt-a-child-santa-clarita-valley-signal/) - Adoption is a meaningful way for individuals and couples to fulfill their dream of parenting. There are approximately 64,000 children in foster care in California. Los Angeles County’s foster care population exceeds 21,000 children with 500 foster children waiting to be connected to a family who will adopt. Children’s Bureau offers a comprehensive foster care
- [Seniors affecting lives of children through foster grandparent program ](https://nfyi.org/seniors-affecting-lives-of-children-through-foster-grandparent-program/) - The Chickasaw Nation Foster Grandparent Program is providing senior adults with the opportunity to mentor young children in child care and school environments, not only making a lifelong connection with the children but also fulfilling their own emotional needs by giving back.The program pairs seniors with young children in south-central Oklahoma local public schools, the
- [LA County Approves New Plan to Help Crossover Youth](https://nfyi.org/la-county-approves-new-plan-to-help-crossover-youth/) - We know that, statistically speaking, kids who spend time in Los Angeles County’s foster care system — or any foster care system, for that matter — have worse outcomes when they reach adulthood than youth who’ve never wound up in the child dependency system at all.Over the past few years, new California state laws that
- [Helping Kids in Foster Care Learn to Manage Their Emotions and Behavior - The Annie E. Casey Foundation](https://nfyi.org/helping-kids-in-foster-care-learn-to-manage-their-emotions-and-behavior-the-annie-e-casey-foundation/) - Helping children and young people in foster care learn to manage their thoughts, emotions and energy is a two-part process. This is especially true when foster parents, kin and other caregivers are working with children who have experienced trauma. Source: Helping Kids in Foster Care Learn to Manage Their Emotions and Behavior - The Annie
- [There are 10,000 kids in foster care in Maricopa County alone](https://nfyi.org/there-are-10000-kids-in-foster-care-in-maricopa-county-alone-many-have-never-had-a-positive-adult-role-model-in-their-life-and-most-are-afraid-for-what-their-future-holds-mentoring-a-foster-child/) - You don't need to be a foster parent and take a child in 24/7, or adopt a child in foster care to make a difference. You can mentor them for as little as eight hours a month, and make a difference as well."Our mentor program matches volunteers from in the community with school-aged children in foster care,"
- [Parents, advocates tackle issues with Kansas' foster care system ](https://nfyi.org/parents-advocates-tackle-issues-with-kansas-foster-care-system/) - Foster care parents and children’s advocates examined ways to address the rapidly growing number of juveniles in Kansas’ troubled foster care system during a forum Monday evening.The event was organized by Strengthen Families Rebuild Hope and took place at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.The Department for Children and Families has come under fire
- [Foster care teens can soon ask to reunite with birth parents ](https://nfyi.org/foster-care-teens-can-soon-ask-to-reunite-with-birth-parents/) - Teenagers in foster care in Virginia will be able to express their preference on restoring their birth parents’ parental rights under a law that will take effect July 1.The General Assembly passed and Gov. Ralph Northam signed legislation allowing foster care children ages 14 and older to tell a judge whether they want their birth
- [More than a statistic - Hardship drove senior Htet Htet Rodgers to success](https://nfyi.org/more-than-a-statistic-hardship-drove-senior-htet-htet-rodgers-to-success/) - MORE THAN A STATISTIC Hardship Drove Senior Htet Htet Rodgers To Success Orleans Parish Juvenile Court Judge Ernestine S. Gray and Joy M. Bruce, executive director of CASA New Orleans, co-authored an editorial in 2016 stating that nationally one of the fastest-growing groups of children entering foster care has been those aged 14 to 17. National
- [How We Found More Black Foster Parents and Confronted the Racial Disparity in Foster Care - Youth Today](https://nfyi.org/how-we-found-more-black-foster-parents-and-confronted-the-racial-disparity-in-foster-care-youth-today/) - I’ve worked in child welfare for over eight years and, from day one, I’ve been struck by the high numbers of black children in foster care. As of January 2017, black children were overrepresented in the foster care system by more than double in Washington state, where I work. African-American children in the United States are more
- [Oklahoma Senate passes controversial adoption bill ](https://nfyi.org/oklahoma-senate-passes-controversial-adoption-bill/) - From the piece: “Bills such as SB 1140 are a clear attempt to solve a ‘problem’ that simply doesn’t exist while enshrining anti-LGBTQ discrimination into law,” said Marty Rouse, national field director for the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBT advocacy group. OKLAHOMA SENATE PASSES CONTROVERSIAL ADOPTION BILL - Tulsa World The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill
- [Philly halts foster placements with 2 faith-based agencies shutting out LGBT couples ](https://nfyi.org/philly-halts-foster-placements-with-2-faith-based-agencies-shutting-out-lgbt-couples/) - Mayor Jim Kenney said he finds it unbelievable that the two faith-based agencies that had been contracted with the city discriminate against qualified same-sex couples.“I think that two women or two men that happen to love each other or are married to each other who pass all the background checks and the financial circumstances and
- [Gov. Henry McMaster allows foster care agencies in South Carolina to favor certain religions ](https://nfyi.org/gov-henry-mcmaster-allows-foster-care-agencies-in-south-carolina-to-favor-certain-religions/) - Gov. Henry McMaster is coming to the defense of an Upstate foster care agency that requires participating families to be Christian.McMaster issued an executive order Tuesday that allows foster care providers to discriminate based on religion without losing their license.For nearly three decades, Greenville-based Miracle Hill Ministries has only allowed foster children to be placed
- [Trump’s Immigration Policy Pushing Children Into Foster Care | Juvenile Justice Information Exchange](https://nfyi.org/trumps-immigration-policy-pushing-children-into-foster-care-juvenile-justice-information-exchange/) - The struggle to reunite a Congolese woman swept up in an immigration crackdown with her little girl — and to reunite countless families like them — continues, child welfare advocates say. “Ms. L,” as she is identified in court records, was arrested and locked up in San Diego, while her 7-year-old daughter — identified in
- [America's Foster Care System Is the Pipeline For Child Sex Trafficking](https://nfyi.org/americas-foster-care-system-is-the-pipeline-for-child-sex-trafficking/) - Here’s the ugly truth: most Americans who are victims of sex trafficking come from our nation’s own foster care system. It’s a deeply broken system that leaves thousands vulnerable to pimps as children and grooms them for the illegal sex trade as young adults. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) introduced legislation in 2017 to amend an antiquated 1996
- [28-yr-old saves sister's baby: 6 months later heart is broken by TV news](https://nfyi.org/28-yr-old-saves-sisters-baby-6-months-later-heart-is-broken-by-tv-news/) - Everybody carries the weight of the things they’ve done in life. Most people will never show it, but inside they can so often be keeping things hidden that remain unseen by the outside world.To most people, 28-year-old Marcio Donaldson is just a young man with a talent for singing. Marco entered American Idol last season and moved past
- [Darcy Olsen: Don't let vulnerable children linger in foster care  ](https://nfyi.org/darcy-olsen-dont-let-vulnerable-children-linger-in-foster-care/) - As a foster parent for seven years, I’ve cradled the opioid crisis in my arms.With parents unwilling or unable to get clean, 50,000 newborns will enter state foster care systems this year. What happens next is Russian roulette.Consider Mary, born in a Greyhound bus station bathroom. She tested positive for meth, heroin and alcohol. Nurses
- [Colleges, Universities Should Be Pressured to Help Students in Foster Care - Youth Today](https://nfyi.org/colleges-universities-should-be-pressured-to-help-students-in-foster-care-youth-today/) - Fostering Success Michigan compiled information on which four-year colleges have campus-based support programs for students who experienced foster care, creating the National Postsecondary Support Map. As the map shows, more than half the four-year institutions and/or states are failing current and prospective students who have been in or are in foster care by not providing
- [MICHIGAN CHAPTER MONTHLY MEETING](https://nfyi.org/michigan-chapter-monthly-meeting/) - To RSVP for National Foster Youth's Michigan Chapter Meeting...Click Here! Hello Current & Future Michigan Leaders! If you're the kind of person that wants to fight against the injustices that foster youth face in Michigan and build solutions, consider joining us for a Michigan Leadership Corps Meeting. Our vision is to completely change the child
- [Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth Profile Series: Representative Karen Bass](https://nfyi.org/congressional-caucus-on-foster-youth-profile-series-representative-karen-bass/) - Someone Is Listening It’s no secret that when it comes to politics in America these days, no one is getting along. Turn on any news program at any time of day and you will be inundated with anger from the left, right and middle. If there is one thing everyone in Washington D.C. can agree
- [Separating Families at the Border Will Multiply Child Trauma](https://nfyi.org/separating-families-at-the-border-will-multiply-child-trauma/) - In December 2017, the Trump Administration proposed a new policy of separating immigrant children from parents entering the U.S. illegally, as a means of discouraging or deterring immigrant families from Central America and other countries from coming to the U.S.Although the administration has already engaged in this practice in some cases, this policy would alter
- [Fairfax High School seniors hope to create a choir for children in foster care | Articles | fairfaxtimes.com](https://nfyi.org/fairfax-high-school-seniors-hope-to-create-a-choir-for-children-in-foster-care-articles-fairfaxtimes-com/) - Nedah Hatami and Jessica Davis did not know much about Fairfax County’s foster care system before they started looking into it for a school project.As members of Fairfax High School’s DECA chapter, a co-curricular organization that teaches leadership skills to students enrolled in marketing classes, the two 12th-grade students were tasked with developing a marketing
- [Documentary: Congratulations, You're On Your Own: Life After Foster Care](https://nfyi.org/congratulations-youre-on-your-own-life-after-foster-care-to-foster-change/) - “Congratulations, You’re On Your Own” takes an intimate look at the real-life stories of several young people who have recently “aged out” of foster care. In LA County, most young people age out of the foster system at age 21. At that point, they exceed the maximum age requirement needed for their caregiver to receive
- [Not Your Statistic | To Foster Change](https://nfyi.org/not-your-statistic-to-foster-change/) - Shari is a former foster youth who entered foster care at age 14. Beating the odds of the 97% of foster youth who don’t finish college, Shari graduated from California State University Northridge. During college, she worked for the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services. Today, Shari is pursuing her Master’s degree in
- [Calling All Former Foster Youth!](https://nfyi.org/calling-former-foster-youth/) - The 2018 Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Program application is now open! That’s right, we’re accepting submissions from former foster youth (ages 18-30) across the United States with leadership potential and a drive for change! Individuals who are interested in using their voices to improve the foster care system for all youth and families are encouraged
- [A division on foster care in Olympia](https://nfyi.org/a-division-on-foster-care-in-olympia/) - Whose voice should count most in legal decisions about the future of kids removed from their homes because of suspected abuse or neglect?Various factions of grown-ups — birth parents whose children have been removed by Child Protective Services, relatives who take many of those children into their homes, and licensed foster parents — all want
- [Group seeks overhaul of Kentucky adoption and foster care system](https://nfyi.org/group-seeks-overhaul-of-kentucky-adoption-and-foster-care-system/) - A group of state legislators on Tuesday recommended broad changes meant to improve Kentucky's adoption and foster care system, wrapping up eight months of study of a system critics say is overburdened, underfunded and plagued with frustrating delays.The group's goal is to improve services for abused and neglected children and help streamline foster care and adoption if the
- [County program to help children of addicts in foster-care system | WDTN](https://nfyi.org/county-program-to-help-children-of-addicts-in-foster-care-system-wdtn/) - With the opiate epidemic gripping Montgomery County, DeWine’s office chose eight counties for a new pilot program to help children going through the system due to a drug-addicted parent or guardian. The program is part of a $1 million grant providing for the cost of a full-time staff member who will be responsible for family
- [Oak Grove to expand family services and programs for foster youth](https://nfyi.org/oak-grove-to-expand-family-services-and-programs-for-foster-youth/) - Oak Grove CEO Tammy Wilson and site director Randy Wilson are not new to the desert. Their organization has been providing services for struggling families and children in the Coachella Valley for over five years. In 2015, Oak Grove moved into its current Bermuda Dunes location.A few weeks ago, Oak Grove in the Desert joined the
- [No. 1 reason children in foster care is parental drug use | Local News Stories | wahpetondailynews.com](https://nfyi.org/no-1-reason-children-in-foster-care-is-parental-drug-use-local-news-stories-wahpetondailynews-com/) - Parental substance abuse is the most common primary reason children wind up in foster care, according to a report from Minnesota’s Department of Human Services. It’s the first time drug use has overtaken neglect, the department’s deputy commissioner Chuck Johnson told Minnesota Public Radio News.The state continues to see increases in both the number of
- [Los Angeles Orders Agencies to Report on LGBTQ Services for Youth in Foster Care - The Chronicle of Social Change](https://nfyi.org/los-angeles-orders-agencies-to-report-on-lgbtq-services-for-youth-in-foster-care-the-chronicle-of-social-change/) - In a unanimous vote, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday passed a motion aimed at improving the experience and outcomes for LGBTQ youth in the child welfare system.“[It’s] amazing to see folks from across L.A. County really in support of LGBTQ rights,” said Jenny Dang Vinopal, executive director of the National Foster
- [As opioid crisis strains foster care, states aren’t tracking the damage | Reveal](https://nfyi.org/as-opioid-crisis-strains-foster-care-states-arent-tracking-the-damage-reveal/) - New Hampshire social workers are all too familiar with how opioid abuse can push children into foster care. They see it all the time.The chain of events is often the same: After being approached by social workers, addicted parents continue to overdose or start dodging them. State officials deem the home unsafe and seek a
- [Friends of CASA raise thousands for foster youth – Orange County Register](https://nfyi.org/friends-of-casa-raise-thousands-for-foster-youth-orange-county-register/) - Friends of CASA, a fundraising auxiliary of Court Appointed Special Advocates hosted its 2017 Holiday Luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017, at The Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point.The luncheon and fashion show that began as a Holiday Tea is in its 22nd year of existence and has brought in over 3.7 million dollars since
- [‘This Is Us’ gets adoption and foster care right - AEI](https://nfyi.org/this-is-us-gets-adoption-and-foster-care-right-aei/) - ‘This Is Us’ gets adoption and foster care right - AEI Naomi Schaefer Riley @naomisriley| SOURCE: https://www.aei.org/publication/this-is-us-gets-adoption-and-foster-care-right/
- [Join Our Team! The National Foster Youth Institute is looking for a dynamic Organizing Director](https://nfyi.org/join-team-national-foster-youth-institute-looking-dynamic-organizing-director/) - Greetings Friends and Colleagues, I am writing to you about an exciting job opportunity at the National Foster Youth Institute. NFYI seeks a dynamic, creative Organizing Director to launch and build a new movement for reform of the foster care system nationwide. We are recruiting an experienced senior strategist who works directly with youth, advocates
- [Holiday Thank You Awards: $100 or $250 Cash Honorariums - Deadline is 11pm Wednesday, 12/27/17](https://nfyi.org/holiday-thank-you-awards-100-or-250-cash-honorariums-deadline-is-11pm-wednesday-122717/) - Holiday Thank You Awards: $100 or $250 Cash Honorariums - Deadline is 11pm Wednesday, 12/27/17 Are you a former foster youth AND advocate? Want $100? Participate in Holiday Thank You Awards! AWARD DESCRIPTION: This is a chance for former foster youth to win some extra cash for New Year's! We will give out 24 honorariums of $100
- [Number Of American Children In Foster Care Increases For 4th Consecutive Year : The Two-Way : NPR](https://nfyi.org/number-of-american-children-in-foster-care-increases-for-4th-consecutive-year-the-two-way-npr/) - A new government report says the number of children in the U.S. foster care system has increased for the fourth year in a row, due largely to an uptick in substance abuse by parents.The report, issued annually by the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services, shows that 437,500
- [Board of Supervisors Chairman Mark Ridley-Thomas on receiving the National Foster Youth Institute’s 2017 Champion of Children and Youth Award – Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas](https://nfyi.org/board-of-supervisors-chairman-mark-ridley-thomas-on-receiving-the-national-foster-youth-institutes-2017-champion-of-children-and-youth-award-supervisor-mark-ridley-thomas/) - “Thank you, Congresswoman Bass, for that warm introduction and for this honor. I also want to thank Wendy and Dean for hosting this event and welcoming us. “It has been my distinct pleasure to support and partner with this organization on behalf of the thousands of youth in Los Angeles County who are in or
- [2 brothers hoping to find 1 forever family - CBS News 8 - San Diego, CA News Station - KFMB Channel 8](https://nfyi.org/2-brothers-hoping-to-find-1-forever-family-cbs-news-8-san-diego-ca-news-station-kfmb-channel-8/) - 2 brothers hoping to find 1 forever family Source: 2 brothers hoping to find 1 forever family - CBS News 8 - San Diego, CA News Station - KFMB Channel 8
- [Relative Growth: Three States Increasingly Rely on Kin for Kids in Foster Care - The Chronicle of Social Change](https://nfyi.org/relative-growth-three-states-increasingly-rely-on-kin-for-kids-in-foster-care-the-chronicle-of-social-change/) - When Dana Murdock’s newborn niece Dahlia entered Hawaii’s foster care system in 2016, she flew from Arkansas to Hawaii as quickly as possible. Having aged out of the child welfare system herself, Murdock knew she couldn’t let her sister’s child languish in the system, and she couldn’t blame her sister for spiraling into drug addiction
- [Local nonprofit receives grant to provide housing for youths...](https://nfyi.org/local-nonprofit-receives-grant-to-provide-housing-for-youths/) - SAN ANTONIO - Children in foster care face many challenges, and if they're not reunited with their families or adopted by the time they turn 18, the road ahead doesn't get any easier. One major challenge many young adults face when they age out of foster care is finding stable housing. Source: Local nonprofit receives
- [New program at FAU helping foster care, homeless students](https://nfyi.org/new-program-at-fau-helping-foster-care-homeless-students/) - The program helps former foster and homeless youth to navigate college successfully. Source: New program at FAU helping foster care, homeless students
- [Boston Marathon 2017 - Shalane Flanagan on recovery, final goals, life as a foster parent](https://nfyi.org/boston-marathon-2017-shalane-flanagan-on-recovery-final-goals-life-as-a-foster-parent/) - Four-time U.S. Olympic distance runner Shalane Flanagan, 35, was gearing up for what she thought might be her last Boston Marathon this month, an important emotional destination for the native of Marblehead, Massachusetts.Her 2016 season featured a personal best in the half marathon and an American record in the Boston Athletic Association 10K, leading up
- [Under threat of budget cuts, state agencies eliminate some health care service for foster kids - Missoula & Western Montana](https://nfyi.org/under-threat-of-budget-cuts-state-agencies-eliminate-some-health-care-service-for-foster-kids-missoula-western-montana/) - Under threat of budget cuts, state agencies eliminate some health care services for foster kids Source: Under threat of budget cuts, state agencies eliminate some healt - KPAX.com | Continuous News | Missoula & Western Montana
- [An aspiring Eagle Scout wants to help kids in the foster care system](https://nfyi.org/an-aspiring-eagle-scout-wants-to-help-kids-in-the-foster-care-system/) - An aspiring Eagle Scout wants to help kids in the foster care system Source: An aspiring Eagle Scout wants to help kids in the foster care system
- [Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation To Provide Children In Foster Care The Right To Visit Their Siblings | LongIsland.com](https://nfyi.org/governor-cuomo-signs-legislation-to-provide-children-in-foster-care-the-right-to-visit-their-siblings-longisland-com/) - Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation To Provide Children In Foster Care The Right To Visit Their Siblings | LongIsland.com Albany, NY - October 23, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation to affirmatively give siblings separated by foster care the right to visit and contact each other. "This action will allow some of our most
- [Missouri waives birth certificate fees for foster care kids](https://nfyi.org/missouri-waives-birth-certificate-fees-for-foster-care-kids/) - Missouri waives birth certificate fees for foster care kids Missouri waives birth certificate fees for foster care kidsinNewsBy: The Associated Press & Jacob Cavaiani, KOMU 8 ReporterJEFFERSON CITY (AP) — The state no longer will make children in foster care pay a $15 fee to get copies of their birth certificates, Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens said. Greitens said in
- [HRC to Host Webinar on Advocacy for LGBTQ Foster Youth in Schools | Human Rights Campaign](https://nfyi.org/hrc-to-host-webinar-on-advocacy-for-lgbtq-foster-youth-in-schools-human-rights-campaign/) - HRC to Host Webinar on Advocacy for LGBTQ Foster Youth in Schools | Human Rights Campaign Post submitted by Tracy Flynn, M.Ed., education consultant and expert trainer for HRC’s All Children - All Families program HRC’s All Children - All Families (ACAF) project works with foster care and adoption agencies across the U.S. to
- [CYFD brings on former clients to help teens](https://nfyi.org/cyfd-brings-on-former-clients-to-help-teens/) - If you've never lived in a foster home or spent time in a juvenile detention center, it's hard to understand what life is like for kids who do. That's why the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department is now hiring interns who've had those experiences. "I can see what's worked for people in my
- [Aging Out of Foster Care Makes Eating Right a Challenge | City Limits](https://nfyi.org/aging-out-of-foster-care-makes-eating-right-a-challenge-city-limits/) - Aging Out of Foster Care Makes Eating Right a Challenge | City Limits Tony Turner knew he had to improve his eating habits to reverse a recent diagnosis of prediabetes, but, after several years in the foster care system, he did not know where to start. Turner realized he rarely received guidance on how to
- [Child Welfare System Increasingly Relying on Relatives to Raise Children Exposed to Trauma | Markets Insider](https://nfyi.org/child-welfare-system-increasingly-relying-on-relatives-to-raise-children-exposed-to-trauma-markets-insider/) - According to a new report by Generations United, grandparents and other relatives who step in to care for children, play an important role in mitigating trauma, which children in the child welfare system experience at starkly higher rates than the general population. More than half of the children in the child welfare system have endured
- [New foster-care boss gets a laundry list of what needs fixing | Miami News & Search](https://nfyi.org/new-foster-care-boss-gets-a-laundry-list-of-what-needs-fixing-miami-news-search/) - Our Kids, the organization responsible for the care and safety of foster children in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, has a new leader in place with an impressive resume. But a void at the top was not the only problem afflicting the nonprofit. A comprehensive examination — called a peer review — of Our Kids’ practices
- [Adopting From Foster Care: Clarifying The Misconceptions To Build A Loving Home](https://nfyi.org/adopting-from-foster-care-clarifying-the-misconceptions-to-build-a-loving-home/) - Adopting From Foster Care: Clarifying The Misconceptions To Build A Loving Home One of the biggest benefits of financial freedom is the ability to spend more time helping other people. Although writing about building wealth is useful and donating money is good, adopting or fostering a child reaches a next level of kindness. Today’s post is
- [This Amazing Young Man Advocates For Other Foster Youth And LGBTQ People | HuffPost](https://nfyi.org/this-amazing-young-man-advocates-for-other-foster-youth-and-lgbtq-people-huffpost/) - “Look what I’m doing. You can do it too.” In this RaiseAChild “Let Love Define Family®” series installment for Huff Post Queer Voices, contributing writer Danielle Lescure introduces us to a former foster youth who aims to inspire and help others. Dominque ‘Domo’ Ross, 24, is all about positivity. He listens to podcasts and Joel
- [Innovation on display at Children's Museum - News - fosters.com - Dover, NH](https://nfyi.org/innovation-on-display-at-childrens-museum-news-fosters-com-dover-nh/) - Innovation on display at Children's Museum - News - fosters.com - Dover, NH DOVER — The brilliance on display at The New Hampshire Children’s Museum on Saturday almost outshone the sunny skies, as the fifth annual Mini-Maker Faire was held inside the museum and on the grounds.Amazing displays of innovation and technology took place, most
- [Training available for foster children advocates in Nevada County | TheUnion.com](https://nfyi.org/training-available-for-foster-children-advocates-in-nevada-county-theunion-com/) - Training available for foster children advocates in Nevada County | TheUnion.com A trusted, caring and reliable adult can make a huge difference for a child in the foster care system. https://www.theunion.com/news/training-available-for-foster-children-advocates-in-nevada-county/ On - 25 Aug, 2017 By Matthew Pera
- [Former Foster Youth Develops Online Course to Empower Foster Children • SJS](https://nfyi.org/former-foster-youth-develops-online-course-to-empower-foster-children-sjs/) - Former Foster Youth Develops Online Course to Empower Foster Children • SJS A former foster youth has created an innovative tool for professionals in the child welfare system through his online course, Fostering Resilience.Michael Place, now an international public speaker and child rights activist, recently launched Fostering Resilience to help professionals identify and foster resilient
- [Foster Care System Overdue for an Overhaul? – 1812columbus](https://nfyi.org/foster-care-system-overdue-for-an-overhaul-1812columbus/) - Foster Care System Overdue for an Overhaul? – 1812columbus The foster care system in the United States may be ready for a major overhaul. Consider this idea– maybe foster kids should be legally separated from their biological parents faster, in order for that child to have a chance at being adopted sooner. Dublin mom Dee
- [200 kids in foster care in Marathon Co., only 43 homes to place them](https://nfyi.org/200-kids-in-foster-care-in-marathon-co-only-43-homes-to-place-them/) - 200 kids in foster care in Marathon Co., only 43 homes to place them WAUSAU,Wis.(WSAW)-- Wisconsin legislatures took on problems in the foster care system this session and created a Foster Care Task Force Committee to help improve the system. The committee held their fist public hearing on Wednesday in Wausau and Patrick Schmidt a
- [Mandy kidnaps Ella from foster care! | Entertainment Overdose](https://nfyi.org/mandy-kidnaps-ella-from-foster-care-entertainment-overdose/) - Mandy kidnaps Ella from foster care! | Entertainment Overdose 22Aug 2017 Hollyoaks are set to air scenes where Mandy will kidnap her daughter from foster care!Viewers have seen Mandy lose custody of Ella when social services declared her home unsafe for the child.Monday’s first look episode saw Mandy’s effort to get her daughter back jeopardised
- [We Need to Work on Barriers to Educational Success for Youth Who Age Out of Foster Care | Youth Today](https://nfyi.org/we-need-to-work-on-barriers-to-educational-success-for-youth-who-age-out-of-foster-care-youth-today/) - We Need to Work on Barriers to Educational Success for Youth Who Age Out of Foster Care | Youth Today Foster care placement has been described as the most tragic experience faced by a child because it introduces instability to their already chaotic life. Furthermore, frequent placement changes and lack of foster care resources for
- [Former Long Beach foster child interns for Kamala Harris, writes foster care policy paper](https://nfyi.org/former-long-beach-foster-child-interns-for-kamala-harris-writes-foster-care-policy-paper/) - Former Long Beach foster child interns for Kamala Harris, writes foster care policy paper Tiffany Boyd may be “the lucky one” of her seven siblings, but she doesn’t like that label. She’d rather every kid in the foster system be supported and have someone in their corner.The 29-year-old Long Beach woman served as an intern
- [July Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/july-newsletter/) - Headlines: A Note From Our Interim Executive Director The Leadership Corps Takes Action in the Mid-West DCFS Acting Director Visits NFYI NFYI Salutes Kinship Caregivers Youth Highlights A Note From Our Interim Executive Director With all the racial unrest in the country I am so grateful that NFYI has such a diverse , committed, socially conscious
- [The new 'Jane Crow' in the foster care system separates children from their poor mothers](https://nfyi.org/the-new-jane-crow-in-the-foster-care-system-separates-children-from-their-poor-mothers/) - The new 'Jane Crow' in the foster care system separates children from their poor mothers One black woman in Brooklyn, Maisha Joefield, had her 5-year-old daughter taken away from her after she wandered off to find Joefield’s grandmother who lived across the street. Joefield had simply put her daughter to bed after a long day
- [18-Year-Old Adopted Into ‘Forever Family’ After Being In Foster Care For 13 Years](https://nfyi.org/18-year-old-adopted-into-forever-family-after-being-in-foster-care-for-13-years/) - 18-Year-Old Adopted Into ‘Forever Family’ After Being In Foster Care For 13 Years This teen’s adoption story will give you all the feelsAfter being in and out of the foster care system for more than a decade, 18-year-old Carson Petersen recently found his forever home after he was adopted by his foster parents, Tex and
- [Rep. Bass Statement on Passage of Child Welfare Package | Congresswoman Karen Bass](https://nfyi.org/rep-bass-statement-on-passage-of-child-welfare-package-congresswoman-karen-bass/) - June 21, 2017 | Press Release WASHINGTON— Today, the 115th Congress passed their first child welfare package through the House of Representatives. The package, which includes five separate bills, aims at improving critical components of care within the child welfare system, particularly aimed at increasing the age of eligibility for education and vocational services for
- [Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth Co-Chairs Endorse Bipartisan Child Welfare Package | Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth](https://nfyi.org/congressional-caucus-on-foster-youth-co-chairs-endorse-bipartisan-child-welfare-package/) - June 15th, 2017 - The Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth endorsed five bipartisan bills that were previously provisions of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in the 114th Congress. This package includes five separate bills designed to improve critical components of care within
- [Failure of Public, Political Will Threatens Progress on Child Welfare, Casey warns | Youth Today](https://nfyi.org/failure-of-public-political-will-threatens-progress-on-child-welfare-casey-warns-youth-today/) - Amid the charts and tables of this year’s Kids Count Data Book is a stark warning.The gains in children’s health, education and overall well-being since the last recession may be in jeopardy as “a huge failure of public and political will” saps support for policies that have helped produce those results, the nonprofit Annie E.
- [How Foster Youth Shadow Day Helped Me Find Peace | Teen Vogue](https://nfyi.org/how-foster-youth-shadow-day-helped-me-find-peace-teen-vogue/) - In this op-ed, Ruth Contreras-Arnold explains what it's like to be in the foster care system, and how a day on Capitol Hill empowered her. My name is Ruth Contreras-Arnold and I am a nineteen-year-old former foster youth. I have been in and out the child welfare system since I was three years old.
- [How LA County Began to Face Its Big Problem With Youth Being Sex-Trafficked | Youth Today](https://nfyi.org/how-la-county-began-to-face-its-big-problem-with-youth-being-sex-trafficked-youth-today/) - Seven years ago, she had no idea Los Angeles County had a child sex trafficking problem. Now Guymon is director of the Child Trafficking Unit for the Los Angeles County Probation Department and is part of the group that aims to make LA’s efforts to combat child sex trafficking a model for the nation. Her
- [The RAND Approach to Child Welfare: Cutting Cost, Improving Outcomes](https://nfyi.org/the-rand-approach-to-child-welfare-cutting-cost-improving-outcomes/) - RAND Corporation issued a report describing how federal child welfare policy could be changed to improve outcomes for children and youth while saving $12.3 billion. To reach its conclusions, the Santa Monica, Calif.-based nonprofit research firm developed a model that points to the value of increased spending on child maltreatment prevention while also expanding
- [Foster kids spend the day shadowing California members of Congress - LA Times](https://nfyi.org/foster-kids-spend-the-day-shadowing-california-members-of-congress-la-times-2/) - Leonardo Jimenez, 21, of Los Angeles said after a lifetime in foster care, he never expected to have his congresswoman speak his name on the House floor, or to become a part of the historical record of the United States. “We have someone that is advocating for us that hasn’t been in our shoes, but is willing to
- [New program to help NJ families who foster or adopt deal with stress](https://nfyi.org/new-program-to-help-nj-families-who-foster-or-adopt-deal-with-stress/) - One foster parent over the years has taken 48 children into her home. Another ended up adopting two of the children she fostered. Both have over a decade of experience, which they will be using to help parents who foster and adopt children in New Jersey. Read more: New program to help NJ families who
- [Affirm LGBT lifestyles, foster care workers ordered](https://nfyi.org/affirm-lgbt-lifestyles-foster-care-workers-ordered/) - Affirm LGBT lifestyles, foster care workers ordered Affirm LGBT lifestyles, foster care workers ordered by Diana Chandler, posted Thursday, June 01, 2017 (23 hours ago) Tags: Religious libertyLesbian Gay Bisexual TransgenderLGBTgender identityfoster care CHICAGO (BP) -- Foster care workers and families in Illinois must allow gay and transgender youth to express and explore their chosen
- [Girl seeks to share positive message about foster parents](https://nfyi.org/girl-seeks-to-share-positive-message-about-foster-parents/) - Girl seeks to share positive message about foster parents After two 16-year-old girls died in the care of their adoptive families, a central Iowa girl is trying to share the message that not all foster parents are bad. Li’l Miss Iowa Izabella Arndt, who was adopted, and Miss America Ambassador Haley Meyers are helping
- [Northwest student goes from foster care to pageant flair | Local News | newspressnow.com](https://nfyi.org/northwest-student-goes-from-foster-care-to-pageant-flair-local-news-newspressnow-com/) - Northwest student goes from foster care to pageant flair | Local News | newspressnow.com “I was in foster care at age 9,” she said. “And in one of the foster care homes, I was sexually abused by two older guys. I did not have a normal childhood. I had to take care
- [Navigating Kansas foster care system can be a challenge for parents | Welcome to Wyandotte Daily!](https://nfyi.org/navigating-kansas-foster-care-system-can-be-a-challenge-for-parents-welcome-to-wyandotte-daily/) - Navigating Kansas foster care system can be a challenge for parents | Welcome to Wyandotte Daily! by Meg Wingerter, Kansas News ServiceEditor’s note: Kansas privatized its foster care system in 1997, after a lawsuit revealed widespread problems. Twenty years later, the number of Kansas children in foster care has shot up — by a third
- [Foster Care: What's pushing more kids into Foster Care? | American SPCC](https://nfyi.org/foster-care-whats-pushing-more-kids-into-foster-care-american-spcc/) - Foster Care: What's pushing more kids into Foster Care? | American SPCC By Nick FouriezosTina Persinger’s office is a wooden desk in a thrift store in tiny Grantsville, a 7,000-or-so-resident town nestled between the winding, cell-signal-free hills of West Virginia. When Persinger was hired as director of Calhoun County’s Family Resource Network two years ago,
- [](https://nfyi.org/1511-2/) - On - By
- [CASA looking for more volunteers to help children in Oklahoma County foster care system | KOKH](https://nfyi.org/casa-looking-for-more-volunteers-to-help-children-in-oklahoma-county-foster-care-system-kokh/) - CASA looking for more volunteers to help children in Oklahoma County foster care system | KOKH by Jordann LuceroCommunity members see a court room at the Oklahoma County Juvenile Center during a CASA open house. (Courtesy: CASA) AAEvery year, hundreds of children are placed into the foster care system. CASA Oklahoma County is working hard
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- [Opioid epidemic leaving more children in Alabama's foster care system](https://nfyi.org/opioid-epidemic-leaving-more-children-in-alabamas-foster-care-system/) - Opioid epidemic leaving more children in Alabama's foster care system Copy LinkCopyWVTM 13 DigitalOpioid epidemic leaving more children in Alabama's foster care systemOpioid epidemic leaving more children in Alabama's foster care system | Updated: 12:33 AM CDT May 27, 2017 Hide TranscriptShow TranscriptOpioid epidemic leaving more children in Alabama's foster care systemOpioid epidemic leaving more children
- [Open your heart to a teenager in foster care – Maine News](https://nfyi.org/open-your-heart-to-a-teenager-in-foster-care-maine-news/) - Open your heart to a teenager in foster care – Maine News TAKE A CHANCE, MAKE A DIFFERENCEIt’s hard enough to parent any teenager, never mind teens who have had their worlds turned upside down and been placed in the foster care system. Can you imagine going through adolescence and being displaced from your family?
- [Foster kids spend the day shadowing California members of Congress - LA Times](https://nfyi.org/foster-kids-spend-the-day-shadowing-california-members-of-congress-la-times/) - MAY 24, 2017, 12:45 P.M. REPORTING FROM WASHINGTON Leonardo Jimenez, 21, of Los Angeles said after a lifetime in foster care, he never expected to have his congresswoman speak his name on the House floor, or to become a part of the historical record of the United States. On Wednesday, Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) spoke about
- [51 Useful Aging Out of Foster Care Statistics | Social Race Media](https://nfyi.org/51-useful-aging-out-of-foster-care-statistics-social-race-media/) - 51 Useful Aging Out of Foster Care Statistics | Social Race Media Some children don’t have loving homes that they can call their own. For whatever reason, the parents of these children are not able to provide for them and neither is their extended family. When this occurs, the child will be placed into the
- [Foster care: Not another sob story | Viking News](https://nfyi.org/foster-care-not-another-sob-story-viking-news/) - Foster care: Not another sob story | Viking News Story by Rebeka Woods Photos by Rebecca Vasquez Kids are dragged away screaming from caustic home environments everyday. The portrayal by the media is of the foster care system only telling of tragic stories, but this is not always the case. These are not parents who
- [Former foster child recalls 'very emotional' time | Southern Idaho Local News | magicvalley.com](https://nfyi.org/former-foster-child-recalls-very-emotional-time-southern-idaho-local-news-magicvalley-com/) - Former foster child recalls 'very emotional' time | Southern Idaho Local News | magicvalley.com Palomo, the oldest of five children, remembers being in a van with his siblings and watching them be dropped off at different foster homes. He didn’t have any information about where they were taken. Over the next few years, he’d live
- [Family with 5 children adopts 6 foster children siblings](https://nfyi.org/family-with-5-children-adopts-6-foster-children-siblings/) - Family with 5 children adopts 6 foster children siblings Six siblings who wanted to remain together have gotten their wish, thanks to their adoption by an Ohio couple with five biological children.Christopher and Christina Sanders live in the Cincinnati suburb Forest Park. They had taken the siblings in as their first foster children, ranging in
- [The foster care crisis the shortage of foster parents us 59072dcfe4b05279d4edbdd9](https://nfyi.org/the-foster-care-crisis-the-shortage-of-foster-parents-us-59072dcfe4b05279d4edbdd9/) - The foster care crisis the shortage of foster parents us 59072dcfe4b05279d4edbdd9 Children abused. Children neglected. Children abandoned.Children being placed into foster care; a foster care system where there are not enough homes. The media and news continue to report on the shortage of foster parents and foster homes across the nation. In Georgia and Tennessee,
- [‘The Fosters’ Highlights the Importance of Foster Care & Adoption | Human Rights Campaign](https://nfyi.org/the-fosters-highlights-the-importance-of-foster-care-adoption-human-rights-campaign-2/) - ‘The Fosters’ Highlights the Importance of Foster Care & Adoption | Human Rights Campaign In honor of National Foster Care Month, HRC is highlighting a television show that has done more to bring awareness to the issues of LGBTQ youth, same-sex couples and the importance of adoption and foster care than most other shows in recent
- [Carolina Youth Development Center | Protecting childhood. Preparing for adulthood. – CYDC Appears on Fox 24 Charleston Foster Care Segment](https://nfyi.org/carolina-youth-development-center-protecting-childhood-preparing-for-adulthood-cydc-appears-on-fox-24-charleston-foster-care-segment/) - Carolina Youth Development Center | Protecting childhood. Preparing for adulthood. – CYDC Appears on Fox 24 Charleston Foster Care Segment 1On May 18, local TV news affiliate Fox 24 Charleston invited representatives from Carolina Youth Development Center and Lowcountry Orphan Relief on its Fox News Now special segment on National Foster Care Month to talk
- [Foster care, homelessness, and the LGBT community - how does it all connect?](https://nfyi.org/foster-care-homelessness-and-the-lgbt-community-how-does-it-all-connect/) - Foster care, homelessness, and the LGBT community - how does it all connect? Foster care, homelessness, and the LGBT community – how does it all connect?by on in Child Welfare • 0 Comments Research has shown the connection between foster care and homelessness – one study found that of more than 800 youth who were homeless in 11 cities —
- [Department of Children and Families celebrates National Foster Care Month](https://nfyi.org/department-of-children-and-families-celebrates-national-foster-care-month/) - Department of Children and Families celebrates National Foster Care Month LocalBrowardCommunityMiami-DadeNewsNationalOrlandoPalm Beach The Florida Department of Children and Families, along with its community partners, have joined together to honor foster families during National Foster Care Month. The annual celebration recognizes all foster parents, foster family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and others in the
- [Indigenous children in foster care: 'These kids can’t see their families if I don’t help them' | Australia news | The Guardian](https://nfyi.org/indigenous-children-in-foster-care-these-kids-cant-see-their-families-if-i-dont-help-them-australia-news-the-guardian/) - Indigenous children in foster care: 'These kids can’t see their families if I don’t help them' | Australia news | The Guardian Michael arrived at Lisa Baker’s house in December 2014. He was skinny, long thin arms sticking out from a too big T-shirt and wary from six weeks spent in a group home.At nine
- [Foster Care: The Journey Continues - Hope 4 Hurting Kids](https://nfyi.org/foster-care-the-journey-continues-hope-4-hurting-kids/) - Foster Care: The Journey Continues - Hope 4 Hurting Kids Foster Families Foster Care: The Journey Continues Editor’s Note: Several weeks ago, we shared with you the story of Kelley Rose Waller, a Foster mom and contributor to Hope 4 Hurting Kids in an article titled The Winding Road of Foster Care and Adoption as Kelley and
- [An Incredible Celebration with Foster Care Families – STAMP WITH BRIAN](https://nfyi.org/an-incredible-celebration-with-foster-care-families-stamp-with-brian/) - An Incredible Celebration with Foster Care Families – STAMP WITH BRIAN I alluded to this in my Events, Invites and a Blog Candy Giveaway post on Sunday, and I’m excited that today is finally here so I can share the story of my amazing weekend along with some wonderful photos (please note: you’ll see little
- [She Builds Her Home: No Fear in Love {Foster Care}](https://nfyi.org/she-builds-her-home-no-fear-in-love-foster-care/) - She Builds Her Home: No Fear in Love {Foster Care} No Fear in Love {Foster Care} One of the most common things we hear from people when they find out we do foster care is some variation of: "I would love to foster, but I'm scared to love a child and have them leave." I
- [Utah's foster care shortage; so many children, not enough homes](https://nfyi.org/utahs-foster-care-shortage-so-many-children-not-enough-homes/) - Utah's foster care shortage; so many children, not enough homes ST. GEORGE — More children are being placed in the state’s care than ever before, and a shortage of foster parents means there are more children than homes to place them in.A plea for more foster parents was made during a National Foster Parent Appreciation Month event when playhouses were
- [‘The Fosters’ Highlights the Importance of Foster Care & Adoption | Human Rights Campaign](https://nfyi.org/the-fosters-highlights-the-importance-of-foster-care-adoption-human-rights-campaign/) - ‘The Fosters’ Highlights the Importance of Foster Care & Adoption | Human Rights Campaign In honor of National Foster Care Month, HRC is highlighting a television show that has done more to bring awareness to the issues of LGBTQ youth, same-sex couples and the importance of adoption and foster care than most other shows in recent
- [Foster Care Counts Honored Foster Parents & Children At 9th Annual Foster Mother’s Day Celebration - Los Angeles Sentinel | Los Angeles Sentinel | African-American News](https://nfyi.org/foster-care-counts-honored-foster-parents-children-at-9th-annual-foster-mothers-day-celebration-los-angeles-sentinel-los-angeles-sentinel-african-american-news/) - Foster Care Counts Honored Foster Parents & Children At 9th Annual Foster Mother’s Day Celebration - Los Angeles Sentinel | Los Angeles Sentinel | African-American News Foster Care Counts Honored Foster Parents & Children At 9th Annual Foster Mother’s Day Celebration Foster Care Counts, the non-profit organization founded by Jeanne Pritzker that’s dedicated to raising
- [Cupertino runner goes the extra mile to plan 5k benefiting foster youth - roninok.com](https://nfyi.org/cupertino-runner-goes-the-extra-mile-to-plan-5k-benefiting-foster-youth-roninok-com/) - Cupertino runner goes the extra mile to plan 5k benefiting foster youth - roninok.com Share on TwitterShare on Google+Share on RedditShare on PinterestShare on TumblrOne Cupertino runner is putting in the extra mile for a good cause.Joy Erf, who has lived in Cupertino for more than 17 years, is helping organize the inaugural 5k Flower
- [Titan voice Michael Crane: Former foster youth grad comes full circle, lands dream job – Orange County Register](https://nfyi.org/titan-voice-michael-crane-former-foster-youth-grad-comes-full-circle-lands-dream-job-orange-county-register/) - Titan voice Michael Crane: Former foster youth grad comes full circle, lands dream job – Orange County Register By Michael CraneContributing columnistI lived in a group home in Riverside for the majority of my high school experience, from my sophomore year until the day I graduated in 2010. During that time, I would take part
- [Children & Youth Who Have Experienced Foster Care Thrive in Intergenerational Community | United Way Worldwide](https://nfyi.org/children-youth-who-have-experienced-foster-care-thrive-in-intergenerational-community/) - Children & Youth Who Have Experienced Foster Care Thrive in Intergenerational Community | United Way Worldwide 18 years ago I became a foster parent after reading a heartbreaking newspaper article about a 5-month-old baby who was kidnapped from his crib in foster care. The article was a catalyst for my family to step up to
- [Sporting KC and Darol Rodrock Foundation to collect donations for local youth in foster care Wednesday | Sporting Kansas City](https://nfyi.org/sporting-kc-and-darol-rodrock-foundation-to-collect-donations-for-local-youth-in-foster-care-wednesday-sporting-kansas-city/) - Sporting KC and Darol Rodrock Foundation to collect donations for local youth in foster care Wednesday | Sporting Kansas City Sporting Kansas City and the Darol Rodrock Foundation are continuing their partnership in 2017 to provide support for local foster care children and families.In addition to giving away amenity kits to the first 7,000 fans
- [Veto day: Georgia governor nixes foster care, 911 legislation | Political Insider blog](https://nfyi.org/veto-day-georgia-governor-nixes-foster-care-911-legislation-political-insider-blog/) - Veto day: Georgia governor nixes foster care, 911 legislation AJC | Political Insider blog - May 9, 2017 Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed nine pieces of legislation on Tuesday, including a foster care measure that was overwhelmingly approved by Georgia lawmakers... Source: Veto day: Georgia governor nixes foster care, 911 legislation | Political Insider blog
- [When Finding Educational Stability for Foster Youth, Maybe It Does Take a Village • SJS](https://nfyi.org/when-finding-educational-stability-for-foster-youth-maybe-it-does-take-a-village-sjs/) - When Finding Educational Stability for Foster Youth, Maybe It Does Take a Village • SJS In reading Daniel Heimpel’s article “Responding to foster kids like Alex, L.A. County acts to protect educational stability,” it occurred to me that Los Angeles County is focused on a poorer solution than the one that ultimately worked for Alex.Why
- [Foster care in crisis: More kids in need due to opioid epidemic, not enough foster families to go around - Manchester Ink Link](https://nfyi.org/foster-care-in-crisis-more-kids-in-need-due-to-opioid-epidemic-not-enough-foster-families-to-go-around-manchester-ink-link/) - The drug crisis has not only expanded the number of children coming into the system, but also created a higher number of kids with more complicated needs; children who are living in situations that can't quickly or easily be resolved through standard processes of counseling, says Keith Kuenning, Child and Family Services advocacy director. READ
- [Why Juvenile Justice Reform Needs Child Welfare at the Table | Juvenile Justice Information Exchange](https://nfyi.org/why-juvenile-justice-reform-needs-child-welfare-at-the-table-juvenile-justice-information-exchange/) - While immersed in child protection work, it never occurred to me that preventing delinquency was also a part of my job. When I paused to listen to the stories of young adults who were charged as youth, I realized how doors to graduation, employment and stable housing were shut for them because of decisions they
- [NPR News: Fearing Deportation, Families Plan For The Worst](https://nfyi.org/npr-news-fearing-deportation-families-plan-worst/) - NPR News: Fearing Deportation, Families Plan For The Worst Fearing Deportation, Families Plan For The Worst On top of the fear immigrant parents have of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement, they worry about the children they could be separated from. So they’re making plans, just in case. Read more on NPR
- [January Newsletter 2](https://nfyi.org/january-newsletter-2/) - What's Inside... Leadership Corps Retreat National Foster Youth Needs Assessment Survey Shadow Day is Approaching! Christmas with Karen Bass Youth Spotlight: Christopher Mundy Leadership Corps Retreat In December, 30 members of the Leadership Corps participated in a retreat in Long Beach, CA. The goal of the Leadership Corps Retreat was to build a strong foundation
- [January Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/january-newsletter/) - Headlines: A Note From Our Executive Director Dr. Phil Spotlights Foster Care Leadership Corps Retreat Leadership Corps Moving On Newest Team Member: George Final Thoughts A Note From Our Executive Director While there are many uncertainties about the year ahead, we do know one thing for sure. Thanks to all our work last year, NFYI
- [Trump, Obama Agree on Educational Stability; What about Foster Kids?](https://nfyi.org/trump-obama-agree-educational-stability-foster-kids/) - Both Donald Trump and Barack Obama agree that uprooting a child from their school can be destructive to their social and emotional development and educational achievement. Learn more about what this means for foster children and what steps still need to be taken. Read Full Article: https://chronicleofsocialchange.org/featured/trump-obama-agree-on-educational-stability-what-about-foster-kids/23994 Chronicle of Social Change January 15, 2017
- [HUD Awards $33 Million to Help End Youth Homelessness](https://nfyi.org/hud-awards-33-million-help-end-youth-homelessness/) - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is working to end youth homelessness in ten communities. Learn more about the $33 million award and the systems they intend to build with it. Read Full Article: https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2017/HUDNo_17-008 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development January 13, 2017
- [After 20 Years, Young Man Leaves Foster Care On His Own Terms](https://nfyi.org/20-years-young-man-leaves-foster-care-terms/) - Having spent the last 20 years in the foster care system, Noel Anaya is now leaving on his terms. Read his thoughts as he reflects on his experience in the system and looks forward, toward the future. Read Full Article: https://www.npr.org/2017/01/11/508608745/after-20-years-young-man-leaves-foster-care-on-his-own-terms?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20170115&utm_campaign=bestofnpr&utm_term=npr NPR January 11, 2017
- [Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Roberts Announces Updated Bia Guidelines To Strengthen Implementation Of The Indian Child Welfare Act With Focus On Family Unification](https://nfyi.org/principal-deputy-assistant-secretary-roberts-announces-updated-bia-guidelines-to-strengthen-implementation-of-the-indian-child-welfare-act-with-focus-on-family-unification/) - On January 1, 2017, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs Lawrence S. Roberts announced the final guidelines for implementing the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 to better protect the rights of Indian children, families, and tribes during state child welfare proceedings. Read Full Article: https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/principal-deputy-assistant-secretary-roberts-announces-updated-bia-guidelines-strengthen-implementation-indian-child-welfare-act-focus-family-unification/ Native News Online January 1, 2017
- [December Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/december-newsletter/) - Headlines: A Note From Our Executive Director A Virtual Recap of 2016 Final Thoughts A Note From Our Executive Director Happy New Year to all! National Foster Youth Institute is celebrating a number of accomplishments in 2016 and looking ahead to a banner 2017. We are so proud of the Leadership Corps’ Homelessness Action Committee
- [Deadlines Loom for Schools To Comply With Key Provisions of Every Student Succeeds Act](https://nfyi.org/deadlines-loom-for-schools-to-comply-with-key-provisions-of-every-student-succeeds-act/) - Congress passed the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015, and it officially took effect on December 10, 2016. Important changes related to this act include keeping children in foster care in their schools of origin—unless remaining in that school would not be in their best interest. For more information and detailed changes, read the full
- [Adult homeless strategies, poor fit for youths](https://nfyi.org/adult-homeless-strategies-poor-fit-for-youths/) - In this article published on the National Association of Counties, experts weigh in on the problem with the way we approach homelessness in this country. Learn why some solutions and programs that work for adults may not be effective or appropriate for homeless people under 24. Read Full Article: https://www.naco.org/articles/adult-homeless-strategies-poor-fit-youths National Association of Counties December
- [FOSTER YOUTH DEMAND ACTION AS LANDMARK FOSTER CARE REFORM BILL HANGS IN THE BALANCE](https://nfyi.org/foster-youth-demand-action-as-landmark-foster-care-reform-bill-hangs-in-the-balance-2/) - Dozens of foster youth, family advocates, and health and human services leaders gathered at the U.S. Capitol to call on Congress to prioritize the safety of children and pass the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA)—the most significant attempt to reform the foster care system in a generation—while they still have the chance. Despite the
- [Report: Benefits of Early Care and Education for Children in the Child Welfare System](https://nfyi.org/report-benefits-early-care-education-children-child-welfare-system/) - The Administration for Children and Families, which exists under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, just released a report called, “Benefits of Early Care and Education for Children in the Child Welfare System.” The report examines the issue of child maltreatment and neglect, highlighting the importance of early child care and education for
- [Wyden Asks Congress to Pass Historic Bipartisan, Bicameral Child Welfare Reform Bill](https://nfyi.org/wyden-asks-congress-pass-historic-bipartisan-bicameral-child-welfare-reform-bill/) - Washington, D.C. – Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today voted against the 21st Century Cures Act because Republican leaders stripped bipartisan, bicameral child welfare legislation out of the final bill. Wyden then asked for unanimous consent that the Senate pass the Family First Prevention Services Act, which has the support of almost
- [#GivingTuesday is November 29th](https://nfyi.org/givingtuesday-november-29th/) - NOVEMBER 29TH IS "​GIVING TUESDAY​"​ - BE A PART OF IT!!! Let us hear from you – November 29 is #GivingTuesday – an International Day of Giving. NFYI is training young people to have an effective ​voice in their communities. Last summer a group of former foster youth talked about the issues most critical to
- [A Movement to Transform Foster Parenting](https://nfyi.org/movement-transform-foster-parenting/) - The Annie E. Casey Foundation, a private philanthropy, is committed to creating a brighter future for children, families, and their communities. In this article, they urge foster parents and decisionmakers in the foster care system to create better outcomes for children. We urgently need a new approach to foster care, and this article provides a
- [November Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/november-newsletter/) - Headlines: A Note From Our Executive Director Proposition HHH HAC "Teaches" at USC NFYI Leaders Moving Up Final Thoughts A Note From Our Executive Director Was Election Day only last week? It has caused such cataclysmic reverberations throughout our land, it seems like ages ago. Many of the campaign’s issues centered on children and families
- [If Clinton Wins, Two Foster Youth Promised Open Door to White House](https://nfyi.org/clinton-wins-two-foster-youth-promised-open-door-white-house/) - Article From The Chronicle of Social Change Two former foster youth, Sixto Cancel and Lexie Gruber, are working to transform the foster system and child welfare field. During a hugely successful online town hall meeting in support of Hillary Clinton, the two discussed plans to change the system with Anne Holton, the wife of Vice
- [October Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/october-newsletter-2/) - Headlines: A Note From Our Executive Director Foster Youth SPEAKOUT: HOMELESSNESS Final Thoughts A Note From Our Executive Director Foster Youth SPEAKOUT: HOMELESSNESS Final Thoughts Two months ago, the staff got together with LA youth from previous DC Shadow Days and the Job Shadow Program to talk about issues they feel are important. The subject
- [An Open Letter to All NFYI Supporters](https://nfyi.org/open-letter-nfyi-supporters/) - Dear Friends, Now that Congress is back in session, we have another opportunity to pass the Family First Act before the end of the year. It has already unanimously passed the House of Representatives. The Senate now has an opportunity to continue the bipartisan support it has historically shown around prioritizing strong families and keeping children safe.
- [The other victims of opioids](https://nfyi.org/the-other-victims-of-opioids/) - In this article, Michael Morris starts a dialogue about children being raised by grandparents or other relatives. This is often directly related to the issues of opioid or substance abuse and/or children entering the foster care system. Read Full Article By Michael Morris Guest Voices, AL.com
- [Recent Op Eds on the Family First Act](https://nfyi.org/recent-op-eds-on-the-family-first-act/) - I wanted to live with my uncle. I was sent to a group home instead. Lexie Gruber The Washington Post It Seems to Me: Foster care improvements needed Greta Munns Leader-Telegram, Wisconsin Improve safeguards in foster care system Brian Morgantini The Times-Tribune Why we should do everything possible to avoid foster care and keep kids
- [September Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/september-newsletter/) - Headlines: A Note From Our Executive Director NFYI Goes to Community Coalition Power Fest Homelessness Action Committee The Biggest Challenge to a Foster Youth's Education Jimmy Duong is Going Back to School! Final Thoughts A Note From Our Executive Director What a whirlwind start to what always feels to me like the new year! The
- [PSA from Dr. Phil Show](https://nfyi.org/psa-dr-phil-show/)
- [Academic Achievement and What Foster Youth Need to Succeed](https://nfyi.org/academic-achievement-and-what-foster-youth-need-to-succeed/)
- [How educators can help homeless and foster youth overcome instability](https://nfyi.org/how-educators-can-help-homeless-and-foster-youth-overcome-instability/) - KPCC - September 15, 2016 A team of local educators has won a $10 million grant to start a school serving foster and homeless youth in Los Angeles. Take Two's Deepa Fernandes spoke with Shari Walker, a former foster youth, to understand more about the obstacles this group faces in the school system. Walker spent
- [Laura Lomeli](https://nfyi.org/laura-lomeli/) - Laura Lomeli I entered foster care when I was 14. My mom had abused me physically and verbally and I went through 27 different placements from 14 to 21 years old. I went to about 17 different high schools, and three group homes. I got arrested when I was 14, but I got adopted when
- [George Garcia](https://nfyi.org/george-garcia/) - My name is George Garcia. When I was ten years old, I was placed into the foster care system with my four siblings. Over the next eight years, I had was separated from my siblings and forced to mature at an accelerated rate, compared to my peers. I had experienced a massive upheaval in a
- [Teffani Taylor](https://nfyi.org/teffani-taylor/) - Teffani Taylor I entered foster care when I was about 13. I was in middle school and had an incident with my mom. We’d never had problems previously, however during this one altercation, her sisters called the police. The police just came in and told the social workers something that happened that wasn't the truth.
- [Maria Burgos](https://nfyi.org/maria-burgos/) - Maria Burgos My siblings and I were placed in foster care when I was 11 months old. I was in foster care on and off until I was 14 when the court finally discontinued their parental rights. From 14 to16 I bounced around a lot until my running coach and her husband took me into
- [Brothers Separated in Care Protect Their Bond](https://nfyi.org/brothers-separated-care-protect-bond/) - This article originally appeared in The Chronicle of Social Change on July 31, 2016. George and Tony: Brothers Separated in Care Protect Their Bond “One of the most difficult things for youth in foster care — after being taken away from their home — is also losing connection with their siblings. It isn’t unusual for
- [Family First Prevention Services Act](https://nfyi.org/family-first-prevention-services-act/) - Dear NFYI Supporter, The Family First Prevention Services Act was passed by a unanimous voice vote in the House last June; when Congress reconvenes in the fall, it will come before the Senate. PLEASE JOIN US ON MONDAY AT 4PM (Pacific Time) to learn more about this important piece of legislation that will impact the
- [Substance Abuse and Housing Programs](https://nfyi.org/substance-abuse-and-housing-programs/) - 7/22/2016 FYI -- Before the Senate recessed, two legislative proposals were passed affecting substance abuse and housing programs that we wanted to bring to your attention. Very high level summaries are provided below and more detailed information will be provided in the coming weeks. Please let me know if you have any questions. The Comprehensive
- [August Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/august-newsletter/) - Headlines: A Note From Our Executive Director NFYI Goes to the CYC Conference Summer Open House for NFYI Youth Leadership Corps Job Shadow Celebration Upcoming webinar on Family First Legislation Final Thoughts A Note From Our Executive Director Not too long ago, I wrote about all the work we’ve been doing at NFYI to get
- [Christian Crawford](https://nfyi.org/christian-crawford/) - Learn Christian Crawford Hello, my name is Christian Sweet Crawford. I am 22 years old and I was placed in the Foster Care System the day I entered this world. I was born on July 30, 1993 at Martin Luther King Hospital. My parents both struggled with drug addiction and substance abuse, which caused my
- [Engaging youth means listening—and acting](https://nfyi.org/engaging-youth-means-listening-acting/) - June 30th, 2016 by Luz Vega-Marquis Marguerite Casey Foundation - President’s Blog “Youth engagement” is all the rage these days in philanthropic circles—and for good reason. Young people are among our most innovative thinkers and passionate advocates—especially when it comes to tackling the problems they and their families experience firsthand. This is why increasing numbers
- [Josh Cleveland](https://nfyi.org/josh-cleveland/) - I’m 23 years old from Greenville, South Carolina. I was in foster care for eight or nine years, and before that I lived with select family members. I have experience in group homes and in foster homes. I’ve lived back and forth in foster homes and group homes since I was 13. It was a
- [BUILDING A YOUNG LEADER: Leroy Berrones-Soto](https://nfyi.org/building-young-leader/) - By Leonard Favela Twenty-year-old Leroy Berrones-Soto sits attentively in one of his undergraduate classes at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Coming from where he’s come, to sit in this class, on this college campus, he knows is an accomplishment. In the back of his mind, Leroy knows he’s come a long way. Leroy
- [Local student once in foster care shares ideas with Rep. Farenthold](https://nfyi.org/local-student-foster-care-shares-ideas-rep-farenthold/) - By Jane Caffrey CORPUS CHRISTI A local college student, once in the foster care system, has returned from a trip to Capitol Hill. Christina Tyler went there to talk about the challenges young people face when they get too old for foster care. Tyler is a living success story. She was in six foster care
- [John Devine](https://nfyi.org/john-devine/) - I am 23 years old, and I was in the foster care system in Los Angeles and Riverside County. I was placed in the foster care system at 12 years old because my mother passed away. Over time, and as I was going through foster care, I also witnessed 11 more of my family members
- [Buchanan Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Strengthen America’s Families](https://nfyi.org/buchanan-introduces-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-strengthen-americas-families/) - JUNE 13, 2016 — PRESS RELEASES HUMAN RESOURCES WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Ways and Means Human Resources Subcommittee Chairman Vern Buchanan (R-FL) led a bipartisan group of Committee members to introduce the Family First Prevention Services Act(H.R. 5456). The legislation will keep more children safely at home and out of inappropriate foster
- [Foster kids gather in Capitol](https://nfyi.org/foster-kids-gather-in-capitol/) - SUTHERLIN — Garrett Hoppe of Sutherlin joined about 100 foster youth from around the country from May 23 to 25 who participated in the Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Program in Washington, D.C.Hoppe participated in three days of education, advocacy and relationship building with a goal of improving and strengthening the child welfare system across the
- [Annika Taber](https://nfyi.org/annika-taber/) - Learn Annika’s Story I was placed into foster care because of my father’s domestic violence against my mother and me. My dad was very violent. The cops would come and I would scream bloody murder. Eventually my mom left him. My dad ended up moving to Indiana and we were going to move with him,
- [ABC Students Meets with TN Congressman Jim Cooper](https://nfyi.org/abc-students-meets-with-tn-congressman-jim-cooper/) - American Baptist College’s Chelsea Clark (’18) had the pleasure of meeting TN Congressman Jim Cooper last month in May, National Foster Care Month. Congressman Cooper, a longtime advocate of adoption and foster care reform, believes that government has a role to play in helping the nation’s children. Which is why a few years back he
- [UTRGV students share experiences during Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Program](https://nfyi.org/utrgv-students-share-experiences-congressional-foster-youth-shadow-program/) - By Cheryl Taylor RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – JUNE 8, 2016 – Carlie Patrick and Leroy Berrones Soto, students at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, returned from Washington, D.C., feeling they had contributed to improving and strengthening the child welfare system in the United States. Patrick, a junior English/communication studies major, and Berrones
- [Haslam appoints six Hamilton County residents to state boards](https://nfyi.org/haslam-appoints-six-hamilton-county-residents-state-boards/) - NASHVILLE — Gov. Bill Haslam on Monday announced appointments of 120 Tennesseans —including six from Hamilton County — to dozens of state boards and commissions. "These Tennesseans are giving their time and talents to help make our state better," the governor said in a news release. "I am grateful for their willingness to serve and
- [Kaysie Getty](https://nfyi.org/kaysie-getty/) - Learn Kaysie’s Story I am 24 years old. I spent 7 years in the foster care system in New Jersey, from 14 to 21, so I aged out. I lived in foster homes, residential facilities, group homes, transitional living homes and eventually ended my foster care stay in an independent living program. Luckily I was
- [Brian Morgantini](https://nfyi.org/brian-morgantini/) - Learn Brian’s Story “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” This Margaret Mead quote was shared with me by a friend who passed away. I believed it. It created a sense of hope for change for me and pushed me
- [June Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/june-newsletter/) - June Newsletter https://us12.campaign-archive1.com/?u=a956984c1ed8535b190518565&id=5cbd53d98b&e=27594e839c Headlines: A Note From Our Executive Director Congressional Shadow Day Exciting News: The Family First Prevention Act Final Thoughts A Note From Our Executive Director This month we take you with us to the White House and the halls of the nation’s capital, along with over 100 foster youth and their Members
- [DMC in the place to be...at the US Capitol](https://nfyi.org/dmc-place-us-capitol/) - Darryl "DMC" McDaniels says "all that Run DMC King of Rock stuff was just a set up to get me where I'm supposed to be.... helping youth." As you will see in this clips clearly he has amazing skills and passion for doing both. Check out DMC dropping rhymes, knowledge and inspiration as he discusses
- [The Faces of Young Constituents](https://nfyi.org/the-faces-of-young-constituents/) - Rep. Karen Bass brings foster children to Washington SARAH D. WIRE IRFAN KHAN Los Angeles Times REP. KAREN BASS (D-Los Angeles), started the Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Program five years ago, during her first term. BASS talks about life in the foster care system with her shadows in the Capitol, Thessalonia Logan, 23, and Martin
- [Foster children take over Congress for a day](https://nfyi.org/foster-children-take-congress-day/) - By Sarah D. Wire Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) wants members of Congress to picture the face of a constituent when they vote on legislation about the nation's foster care system. So this week, she brought foster kids to Washington. Ninety-nine young people trailed representatives through the halls of the Capitol, telling their stories between
- [May Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/may-newsletter/) - Headlines:A Note From Our Executive Director Tennessee Listening TourNFYI’s Evening of Learning and CelebrationLos Angeles City Council PresentationPSA on the Dr.Phil ShowVisit Our New Website!Congressional Shadow DayA Note From Our Executive DirectorLast week we were at the City Council Chambers, and the President of the Council, Herb Wesson, said, “We don’t have direct control over
- [Foster Care message for Ellen D from the US capitol](https://nfyi.org/foster-care-message-ellen-d-us-capitol/) - View VideoFoster Care Alumni Johnoi Shaw asked us to record and share this message and dance he hopes will reach the eyes of Ellen Degeneres. Recorded at the US Capitol while he was participating in the 2016 Foster Youth Shadow Day on May 25, 2016.The event was a culmination of this year’s Foster Care Awareness
- [April Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/april-newsletter/) - Headlines:A Note From Our Executive Director Compassionate Schools Congressional Dinner DC Shadow DayLeadership Corps Movement Building WebinarJob Cohort IX and InternshipsFinal ThoughtsA Note From Our Executive DirectorApril has been a whirlwind. NFYI is coming of age in so many ways. We can now proudly say that NFYI has successfully transitioned from the very helpful arms
- [March Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/march-newsletter/) - Headlines:A Note From Our Executive DirectorThe Deadline to Apply for the DC Foster Youth Congressional Shadow Program is Friday, March 18Congressional Dinner on The Effects of Trauma on Children: Successful Practices for Prevention & HealingNFYI visits Children’s CourtFinal ThoughtsA Note From Our Executive DirectorIn Like a Lion—and in a good way! March is off to
- [Are You Ready To Make the Leap?](https://nfyi.org/ready-make-leap/) - February may be the shortest month, but it's full of significance and important occasions. Black History Month, Lunar New Year, Valentine's Day, Presidents' Day, and other observances are all packed into 29 days. At NFYI, we'll be spending Leap Day moving our work and fundraising efforts forward. February 29th also marks the end of Black
- [Building Community, Building Hope](https://nfyi.org/building-community-building-hope/) - Building Community, Building Hope, a short film by The Children's Bureau and Office of Child Abuse and Neglect, highlights three innovative programs in Iowa, Oregon, and California that work to prevent the mistreatment of children. This moving film, shows how we can help ensure the safety and well-being of children by involving parents and communities.
- [Rise In Child Abuse Shows Need for Front-End Prevention Programs](https://nfyi.org/rise-child-abuse-shows-need-front-end-prevention-programs/) - On Monday, the US Department of Health and Human Services reported a near 3% increase in child abuse and neglect compared to the last annual reporting period. This is extremely unsettling and a call to action. According to the article in www.cnsnews.com, “…Rafael Lopez, commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, sought input
- [NFYI Year End Report](https://nfyi.org/nfyi-year-end-report/) - Can you believe that 2016 is already here?For NFYI, 2015 was a monumental year full of tremendous growth and success. With your help, we took significant steps towards improving the lives of foster families, building grassroots power, and strengthening relationships with policymakers. To continue to support NFYI's work to transform foster care, donate here. There
- [October Newsletter](https://nfyi.org/october-newsletter/) - It’s Fall! Leaves are changing colors, days are cooling off, and children are choosing costumes. Fortunately, there are no tricks here at NFYI. In fact, we have plenty of treats to share! With your continued support, our collective work to improve the Foster Care System is gaining momentum, and we are happy to report our

## Pages

- [Homepage](https://nfyi.org/) - National Foster Youth Institute Revolutionizing the American Foster Care System Through Education, Action, and Lifting Up Foster Youth Voices. Donate Today 2026 Tribute to Foster Care Champions 2026 Tribute to Foster Care Champions Join Us at the Tribute to Foster Care Champions Luncheon More Details Truly transformative foster care reform is only possible when the
- [Careers](https://nfyi.org/careers/) - Careers With the National Foster Youth Institute The National Foster Youth Institute envisions a nation where all children are raised in safe and loving families and where the child welfare system serves as a beacon of hope for families in need. We are a results-driven team of thinkers and doers who work hard to transform the national
- [Our Team](https://nfyi.org/our-team/) - Meet Our Team The People of National Foster Youth Institute Our team has diverse experience and deep expertise in child welfare reform, community organizing and policymaking. Many members of our board and staff have lived experience in foster care, the child welfare system, and the juvenile justice system. All have a deep commitment to empowering
- [Urgency to Act Campaign](https://nfyi.org/urgency-to-act-campaign/) - Urgency to Act: Unlocking Foster Youth Wellbeing Urgency to Act Campaign Join the movement to unlock foster youth wellbeing and can the button please say: Learn more. Take action Join the movement to unlock foster youth wellbeing Read the Urgency to act policy report Join the Movement to Lift Up Foster Youth Voices At the
- [Our Impact](https://nfyi.org/our-impact/) - Urgency to Act: Unlocking Foster Youth Wellbeing Our Impact Join the movement to unlock foster youth wellbeing and can the button please say: Learn more. Take action NFYI works to change both individual lives and the child welfare system as a whole. By elevating the voices of individuals with lived experience in the foster care
- [2026 Tribute to Foster Care Champions Sponsors](https://nfyi.org/2026-tribute-sponsors/) - Thank You to Our Sponsors! Champion of Youth Circle The Barry and Wendy Meyer Foundation Empowerment Circle Jewels Elmore Washington & Kiko WashingtonJohn and Marilyn Wells Family Foundation Transformational Circle Bedford Wealth Management Group at Morgan StanleyRenee Dake Wilson and Glen DakeNathalie and David HerbstNanxi Liu Wertheimer Family Foundation Engagement Circle Carol Biondi Continental Development
- [The 2026 Congressional Leadership Academy](https://nfyi.org/the-2026-congressional-leadership-academy/) - The 2026 Congressional Leadership Academy The 2026 Congressional Leadership Academy cohort is driving change in child welfare—from their communities to the national stage. After months of sharpening their advocacy skills and grounding their work in lived experience, they’re heading to Washington, D.C. to engage directly in the conversations shaping policy. Meet the 2026 Congressional Leadership
- [Partners](https://nfyi.org/partners/) - PARTNERS IN LIFTING UP FOSTER YOUTH VOICES NFYI is part of a community of funders, organizations, agencies, and individuals who are committed to making foster care a beacon of hope for children and families. We are proud to partner with the following organizations and individuals. Our Partners Corporate and Philanthropic PartnersAECOMAmazonAmity FoundationThe Annenberg FoundationThe Anthony
- [Los Angeles Shadow Day Delegation](https://nfyi.org/los-angeles-shadow-day-delegation/) - The Los Angeles Shadow Day Delegation The 2025 Los Angeles Shadow Day delegation builds the bridge between lived experience and policymaking — trailblazing NFYI’s local systems change. After months of advocacy, leadership, and policy training, delegates apply what they’ve learned to hands-on civic engagement and partnership, providing elected officials with direct insight into the systems
- [Issue](https://nfyi.org/issue/) - Areas of Focus For many foster youth, resilience is a necessity, not a choice. Without stable family support, they face urgent challenges — barriers that perpetuate cycles of poverty and instability, threatening not only their futures but the nation’s economic viability. From securing housing to accessing education and employment, we believe steps to stability should
- [What We Do](https://nfyi.org/what-we-do/) - Empowering People, Changing Systems At the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI), we are dedicated to transforming the child welfare system to better serve the nearly 400,000 children in foster care across the United States. We want to ensure that every child receives a safe, supportive, and nurturing upbringing, regardless of their background, and that every
- [Organizational reports](https://nfyi.org/reports/) - Organizational Reports We're Grateful for the Support of Our Donors and Funders. That’s why we’re committed to accountability, transparency, and using your donation as effectively as possible. DOWNLOAD OUR LATEST IMPACT REPORT DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD OUR FY 23 IMPACT REPORT DOWNLOAD We’re Grateful for the Support of Our Donors and Funders. That’s why we’re committed to
- [Organizational reports demo](https://nfyi.org/organizational-reports-demo/) - Organizational Reports We're Grateful for the Support of Our Donors and Funders. That’s why we’re committed to accountability, transparency, and using your donation as effectively as possible. DOWNLOAD OUR LATEST IMPACT REPORT DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD OUR FY 23 IMPACT REPORT DOWNLOAD We’re Grateful for the Support of Our Donors and Funders. That’s why we’re committed to
- [Our Mission](https://nfyi.org/mission/) - Lifting up foster youth voices to help children and families thrive Our Vision The National Foster Youth Institute's vision is that the child welfare system is transformed into a community of support centered on child well-being and lived experiences. Our Mission NFYI empowers current and former foster youth, their families, and communities to use their
- [Our Mission previous](https://nfyi.org/mission-previous/) - Lifting up foster youth voices to help children and families thrive Our Vision The National Foster Youth Institute's vision is that the child welfare system is transformed into a community of support centered on child well-being and lived experiences. Our Mission NFYI empowers current and former foster youth, their families, and communities to use their
- [Join Us - Take Action](https://nfyi.org/join-us-take-action/) - Join Our Movement to Revolutionize Child Welfare Your voice. Your story. Your impact. Lasting change begins with the people who understand the challenges first-hand — youth who have lived through the foster care system and those who support them. By joining NFYI, you’re becoming part of a movement that’s reshaping child welfare. How You Can
- [Join Us - Take Action Previous](https://nfyi.org/take-action-previous/) - Join us today to take action in support of foster youth, alumni of care, and families! Join a Local Chapter We’re working toward developing community leaders in every Congressional district across the U.S. who will partner with policymakers at all levels of government to articulate pressing issues and explore solutions through policy change. Our local
- [Volunteer](https://nfyi.org/volunteer/) - Volunteer with NFYI Everyone in our caring community has something to offer when it comes to improving the lives of young people and families impacted by the child welfare system. Whether you have time, skills, or simply a passion for making a difference, there are many ways to get involved. Fill out our interest form
- [Volunteer Previous](https://nfyi.org/volunteer-previous/) - Volunteer with us Our goals for the future... Our mission is to [your mission here]. We are a results-driven team of thinkers and doers that believe in the [what you do and believe]. Join a likeminded team of committed changemakers. Why volunteer with us Value One Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Feugiat
- [Organizational Reports](https://nfyi.org/organizational-reports/) - Organizational Reports We’re Grateful for the Support of Our Donors and Funders. That’s why we’re committed to accountability, transparency, and using your donation as effectively as possible. DOWNLOAD OUR LATEST IMPACT REPORT DOWNLOAD A Year of Change & Promise NFYI welcomed a new Executive Director and helped secure emergency pandemic funding for transition age youth.
- [Substance Use Prevention](https://nfyi.org/substance-use-prevention/) - Substance Use Prevention The Intersection of Foster Care and Substance Use Substance abuse prevention is a critical component of improving the well-being of youth in foster care and their families. Research consistently shows that foster youth are at a significantly higher risk of substance use compared to their peers. Up to 35% of foster youth
- [Family Preservation](https://nfyi.org/family-preservation/) - Family Preservation When families face crises — whether due to finances, lack of access to services, or other systemic challenges — children often enter the foster care system not because of abuse, but because their families lack the support they need to stay together. In fact, neglect (often tied to economic hardship) accounts for over
- [Social & Economic Mobility](https://nfyi.org/social-economic-mobility/) - Social & Economic Mobility Breaking Barriers to Opportunity For young people aging out of foster care, the journey to economic security and social mobility is filled with obstacles. From unstable housing and educational disruptions to limited professional networks and financial insecurity, the deck is often stacked against them. At NFYI, we believe every foster youth
- [The 2025 Congressional Leadership Academy](https://nfyi.org/the-2025-congressional-leadership-academy/) - The 2025 Congressional Leadership Academy The 2025 Congressional Leadership Academy class is on a mission to shape child welfare policy at both the local and national levels. After months of training on how to leverage their lived experiences to advocate for foster care reform, they convene in Washington, D.C., to take part in decision-making conversations.
- [Program Participants](https://nfyi.org/program-participants/) - Urgency to Act: Unlocking Foster Youth Wellbeing Program Participants Join the movement to unlock foster youth wellbeing and can the button please say: Learn more. Take action NFYI members are young people who are passionate about leading their communities, transforming systems, and defying statistics to achieve their goals and dreams. They are young adults between
- [Program Participants Previous](https://nfyi.org/program-participants-previous/) - Urgency to Act: Unlocking Foster Youth Wellbeing Program Participants Join the movement to unlock foster youth wellbeing and can the button please say: Learn more. Take action NFYI members are young people who are passionate about leading their communities, transforming systems, and defying statistics to achieve their goals and dreams. They are young adults between
- [Our Impact previous](https://nfyi.org/our-impact-previous/) - Urgency to Act: Unlocking Foster Youth Wellbeing Our Impact Join the movement to unlock foster youth wellbeing and can the button please say: Learn more. Take action NFYI works to change both individual lives and the child welfare system as a whole. By elevating the voices of foster youth and partnering with policymakers, we’ve helped
- [DJay’s Corner](https://nfyi.org/djays-corner/) - Urgency to Act: Unlocking Foster Youth Wellbeing DJay’s Corner Join the movement to unlock foster youth wellbeing and can the button please say: Learn more. Take action A Wellness Space for Foster Youth Leaders DJay’s Corner is a trauma-informed wellness space created by the National Foster Youth Institute that equips young adults with the tools,
- [DJay’s Corner previous](https://nfyi.org/djays-corner-previous/) - Urgency to Act: Unlocking Foster Youth Wellbeing DJay’s Corner Join the movement to unlock foster youth wellbeing and can the button please say: Learn more. Take action A Wellness Space for Foster Youth Activists DJay’s Corner is a trauma-informed wellness space created by the National Foster Youth Institute that equips young adults with the tools,
- [Our Impact Demo](https://nfyi.org/our-impact-demo/) - Urgency to Act: Unlocking Foster Youth Wellbeing Our Impact Join the movement to unlock foster youth wellbeing and can the button please say: Learn more. Take action NFYI Impact Statements & Examples of Our Influence Remarks from 2020 Congressional Leadership Academy member Japheth Kariuki-Ebanks on participation in Congressional Leadership Academy “My Shadow Day experience in
- [Urgency to Act Campaign demo](https://nfyi.org/urgency-to-act-campaign-demo/) - Urgency to Act: Unlocking Foster Youth Wellbeing Urgency to Act Campaign Join the movement to unlock foster youth wellbeing and can the button please say: Learn more. Take action Join the movement to unlock foster youth wellbeing Learn more. Take action Join the Movement to Lift Up Foster Youth Voices At the National Foster Youth
- [The 2024 Congressional Leadership Academy](https://nfyi.org/the-2024-congressional-leadership-academy/) - The 2024 Congressional Leadership Academy The 40 members of the 2024 Congressional Leadership Academy will spend 10 months working together and learning how to use their lived experience to call for changes to foster care at the local and national levels. Representing communities from Hawaii to New York, these CLA delegates will gather in person
- [Contact Us](https://nfyi.org/contact/) - Contact Us​ Washington, D.C. Headquarters 700 12th Street NW Suite 700 Washington, DC 20005 Los Angeles Headquarters 777 South Alameda Street 2nd Floor Los Angeles, CA 90021 Phone & Email 202-240-7221 contact@nfyi.org Tax ID: 46-0809227 Fill out my LGL Form! Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Louve Yao REBECCA@NFYI.ORG 202-240-2959 Rebecca Louve Yao Role : Executive Director
- [Afternoon Celebration Sponsors](https://nfyi.org/afternoon-celebration-sponsors/) - AnAfternoonof LEARNING & CELEBRATION To Lift Up Foster Youth Voices March 2, 2024 Dodger Stadium 11am-1pm Join Us As we honor the recipient of the2024 National Champion forChildren and Youth Award Nichol Whiteman CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Presented by The Honorable Karen Bas Mayor of Los Angeles Founder, NFYI Saturday,March2,2024 11am—1pm DodgerStadium Board of
- [Shadow Day 2023](https://nfyi.org/shadow-day-2023/) - Shadow Day 2023: The NFYI Congressional Leadership Academy After a decade of bringing former foster youth and congressmembers together to transform legislation and lives, NFYI is taking our Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day program to the next level. Read the media advisory Become A Shadow Day Sponsor Over the years, NFYI’s Congressional Foster Youth Shadow
- [event](https://nfyi.org/event/) - AnAfternoonof LEARNING & CELEBRATION To Lift Up Foster Youth Voices March 2, 2024 Dodger Stadium 11am-1pm Join Us As we honor the recipient of the2024 National Champion forChildren and Youth Award Nichol Whiteman CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Presented by The Honorable Karen Bas Mayor of Los Angeles Founder, NFYI Saturday,March2,2024 11am—1pm DodgerStadium A Vision
- [volunteer form demo](https://nfyi.org/volunteer-form-demo/) - NFYI Volunteer Interest Form Thank you for your interest in working with the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI). NFYI was founded in 2012 by the Honorable Karen Bass Karen Bass. NFYI was launched with a vision of transforming the child welfare system through lifting up the voices of young people and families with lived experience
- [Homepage Demo](https://nfyi.org/homepage-demo/) - National Foster Youth Institute Revolutionizing the American Foster Care System Through Education, Action, and Lifting Up Foster Youth Voices. Donate Today Sponsor An Afternoon of Learning & Celebration 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
- [Latest](https://nfyi.org/latest/) - News, Press & Perspectives Find the latest news and press releases about our work. For press inquiries, please contact us. VIEW BY: Blog Category Archive Congress Foster Youth Voices Mental Health News Newsletters Policy Politics Press Youth Blogs Advisory: Foster Youth Shadow Day | June 10, 2026, D.C. June 9, 2026 Get Out The Vote:
- [volunteer form](https://nfyi.org/volunteer-form/) - NFYI Volunteer Interest Form Thank you for your interest in working with the National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI). NFYI was founded in 2012 by the Honorable Karen Bass Karen Bass. NFYI was launched with a vision of transforming the child welfare system through lifting up the voices of young people and families with lived experience
- [Host a Fundraiser for NYFI](https://nfyi.org/fundraise/) - Host a Fundraiser for NFYI You can make a difference for foster youth in your network. Want to help lift up #FosterYouthVoices and transform the child welfare system? In addition to making a contribution, you can have a big impact by inviting friends, family, and colleagues to learn more about the child welfare system and
- [Donate](https://nfyi.org/donate/) - Help give foster youth and families a brighter future Invest in the power of foster youth voices to transform foster care. Your generous contribution will help us make sure that the child welfare system serves as a beacon of hope for families. Sandy and I are inspired by the incredible work being done at the
- [Shadow Day Sponsorship 2023](https://nfyi.org/shadowdaysponsor/) - Sponsor NFYI Congressional Leadership Academy - Shadow Day Experience 2023 Sponsorship Form Lift up foster youth voices by sponsoring this innovative program today! Since 2012, the National Foster Youth Institute’s (NFYI) Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day Experience has brought over 900 current and former foster youth (ages 18-30) from across the nation, to Washington, D.C.,
- [Shadow Day 2022](https://nfyi.org/shadowday2022/) - Shadow Day 2022: The NFYI Congressional Leadership Academy After a decade of bringing former foster youth and congressmembers together to transform legislation and lives, NFYI is taking our Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day program to the next level. Read the media advisory Become A Shadow Day Sponsor help Spread The word Over the years, NFYI’s
- [Shadow Day Congressional RSVP](https://nfyi.org/shadowdayrsvp/) - RSVP to NFYI's Congressional Leadership Academy Shadow Day Experience 2022 Congressmembers — after a decade of bringing former foster youth & congressmembers together to transform legislation & lives, NFYI is taking our Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day program to the next level with a week of transformative events — will you join us? RSVP NOW
- [ADA](https://nfyi.org/ada/) - Accessibility National Foster Youth Institute is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and applying the relevant accessibility standards.If you use assistive technology (such as a Braille reader, a screen reader, or TTY) and the format of any material on this website interferes with
- [Prioritize Foster Youth Voices in Your Work](https://nfyi.org/prioritize-foster-youth-voices/) - Prioritize Foster Youth Voices in Your Work Working together to create a bright future for foster youth and their families in your community. NFYI works closely with the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth to organize Members of Congress, state, and local officials, along with foster youth and families, foster care alumni, and child welfare experts
- [Local Chapters](https://nfyi.org/local-chapters/) - NFYI Local Chapters Across America Current and former foster youth lead and mobilize their communities around local issues and connect with decision makers. With our growing nationwide network of foster youth, alumni of foster care, foster, adoptive, and birth parents, and child welfare reform advocates, we aim to have community leaders in each of the
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- [Terms](https://nfyi.org/terms/) - Terms and Conditions National Foster Youth Institute (“we” or “us”) presents the information on this website solely as a convenience to Internet users. The website is intended for informational purposes only. By using this website, you indicate that you agree to be bound by the terms, conditions, and limitations contained herein, which may change without

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- [Foster Power Now](https://nfyi.org/product/shirt-foster-power-now/) - Celebrating the voices of foster youth to transform the child welfare system. Share your FOSTER.POWER.NOW. look and tag your photo #fosteryouthvoices on social media to continue supporting NFYI’s mission. 100% cotton (pre shrunk), crew neck shirt. Unisex fit.

## Galleries

- [Post slider](https://nfyi.org/rl_gallery/post-slider/)

## Clever Mega Menu Items

- [Mega Menu Item #952](https://nfyi.org/cmm4e_menu/cmm4e-mega-menu-item-952/) - OUR WORK CAMPAIGNS & ISSUES Congressional Leadership Academy & Shadow Day Internship Los Angeles Chapter & LA Shadow Day National Voices DJay’s Corner Congressional Leadership Academy & Shadow Day Internship Los Angeles Chapter & LA Shadow Day National Voices DJay’s Corner Urgency to Act Campaign Secure Housing Family Preservation Health & Wellness Prevention of Prison
- [Mega Menu Item #954](https://nfyi.org/cmm4e_menu/cmm4e-mega-menu-item-954/)
- [Mega Menu Item #15219](https://nfyi.org/cmm4e_menu/cmm4e-mega-menu-item-15219/)
- [Mega Menu Item #5155](https://nfyi.org/cmm4e_menu/cmm4e-mega-menu-item-5155/)
- [Mega Menu Item #953](https://nfyi.org/cmm4e_menu/cmm4e-mega-menu-item-953/)
- [Mega Menu Item #949](https://nfyi.org/cmm4e_menu/cmm4e-mega-menu-item-949/)
- [Mega Menu Item #3324](https://nfyi.org/cmm4e_menu/cmm4e-mega-menu-item-3324/)
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## Issues

- [Juvenile Justice](https://nfyi.org/issues/juvenile-justice/) - Children who have been in foster care have a high risk of being incarcerated. Our programs aim to disrupt the foster care-to-prison pipeline and address the disparities and discrimination that lead to it.
- [Health & Wellness](https://nfyi.org/issues/health/) - NFYI is making the health and wellness of our members one of our top programmatic priorities. Many of the children who enter foster care have complicated medical and mental health issues and lack adequate access to health services.
- [Health & Wellness Previous](https://nfyi.org/issues/health-previous/) - NFYI is making the health and wellness of our members one of our top programmatic priorities. Many of the children who enter foster care have complicated medical and mental health issues and lack adequate access to health services.
- [Juvenile Justice previous](https://nfyi.org/issues/juvenile-justice-previous/) - Children who have been in foster care have a high risk of being incarcerated. Our programs aim to disrupt the foster care-to-prison pipeline and address the disparities and discrimination that lead to it.
- [Secure Housing](https://nfyi.org/issues/secure-housing/) - We’re supporting former foster youth who are mobilizing in their communities to fight for the 20 percent of youth who will leave foster care and immediately become homeless.
- [Homelessness](https://nfyi.org/issues/homelessness-2/) - We’re supporting former foster youth who are mobilizing in their communities to fight for the 20 percent of youth who will leave foster care and immediately become homeless.
- [Pathways to Social and Economic Mobility](https://nfyi.org/issues/pathways-to-social-and-economic-mobility/)
- [Substance Abuse Prevention](https://nfyi.org/issues/substance-abuse-prevention/)
- [Prevention of Prison Pipelines](https://nfyi.org/issues/prevention-of-prison-pipelines/)
- [Health & Wellness](https://nfyi.org/issues/health-wellness/)
- [Family Preservation](https://nfyi.org/issues/family-preservation/)
- [Voter Registration](https://nfyi.org/issues/voter-registration/) - True foster power begins in the ballot box when we elect decision makers who are strong community partners and do the work to mobilize the youth vote.
- [Higher Education](https://nfyi.org/issues/higher-education/) - A dream for many and a necessity for most, higher education remains elusive for 97% of foster youth. We’re creating opportunities to knock down the barriers to postsecondary education.
- [COVID-19](https://nfyi.org/issues/covid-19/) - COVID-19 has exposed and exacerbated many of the social, public, and medical disparities in our country and strained a child welfare system that already struggled to provide adequate medical care.
- [National Standard of Care](https://nfyi.org/issues/national-standard-of-care/) - A child’s zip code shouldn’t determine whether or not they get a safe, supportive, and honorable upbringing. Our work to establish a National Standard of Care will empower foster youth to thrive in life, no matter where they live or who they are.

## Local Chapter

- [Los Angeles](https://nfyi.org/local/los-angeles/) - Los Angeles Chapter A movement is taking shape in Los Angeles, where foster youth leaders are proving that real change starts in our communities. Grounded in the lived experiences of those who know the system best, the NFYI Los Angeles Chapter is shaping policies, mobilizing local support, and reimagining what’s possible for youth in foster
- [Los Angeles Demo](https://nfyi.org/local/los-angeles-demo/) - NFYI Los Angeles Local Chapter LA Chapter Description As NFYI’s first and largest local group, the Los Angeles (LA) Chapter is creating the road map for transforming child welfare locally. The LA Chapter works at the grassroots level to engage youth impacted by the foster care system. Members are empowered to mobilize and organize Angelenos,
- [Los Angeles](https://nfyi.org/local/la/) - NFYI Los Angeles Local Chapter Leading the way and building the power of current and former foster youth in Los Angeles County. As NFYI’s first and largest local group, the Los Angeles (LA) Chapter is creating the road map for transforming child welfare locally. The LA Chapter works at the grassroots level to engage youth

## Events

- [NFYI 2026 Virtual Auction](https://nfyi.org/events/nfyi-2026-virtual-auction/)
- [Tribute to Foster Care Champions](https://nfyi.org/events/tribute-to-foster-care-champions-luncheon/)
- [5th Annual Virtual 5K](https://nfyi.org/events/5th-annual-virtual-5k/)
- [2025 Foster Care Mental Health & Housing Symposium](https://nfyi.org/events/2025-foster-care-mental-health-housing-symposium/)
- [Campaign Launch: Urgency to Act](https://nfyi.org/events/campaign-launch-urgency-to-act/)
- [4th Annual Virtual 5K](https://nfyi.org/events/4th-annual-virtual-5k/)
- [An Afternoon of Learning & Celebration](https://nfyi.org/events/an-afternoon-of-learning-celebration-saturday-march-2-2024/)
- [February is Black History & Youth Leadership Month.](https://nfyi.org/events/february-is-black-history-youth-leadership-month/)
- [Meet and Greet](https://nfyi.org/events/meet-and-greet/)
- [3rd annual virtual 5k](https://nfyi.org/events/3rd-annual-virtual-5k/)
- [2023 Virtual Congressional Convening](https://nfyi.org/events/2023-virtual-congressional-convening/)
- [Congressional Briefing: Well-Being of Native American Children](https://nfyi.org/events/congressional-briefing-well-being-of-native-american-children/)
- [An Afternoon of Learning & Celebration<br>--Saturday, May 6, 2023](https://nfyi.org/events/an-afternoon-of-learning-celebration-2023/)
- [Virtual Congressional Convening](https://nfyi.org/events/virtual-congressional-convening/)
- [NFYI Listening Session: Access to Healthcare](https://nfyi.org/events/nfyi-listening-session-access-to-healthcare/)
- [NFYI Listening Session: Juvenile Justice & Congregate Care](https://nfyi.org/events/nfyi-listening-session-juvenile-justice-congregate-care/)
- [Language Guide to Working with the Child Welfare Community](https://nfyi.org/events/language-guide-to-working-with-the-child-welfare-community/)
- [Mental Health Mondays](https://nfyi.org/events/mental-health-mondays-2/)
- [LA County Youth Commission District 5 Listening Session](https://nfyi.org/events/la-county-youth-commission-district-5-listening-session/)
- [National Foster Power Summit '22](https://nfyi.org/events/national-foster-power-summit-22/)
- [Congressional Town Hall Featuring Brenda Lawrence](https://nfyi.org/events/congressional-town-hall-featuring-brenda-lawrence/)
- [DMV Local Chapter Meeting](https://nfyi.org/events/dmv-local-chapter-meeting/)
- [Financial Literacy Workshop](https://nfyi.org/events/financial-literacy-workshop/)
- [Los Angeles Local Chapter Meeting](https://nfyi.org/events/los-angeles-local-chapter-meeting-2/)
- [Mental Health Mondays](https://nfyi.org/events/mental-health-mondays/)
- [An Afternoon of Learning & Celebration](https://nfyi.org/events/an-afternoon-of-learning-celebration/)
- [Los Angeles Local Chapter Meeting](https://nfyi.org/events/los-angeles-local-chapter-meeting/)
- [Congressional Briefing: Keeping Siblings Together](https://nfyi.org/events/congressional-briefing-keeping-siblings-together/)
- [Congressional Briefing: Keeping Families Together](https://nfyi.org/events/congressional-briefing-keeping-families-together/)
- [New Jersey Local Chapter Meeting](https://nfyi.org/events/new-jersey-local-chapter-meeting/)
- [Virtual 5K](https://nfyi.org/events/virtual-5k/)
- [Congressional Town Hall with Rep. Jim Langevin](https://nfyi.org/events/congressional-town-hall-with-rep-jim-langevin/)
- [Coffee & Conversation with the Executive Director](https://nfyi.org/events/coffee-conversation-with-the-executive-director/)
- [Congressional Briefing: Extending Emergency Pandemic Assistance](https://nfyi.org/events/congressional-briefing-extending-emergency-pandemic-assistance/)
- [John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act Briefing](https://nfyi.org/events/john-lewis-every-child-deserves-a-family-briefing/)
- [Joint Town Hall with Reps. Bacon and Kildee](https://nfyi.org/events/joint-town-hall-with-reps-bacon-and-kildee/)
- [LA FosterPower Summit '21](https://nfyi.org/events/la-fosterpower-summit-21/)
- [Native American Foster Youth Roundtable with Rep. Deb Haaland](https://nfyi.org/events/native-american-foster-youth-roundtable-with-rep-deb-haaland/)
- [Congressional Briefing: Juvenile Justice and the Child Welfare System](https://nfyi.org/events/congressional-briefing-juvenile-justice-and-the-child-welfare-system/)
- [Mark National Foster Care Month with ACF Acting Assistant Secretary JooYeun Chang](https://nfyi.org/events/mark-national-foster-care-month-with-acf-acting-assistant-secretary-jooyeun-chang/)
- [Coffee & Conversation with NFYI's Executive Director](https://nfyi.org/events/coffee-conversation-with-nfyis-executive-director/)
- [NFYI Los Angeles Local Chapter Meeting](https://nfyi.org/events/nfyi-los-angeles-local-chapter-monthly-meeting/)
- [2021 Virtual Congressional Convening](https://nfyi.org/events/2021-virtual-congressional-convening/)
- [NFYI & CYC Policy Party](https://nfyi.org/events/nfyi-cyc-policy-party/)
- [Town Hall with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi & Rep. Karen Bass](https://nfyi.org/events/town-hall-with-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-rep-karen-bass/)
- [Congressional Town Hall with Reps. Davis and Walorski](https://nfyi.org/events/congressional-town-hall-with-reps-davis-and-walorski/)

## What We Do

- [Congressional Leadership Academy](https://nfyi.org/what/congressional-leadership-academy/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Feugiat vulputate amet, lorem quis lacus, mauris at etiam orci. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
- [Congressional Leadership Academy](https://nfyi.org/what/cla/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Feugiat vulputate amet, lorem quis lacus, mauris at etiam orci. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
- [Internships](https://nfyi.org/what/internships/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Feugiat vulputate amet, lorem quis lacus, mauris at etiam orci. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
- [Internships](https://nfyi.org/what/internships-old/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Feugiat vulputate amet, lorem quis lacus, mauris at etiam orci. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
- [National Voices](https://nfyi.org/what/national-voices/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Feugiat vulputate amet, lorem quis lacus, mauris at etiam orci. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
- [National Voices](https://nfyi.org/what/national-voices-old/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Feugiat vulputate amet, lorem quis lacus, mauris at etiam orci. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
- [Fundraising Packet](https://nfyi.org/what/fundraising-packet/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Feugiat vulputate amet, lorem quis lacus, mauris at etiam orci. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

## Resources

- [Resource 1](https://nfyi.org/resources/resource-1/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Feugiat vulputate amet, lorem quis lacus, mauris at etiam orci. In gravida auctor ac morbi duis mi, bibendum quam dolor. Facilisi nisl, convallis nec odio magna mattis mi consectetur. Euismod at id mauris, eu porttitor. Amet, amet, tempus libero diam. Nibh arcu sit dis quis hendrerit ut.
- [Resource 2](https://nfyi.org/resources/resource-2/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Feugiat vulputate amet, lorem quis lacus, mauris at etiam orci. In gravida auctor ac morbi duis mi, bibendum quam dolor. Facilisi nisl, convallis nec odio magna mattis mi consectetur. Euismod at id mauris, eu porttitor. Amet, amet, tempus libero diam. Nibh arcu sit dis quis hendrerit ut.
- [Resource 3](https://nfyi.org/resources/resource-3/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Feugiat vulputate amet, lorem quis lacus, mauris at etiam orci. In gravida auctor ac morbi duis mi, bibendum quam dolor. Facilisi nisl, convallis nec odio magna mattis mi consectetur. Euismod at id mauris, eu porttitor. Amet, amet, tempus libero diam. Nibh arcu sit dis quis hendrerit ut.

## Team

- [Mariah Craven](https://nfyi.org/team/mariah-craven-2/)
- [Rebecca Louve Yao](https://nfyi.org/team/rebecca-louve-yao-2/)
- [Isabel Rojas](https://nfyi.org/team/isabel-rojas/)
- [Cortez L. Carey](https://nfyi.org/team/cortez-l-carey/)
- [Blade Oestreich](https://nfyi.org/team/blade-oestreich/)
- [Lucy Le](https://nfyi.org/team/lucy-le/)
- [Gabriel Gutierrez](https://nfyi.org/team/gabriel-gutierrez/)
- [Jo Harlan](https://nfyi.org/team/jo-harlan/)
- [Alexander Ballantyne](https://nfyi.org/team/alexander-ballantyne/)
- [Eric James](https://nfyi.org/team/eric-james/)
- [Shawn Washington](https://nfyi.org/team/shawn-washington/)
- [Serena Skinner](https://nfyi.org/team/serena-skinner-2/)
- [Rachel S. Turay](https://nfyi.org/team/rachel-s-turay/)
- [Sierra LaBate](https://nfyi.org/team/sierra-labate/)
- [De Patterson](https://nfyi.org/team/de-patterson/)
- [Caitlyn Eccles](https://nfyi.org/team/caitlyn-eccles/)
- [Maya Chandler](https://nfyi.org/team/maya-chandler/)
- [Jonny Bartlett](https://nfyi.org/team/jonathan-bartlett/)
- [Nathaniel Williams](https://nfyi.org/team/nathaniel-williams/)
- [Rosella Willhelm](https://nfyi.org/team/rosella-willhelm/)
- [Carolyn Torres](https://nfyi.org/team/carolyn-torres/)
- [Liza Varboncoeur](https://nfyi.org/team/liza-varboncoeur/)
- [DeOnyae-Dior Valentina](https://nfyi.org/team/deonyae-dior-valentina/)
- [Lillie Vaks](https://nfyi.org/team/lillie-vaks/)
- [Skylar Thompson](https://nfyi.org/team/skylar-thompson/)
- [Shi’Ann Taylor](https://nfyi.org/team/shiann-taylor-3/)
- [Karstyn Sissney](https://nfyi.org/team/karstyn-sissney/)
- [Amiagh-Jade Scott](https://nfyi.org/team/amiagh-jade-scott/)
- [Kay Riley](https://nfyi.org/team/kay-riley/)
- [Sarai Rojas](https://nfyi.org/team/sarai-rojas/)
- [Matthew Peiffer](https://nfyi.org/team/matthew-peiffer/)
- [Leigh-Anna Nielsen](https://nfyi.org/team/leigh-anna-nielsen/)
- [Tyree Angelique Nelson](https://nfyi.org/team/tyree-angelique-nelson/)
- [Stephanie Meza](https://nfyi.org/team/stephanie-meza/)
- [Cameron Lewis](https://nfyi.org/team/cameron-lewis/)
- [Kaja Just](https://nfyi.org/team/kaja-just/)
- [Karlena Hamblin](https://nfyi.org/team/karlena-hamblin/)
- [Melvin Gaye](https://nfyi.org/team/melvin-gaye/)
- [Taneil Franklin](https://nfyi.org/team/taneil-franklin/)
- [Evelyn Flores](https://nfyi.org/team/evelyn-flores/)
- [Brianna Deason](https://nfyi.org/team/brianna-deason/)
- [Frances Davis](https://nfyi.org/team/frances-davis/)
- [Nicole Crawford](https://nfyi.org/team/nicole-crawford/)
- [Ciera Cooper](https://nfyi.org/team/ciera-cooper/)
- [Monica Contreras](https://nfyi.org/team/monica-contreras/)
- [Michalann Clark](https://nfyi.org/team/michalann-clark/)
- [Dejah Carlock](https://nfyi.org/team/dejah-carlock/)
- [Sierra Burns](https://nfyi.org/team/sierra-burns/)
- [Billie Brannon](https://nfyi.org/team/billie-brannon/)
- [Ella Bat-Ami](https://nfyi.org/team/ella-bat-ami/)
- [Mansoora Ameri](https://nfyi.org/team/mansoora-ameri/)
- [Abigail Rubtsova](https://nfyi.org/team/abigail-rubtsova/)
- [Mehaa Martin](https://nfyi.org/team/mehaa-martin-2/)
- [Michael Miser](https://nfyi.org/team/michael-miser-2/)
- [Samantha Hallinan](https://nfyi.org/team/samantha-hallinan/)
- [Sherra Bennett](https://nfyi.org/team/sherra-bennett/)
- [Kim Sterton](https://nfyi.org/team/kim-sterton/)
- [Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.)](https://nfyi.org/team/judge-songhai-armstead-ret-2/)
- [Conway Collis](https://nfyi.org/team/conway-collis/)
- [Jewels Elmore Washington](https://nfyi.org/team/jewels-elmore-washington/)
- [David A. Herbst](https://nfyi.org/team/david-a-herbst/)
- [Nanxi Liu](https://nfyi.org/team/nanxi-liu/)
- [Wendy Smith Meyer, Ph.D., LCSW](https://nfyi.org/team/wendy-smith/)
- [Yolanda “Cookie” Parker](https://nfyi.org/team/yolanda-cookie-parker/)
- [Marcus Scribner](https://nfyi.org/team/marcus-scribner/)
- [Doug Bond](https://nfyi.org/team/doug-bond/)
- [Tayeisha Batres](https://nfyi.org/team/tayeisha-batres/)
- [Shi'Ann Taylor](https://nfyi.org/team/shiann-taylor-2/)
- [Serena Skinner](https://nfyi.org/team/serena-skinner/)
- [Yin Qiao Zhang](https://nfyi.org/team/yin-qiao-zhang/)
- [Rico Granados](https://nfyi.org/team/rico-granados/)
- [Quinnie Stunrod Hernandez](https://nfyi.org/team/quinnie-stunrod-hernandez/)
- [Nenia Samayoa](https://nfyi.org/team/nenia-samayoa/)
- [Michaela Martin](https://nfyi.org/team/michaela-martin/)
- [Maya Kegler](https://nfyi.org/team/maya-kegler/)
- [Leanne Caldejon](https://nfyi.org/team/leanne-caldejon-2/)
- [Jesus Angel Rodriguez](https://nfyi.org/team/jesus-angel-rodriguez-2/)
- [Jennifer Myers](https://nfyi.org/team/jennifer-myers/)
- [Hilda Omarai Lira](https://nfyi.org/team/hilda-omarai-lira/)
- [Goharik ‘Gigi’ Tashchyan](https://nfyi.org/team/goharik-gigi-tashchyan/)
- [Elyzabeth Andersen](https://nfyi.org/team/elyzabeth-andersen-2/)
- [Brinton Reed](https://nfyi.org/team/brinton-reed-2/)
- [Brinton Reed](https://nfyi.org/cla25/brinton-reed/)
- [Tori Ikeda](https://nfyi.org/team/tori-ikeda/)
- [Deborah Israel](https://nfyi.org/cla25/deborah-israel/)
- [Deborah Israel](https://nfyi.org/team/deborah-israel-demo2/)
- [Asiah Wotring](https://nfyi.org/cla25/asiah-wotring/)
- [Brandon Washington](https://nfyi.org/cla25/brandon-washington/)
- [The Honorable Karen Bass](https://nfyi.org/team/karen-bass/)
- [Sandy Harvey](https://nfyi.org/cla25/sandy-harvey/)
- [Elizabeth McFall](https://nfyi.org/cla25/elizabeth-mcfall/)
- [Ferre Woodmore](https://nfyi.org/cla25/ferre-woodmore/)
- [Hailey McDowell](https://nfyi.org/cla25/hailey-mcdowell/)
- [Uyennhi Huynh](https://nfyi.org/cla25/uyennhi-huynh/)
- [Knowledge Grant](https://nfyi.org/cla25/knowledge-grant/)
- [Japheth Kariuki](https://nfyi.org/cla25/japheth-kariuki/)
- [Cristopher Espino](https://nfyi.org/cla25/cristopher-espino/)
- [Emmerald Evans](https://nfyi.org/cla25/emmerald-evans/)
- [William Woelki](https://nfyi.org/cla25/william-woelki/)
- [Rowan Arquette](https://nfyi.org/cla25/rowan-arquette/)
- [Markeia Warren-Schorea](https://nfyi.org/cla25/markeia-warren-schorea/)
- [Majd Abdallah](https://nfyi.org/cla25/majd-abdallah/)
- [Lydia Vinson](https://nfyi.org/cla25/lydia-vinson/)
- [Kelly Acosta](https://nfyi.org/cla25/kelly-acosta/)
- [Kaylee Blanco](https://nfyi.org/cla25/kaylee-blanco/)
- [Katrina Smith-Morales](https://nfyi.org/cla25/katrina-smith-morales/)
- [Jesus Angel Rodriguez](https://nfyi.org/cla25/jesus-angel-rodriguez/)
- [Isis Rivera Chisolm](https://nfyi.org/cla25/isis-rivera-chisolm-2/)
- [Fia Ewers](https://nfyi.org/cla25/fia-ewers/)
- [Charmet Findley](https://nfyi.org/cla25/aliyana-montevirgen/)
- [Aliyana Montevirgen](https://nfyi.org/cla25/aliyana-montevirgen-2/)
- [Alexia Nechayev](https://nfyi.org/cla25/alexia-nechayev/)
- [Adol Bak](https://nfyi.org/cla25/adol-bak/)
- [Vannesa Santos](https://nfyi.org/cla25/vannesa-santos-2/)
- [Shi'Ann Taylor](https://nfyi.org/team/shiann-taylor/)
- [Atiya Osteen](https://nfyi.org/team/atiya-osteen/)
- [Isaiah Medina](https://nfyi.org/team/isaiah-medina/)
- [Mercedes Jackson](https://nfyi.org/team/mercedes-jackson-2/)
- [Mareha Priddy](https://nfyi.org/team/mareha-priddy/)
- [Franciana Cianna Revolte](https://nfyi.org/team/franciana-cianna-revolte/)
- [Elizabeth Mariscal](https://nfyi.org/team/elizabeth-mariscal/)
- [Cadon Sagendorf](https://nfyi.org/team/cadon-sagendorf/)
- [Antonio Aparicio](https://nfyi.org/team/antonio-aparicio/)
- [Adam Matthews](https://nfyi.org/team/adam-matthews/)
- [Aryana Gallegos](https://nfyi.org/team/aryana-gallegos/)
- [Cindy Flores](https://nfyi.org/team/cindy-flores/)
- [Lauren Roman](https://nfyi.org/team/lauren-roman/)
- [Eugenia Wallace](https://nfyi.org/team/eugenia-wallace/)
- [Daniel Barragan](https://nfyi.org/team/daniel-barragan/)
- [Elyzabeth Andersen](https://nfyi.org/team/elyzabeth-andersen/)
- [Arria Barbuti](https://nfyi.org/team/arria-barbuti/)
- [Aponi Boyer](https://nfyi.org/team/aponi-boyer/)
- [Gina Cabiddu](https://nfyi.org/team/gina-cabiddu/)
- [Leanne Caldejon](https://nfyi.org/team/leanne-caldejon/)
- [Nadaly Esparza](https://nfyi.org/team/nadaly-esparza/)
- [Andreia Cain](https://nfyi.org/team/andreia-cain/)
- [Mercedes Jackson](https://nfyi.org/team/mercedes-jackson/)
- [Cassidy Littleton](https://nfyi.org/team/cassidy-littleton/)
- [Benji Louis Hernandez](https://nfyi.org/team/benji-louis-hernandez/)
- [Mehaa Martin](https://nfyi.org/team/mehaa-martin/)
- [Angelina Medina](https://nfyi.org/team/angelina-medina/)
- [Hope Medina](https://nfyi.org/team/hope-medina/)
- [Andrea Miller](https://nfyi.org/team/andrea-miller/)
- [Michael Miser](https://nfyi.org/team/michael-miser/)
- [Desiree Patterson](https://nfyi.org/team/desiree-patterson/)
- [Axel Pecero](https://nfyi.org/team/axel-pecero/)
- [Rebecca Rowley](https://nfyi.org/team/rebecca-rowley/)
- [Cesar Sosa](https://nfyi.org/team/cesar-sosa/)
- [Keiniyah Walker](https://nfyi.org/team/keiniyah-walker/)
- [Yusef Presley](https://nfyi.org/team/yusef-presley/)
- [Celeste Walley](https://nfyi.org/team/celeste-walley/)
- [Shyra Billick](https://nfyi.org/team/shyra-billick/)
- [Mia Perez](https://nfyi.org/team/mia-perez/)
- [Anthony Vizcarrondo](https://nfyi.org/team/anthony-vizcarrondo-2/)
- [Tina Harris](https://nfyi.org/team/tina-harris-2/)
- [Ashley Carter](https://nfyi.org/team/ashley-carter-2/)
- [TheronAtgbe Ogedengbe](https://nfyi.org/team/theronatgbe-ogedengbe/)
- [Savannah Williams-Huynh](https://nfyi.org/team/savannah-williams-huynh/)
- [Mercedes Lozano](https://nfyi.org/team/mercedes-lozano/)
- [Angela Cruze-Boldt](https://nfyi.org/team/angela-cruze-boldt/)
- [Jasmine Solomon](https://nfyi.org/team/jasmine-solomon/)
- [Teshiana Smith-Nichols](https://nfyi.org/team/teshiana-smith-nichols/)
- [Owen Bros](https://nfyi.org/team/owen-bros/)
- [Rebekka Behr](https://nfyi.org/team/rebekka-behr/)
- [Micaih Avery](https://nfyi.org/team/micaih-avery/)
- [Kayla Muzquiz](https://nfyi.org/team/kayla-muzquiz/)
- [Cody Van Felden](https://nfyi.org/team/cody-van-felden/)
- [Deanna Lescouflair](https://nfyi.org/team/deanna-lescouflair/)
- [Alejandra Gomez](https://nfyi.org/team/alejandra-gomez/)
- [Alejandro Candelario](https://nfyi.org/team/alejandro-candelario/)
- [Sophia Coffey](https://nfyi.org/team/sophia-coffey/)
- [Nyamekye V.  Reynold](https://nfyi.org/team/nyamekye-v-reynold/)
- [Annmarie Herrera](https://nfyi.org/team/annmarie-herrera/)
- [Bernard Ball](https://nfyi.org/team/bernard-ball/)
- [Samantha Hallina](https://nfyi.org/team/samantha-hallina/)
- [Ov’Var’Shia Gray-Woods](https://nfyi.org/team/ovvarshia-gray-woods/)
- [Merissa Arias](https://nfyi.org/team/merissa-arias/)
- [Crystal Keeler](https://nfyi.org/team/crystal-keeler/)
- [Geneva Harvell](https://nfyi.org/team/pennsylvania-delegate/)
- [Nadia Goforth](https://nfyi.org/team/nadia-goforth-2/)
- [Ashley Carter](https://nfyi.org/team/ashley-carter/)
- [Sapphire Murphy-Powell](https://nfyi.org/team/sapphire-murphy-powell/)
- [Natalia Campbell](https://nfyi.org/team/natalia-campbell/)
- [Jennifer Thonrithi](https://nfyi.org/team/jennifer-thonrithi/)
- [Mary-Lynn](https://nfyi.org/team/mary-lynn/)
- [Joseph Mariscal](https://nfyi.org/team/joseph-mariscal-2/)
- [Leroy Berrones Soto](https://nfyi.org/team/leroy-berrones-soto/)
- [Theron Atgbe Ogedengbe](https://nfyi.org/team/theron-atgbe-ogedengbe/)
- [Molly Hale](https://nfyi.org/team/molly-hale/)
- [Miriam Mboya](https://nfyi.org/team/miriam-mboya/)
- [Yolonda Washburn Smith](https://nfyi.org/team/yolonda-washburn-smith/)
- [RaDawn Austin](https://nfyi.org/team/radawn-austin/)
- [Nancy Konjo](https://nfyi.org/team/nancy-konjo/)
- [Cierra Draper-West](https://nfyi.org/team/cierra-draper-west/)
- [Tony Parsons](https://nfyi.org/team/tony-parsons/)
- [Xandra Vaughn](https://nfyi.org/team/xandra-vaughn/)
- [Tina Harris](https://nfyi.org/team/tina-harris/)
- [Timothy Woody](https://nfyi.org/team/timothy-woody/)
- [Myriah Smiley](https://nfyi.org/team/myriah-smiley/)
- [Tasha Snowden](https://nfyi.org/team/tasha-snowden/)
- [Jennifer Martinez](https://nfyi.org/team/jennifer-martinez/)
- [Selena Bermejo Romero](https://nfyi.org/team/selena-bermejo-romero/)
- [Saphire Woodruff](https://nfyi.org/team/saphire-woodruff/)
- [Richard Liu](https://nfyi.org/team/richard-liu/)
- [Quijai “Jay Jay” Johnson](https://nfyi.org/team/quijai-jay-jay-johnson/)
- [Paige Daniels](https://nfyi.org/team/paige-daniels/)
- [Lucinda Langley](https://nfyi.org/team/lucinda-langley/)
- [Junely Merwin](https://nfyi.org/team/junely-merwin/)
- [Jesse Fager](https://nfyi.org/team/jesse-fager/)
- [Ivory Bennett](https://nfyi.org/team/ivory-bennett/)
- [Huyanna Clearwater](https://nfyi.org/team/huyanna-clearwater/)
- [Ericka Mickelson](https://nfyi.org/team/ericka-mickelson/)
- [Emma Espinoza](https://nfyi.org/team/emma-espinoza/)
- [Emily Williams](https://nfyi.org/team/emily-williams/)
- [Chaida Bango Bango](https://nfyi.org/team/chaida-bango-bango/)
- [Angelica Rivas](https://nfyi.org/team/angelica-rivas/)
- [Amber Rosado-Esteves](https://nfyi.org/team/amber-rosado-esteves/)
- [Anthony Vizcarrondo](https://nfyi.org/team/anthony-vizcarrondo/)
- [Alyssa Davis](https://nfyi.org/team/alyssadavis/)

## Categories

- [News](https://nfyi.org/category/news/)
- [Foster Youth Voices](https://nfyi.org/category/fosteryouth/)
- [Archive](https://nfyi.org/category/archive/)
- [Newsletters](https://nfyi.org/category/newsletters/)
- [Youth Blogs](https://nfyi.org/category/youth-blogs/)
- [Congress](https://nfyi.org/category/congress/)
- [Politics](https://nfyi.org/category/politics/)
- [Press](https://nfyi.org/category/press/)
- [Policy](https://nfyi.org/category/policy/)
- [Mental Health](https://nfyi.org/category/mental-health/)

## Tags

- [bills](https://nfyi.org/tag/bills/)
- [karen bass](https://nfyi.org/tag/karen-bass/)
- [congress](https://nfyi.org/tag/congress/)
- [latimes](https://nfyi.org/tag/latimes/)
- [shadow day](https://nfyi.org/tag/shadow-day/)
- [Judy Chu](https://nfyi.org/tag/judy-chu/)
- [op-ed](https://nfyi.org/tag/op-ed/)
- [Casey](https://nfyi.org/tag/casey/)
- [child welfare](https://nfyi.org/tag/child-welfare/)
- [kids count](https://nfyi.org/tag/kids-count/)
- [report](https://nfyi.org/tag/report/)
- [stats](https://nfyi.org/tag/stats/)
- [congression caucus on foster youth](https://nfyi.org/tag/congression-caucus-on-foster-youth/)
- [h.r. 2742](https://nfyi.org/tag/h-r-2742/)
- [h.r. 2847](https://nfyi.org/tag/h-r-2847/)
- [h.r. 2857](https://nfyi.org/tag/h-r-2857/)
- [h.r. 2866](https://nfyi.org/tag/h-r-2866/)
- [h.r.2834](https://nfyi.org/tag/h-r-2834/)
- [adoption](https://nfyi.org/tag/adoption/)
- [foster care](https://nfyi.org/tag/foster-care/)
- [dominique 'domo' ross](https://nfyi.org/tag/dominique-domo-ross/)
- [foster youth](https://nfyi.org/tag/foster-youth/)
- [lgbtq](https://nfyi.org/tag/lgbtq/)
- [generations united](https://nfyi.org/tag/generations-united/)
- [kinship care](https://nfyi.org/tag/kinship-care/)
- [New Mexico](https://nfyi.org/tag/new-mexico/)
- [teens](https://nfyi.org/tag/teens/)
- [Executive Director](https://nfyi.org/tag/executive-director/)
- [Jenny Dang Vinopal](https://nfyi.org/tag/jenny-dang-vinopal/)
- [Press Release](https://nfyi.org/tag/press-release/)
- [national foster youth institute](https://nfyi.org/tag/national-foster-youth-institute/)
- [West Virginia](https://nfyi.org/tag/west-virginia/)
- [jenny vinopal](https://nfyi.org/tag/jenny-vinopal/)
- [policy](https://nfyi.org/tag/policy/)
- [roundtable](https://nfyi.org/tag/roundtable/)
- [UCR Guardian Scholars](https://nfyi.org/tag/ucr-guardian-scholars/)
- [legislation](https://nfyi.org/tag/legislation/)
- [2017](https://nfyi.org/tag/2017/)
- [Boston Marathon](https://nfyi.org/tag/boston-marathon/)
- [Foster Parent](https://nfyi.org/tag/foster-parent/)
- [San Antonio](https://nfyi.org/tag/san-antonio/)
- [foster parents](https://nfyi.org/tag/foster-parents/)
- [documentary](https://nfyi.org/tag/documentary/)
- [Central America](https://nfyi.org/tag/central-america/)
- [families](https://nfyi.org/tag/families/)
- [immigration](https://nfyi.org/tag/immigration/)
- [trump](https://nfyi.org/tag/trump/)
- [congressional caucus on foster youth](https://nfyi.org/tag/congressional-caucus-on-foster-youth/)
- [profile](https://nfyi.org/tag/profile/)
- [Education](https://nfyi.org/tag/education/)
- [Wester Michigan University](https://nfyi.org/tag/wester-michigan-university/)
- [Arizona](https://nfyi.org/tag/arizona/)
- [Opioid Crisis](https://nfyi.org/tag/opioid-crisis/)
- [Tuscon](https://nfyi.org/tag/tuscon/)
- [American Idol](https://nfyi.org/tag/american-idol/)
- [Child Sex Trafficing](https://nfyi.org/tag/child-sex-trafficing/)
- [Ohio](https://nfyi.org/tag/ohio/)
- [Rob Portman](https://nfyi.org/tag/rob-portman/)
- [ACLU](https://nfyi.org/tag/aclu/)
- [Deportation](https://nfyi.org/tag/deportation/)
- [Donald Trump](https://nfyi.org/tag/donald-trump/)
- [Henry McMaster](https://nfyi.org/tag/henry-mcmaster/)
- [South Carolina](https://nfyi.org/tag/south-carolina/)
- [Foster Placement](https://nfyi.org/tag/foster-placement/)
- [Jim Kenney](https://nfyi.org/tag/jim-kenney/)
- [Philadelphia](https://nfyi.org/tag/philadelphia/)
- [Greg Treat](https://nfyi.org/tag/greg-treat/)
- [Oklahoma](https://nfyi.org/tag/oklahoma/)
- [Black Foster Care Parents](https://nfyi.org/tag/black-foster-care-parents/)
- [Washington](https://nfyi.org/tag/washington/)
- [internships](https://nfyi.org/tag/internships/)
- [Louisiana](https://nfyi.org/tag/louisiana/)
- [Northwestern Louisiana University](https://nfyi.org/tag/northwestern-louisiana-university/)
- [David Reid](https://nfyi.org/tag/david-reid/)
- [Ralph Northam](https://nfyi.org/tag/ralph-northam/)
- [Virginia](https://nfyi.org/tag/virginia/)
- [Kansas](https://nfyi.org/tag/kansas/)
- [National Association of Social Workers](https://nfyi.org/tag/national-association-of-social-workers/)
- [Mentoring](https://nfyi.org/tag/mentoring/)
- [Crossover Youth](https://nfyi.org/tag/crossover-youth/)
- [Los Angeles](https://nfyi.org/tag/los-angeles/)
- [Child Welfare Reform](https://nfyi.org/tag/child-welfare-reform/)
- [SB 1473](https://nfyi.org/tag/sb-1473/)
- [This is Us](https://nfyi.org/tag/this-is-us/)
- [ancestry](https://nfyi.org/tag/ancestry/)
- [National Foster Care month](https://nfyi.org/tag/national-foster-care-month/)
- [Wendys](https://nfyi.org/tag/wendys/)
- [Florida](https://nfyi.org/tag/florida/)
- [Nurse](https://nfyi.org/tag/nurse/)
- [Foster Kids](https://nfyi.org/tag/foster-kids/)
- [Taylor Swift](https://nfyi.org/tag/taylor-swift/)
- [Human Rights Campaign](https://nfyi.org/tag/human-rights-campaign/)
- [drugs](https://nfyi.org/tag/drugs/)
- [California](https://nfyi.org/tag/california/)
- [Foster Voices](https://nfyi.org/tag/foster-voices/)
- [NYFI](https://nfyi.org/tag/nyfi/)
- [child poverty](https://nfyi.org/tag/child-poverty/)
- [Missouri](https://nfyi.org/tag/missouri/)
- [CHILDNET](https://nfyi.org/tag/childnet/)
- [Amazon Prime Day](https://nfyi.org/tag/amazon-prime-day/)
- [Amazon Smile](https://nfyi.org/tag/amazon-smile/)
- [NFYI](https://nfyi.org/tag/nfyi/)
- [Scholarship](https://nfyi.org/tag/scholarship/)
- [Michigan Foster Care](https://nfyi.org/tag/michigan-foster-care/)
- [Aging Out](https://nfyi.org/tag/aging-out/)
- [Children's Books](https://nfyi.org/tag/childrens-books/)
- [Tony Dungy](https://nfyi.org/tag/tony-dungy/)
- [Transgender](https://nfyi.org/tag/transgender/)
- [Colorado](https://nfyi.org/tag/colorado/)
- [USC](https://nfyi.org/tag/usc/)
- [Nancy Pelosi](https://nfyi.org/tag/nancy-pelosi/)
- [Jenni Pulos](https://nfyi.org/tag/jenni-pulos/)
- [An Afternoon of Learning and Celebration](https://nfyi.org/tag/an-afternoon-of-learning-and-celebration/)
- [Tanisha Saunders](https://nfyi.org/tag/tanisha-saunders/)
- [Jim Langevin](https://nfyi.org/tag/jim-langevin/)
- [Brenda Lawrence](https://nfyi.org/tag/brenda-lawrence/)
- [Holly Mitchell](https://nfyi.org/tag/holly-mitchell/)
- [Rebecca Louve Yao](https://nfyi.org/tag/rebecca-louve-yao/)
- [Wendy Smith](https://nfyi.org/tag/wendy-smith/)
- [Don Bacon](https://nfyi.org/tag/don-bacon/)
- [Elevate Youth California](https://nfyi.org/tag/elevate-youth-california/)
- [Grants](https://nfyi.org/tag/grants/)
- [Donations](https://nfyi.org/tag/donations/)
- [congressional leadership academy](https://nfyi.org/tag/congressional-leadership-academy/)

## Product categories

- [T Shirts](https://nfyi.org/product-category/t-shirts/)

## Event Category

- [Fundraisers](https://nfyi.org/event-category/fundraisers/)
- [Local Chapter Events](https://nfyi.org/event-category/local-chapter-events/)
- [Town Halls](https://nfyi.org/event-category/town-halls/)
- [Skill-Building](https://nfyi.org/event-category/skill-building/)
- [Educational](https://nfyi.org/event-category/educational/)
- [Listening Sessions](https://nfyi.org/event-category/listening-sessions/)
- [Summits](https://nfyi.org/event-category/summits/)
- [Community Building](https://nfyi.org/event-category/community-building/)

## Categories

- [Category 1](https://nfyi.org/resource_cat/category-1/)
- [Category 2](https://nfyi.org/resource_cat/category-2/)
- [Category 3](https://nfyi.org/resource_cat/category-3/)
- [All](https://nfyi.org/resource_cat/all/)