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“We’re not just talking about giving young people a voice but getting adults to have an ear.” This line of Roger Hart’s serves as a splendid reminder for those who genuinely seek to rely on young people to guide programming decisions, strategic planning and public policymaking.
The influential involvement of young people in foster care stands out as one of the most significant areas of meaningful youth engagement during the past five years. Legislation in several states that waive college tuition for foster youths is one such success. Usually policymakers hear from adults who advocate on behalf of those in out-of-home placements. Across the country, there are face-to-face interactions between lawmakers and young people in the child welfare system. It’s clear that some of the most vulnerable and marginalized youths are being seen and heard by the powers-that-be.
A major catalyst for serious youth involvement can be traced to the Chafee Act, formally known as the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999. This federal law requires states to involve young people in the design of independent living programs and give those in custody a voice in developing their individual case plans.
One shining example is the Youth Leadership Advisory Team (YLAT) in Maine. This statewide organization provides a platform for current or former foster youths between the ages of 14 to 21 to raise key concerns. Recently I had the opportunity to meet a high school student, who at age 15 wrote a wrenching letter to the governor that did not end up in the trash.
She expressed the agony of not being able to see her two younger brothers who remain in the custody of her mother. Knowledgeable about the state guidelines that recommend visitations among siblings in foster care and those in adoptive or biological homes, she revealed how this voluntary policy does not compel her mother to let her see her brothers. This two-page letter also cited research that the bond between brothers and sisters is sometimes stronger than the bond between parent and child. Other studies she obtained emphasized that the separation of siblings causes a greater risk of emotional disturbances and school problems. She urged the governor to push for legislation to mandate “meaningful regular visitations” among siblings.
In addition to this letter, this 10th grader made a poignant presentation at a state conference of legal aid attorneys and testified before the state legislature. Her personal story and well-researched arguments are moving this sibling visitation proposal through the public policy pipeline.
The track record of this particular foster youth organization is not dependent on typical critical success factors such as sophisticated Internet activism or clever media messages. Some reasons for its impact include a stable staff and superb collaboration with the Department of Human Services and numerous nonprofit agencies.
Perhaps the underlying success of YLAT and other statewide foster youth organizations is an adult mindset that the real experts are those who currently are in out-of-home placements and former foster youths. YLAT Coordinator Penthea Burns, joined by several of her colleagues, describe the intergenerational synergy this way:
The youth and adults who partner in this effort really focus on accomplishing our goals while also fostering our bonds with one another. Adults support youth in developing their knowledge and skills that enable them to do the great job that they do. It's important that the youth have a positive experience and get the opportunity to develop skills (advocacy, public speaking, understanding the legislative process, how to write testimony, developing and writing policy). The youth's expertise about living in the system is irreplaceable. Additionally, the youth just do not give up.
Professional advocates as well as policymakers seem to be acquiring “an ear” that really allows them to listen and respond to the needs expressed by young people in care.
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