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 young adult who ages out of foster care has the resources and support they need to thrive.
Our Approach
We believe that meaningful reform begins with those who have experienced the system firsthand. By connecting current and former foster youth with elected representatives and policymakers, we amplify their voices to drive impactful change. Our multifaceted strategy that we use across our programs includes:
Leadership Development: Empowering current and former foster youth through programs that cultivate leadership skills, enabling them to advocate effectively for themselves and their peers.
Policy Recommendations & Education: Collaborating with legislators at national and local levels to inform and shape policies that directly affect foster youth; connecting decision makers with what’s happening “on the ground”.
Community Partnerships : Building alliances with organizations that share our vision, creating a robust network committed to child welfare reform.
Public Engagement: Mobilizing donors, activists, and community members to invest their resources and time, championing the cause of foster youth.
The Change We’re Creating
Our efforts have significantly influenced key legislation aimed at improving the lives of current and former foster youth: Click here to learn more about our impact.
Our Programs:
We create platforms, opportunities, and leadership development that allow foster youth voices to be lifted up and heard at both the local and federal levels.
Current and former foster youth from around the country spend 9 months in intensive leadership training and spend a week on Capitol Hill meeting with Congress.
Paid internships ensure that foster youth voices are the foundation of our work and help prepare interns for future jobs and leadership roles.
Current and former foster youth across LA County focus on issues and solutions specific to their community, creating a model that can be replicated around the country.
The Issues We Work On:
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.
Family Preservation
Keeping families together whenever safely possible leads to better outcomes for children and prevents unnecessary trauma.
Health & Wellness
A range of holistic supports and resources can help current/former foster youth who face complex health challenges stemming from early trauma.
Prevention of Prison Pipelines
Children who have been in foster care are disproportionately at risk of being incarcerated, a phenomenon often referred to as the “foster care-to-prison pipeline”.
Substance Use Prevention
Substance use prevention is a critical component of ensuring healthier futures for foster youth and families.
Pathways to Social and Economic Mobility
By investing in foster youth education, employment, and financial well-being, we can break down systemic barriers and open doors to lasting social and economic mobility.
Your voice matters. Help us make a change.
