AGENCY TESTIMONY
Youth voice and leadership initiatives
0:19:26
ยท
34 sec
ACS has implemented several initiatives to incorporate youth voice and leadership in shaping the foster care system and related programs.
- ACS Youth Leadership Council allows current and former foster care youth to express ideas and opinions
- Close collaboration with the Youth Advisory Board for Fair Futures
- Project UNITE includes youth advocates with experience in foster care or runaway homeless youth programs
- These initiatives help develop competency, values, and connections for youth transitioning to adulthood
Jess Dannhauser
0:19:26
As I mentioned earlier, all of our work must be centered around youth and family voice.
0:19:30
The ACS Youth Leadership Council formally acknowledges the contributions and voice of current and formal juvenile justice and foster care involved youth by enabling young people to express their ideas, opinions, views, knowledge, and experience and develop the competency values and connections they need to achieve positive outcomes through their life and their transition into adulthood.
0:19:50
ACS also works very closely with the Youth Advisory Board for Fair Futures and Project UNITE, which includes youth advocates with experience in either the foster care or runaway homeless youth programs.