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The mission of the OCFS Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is to make a difference for youth in care by giving them the voice to help create positive changes in the foster care system. The board is comprised of up to 15 members who provide feedback on their experience in foster care and help shape state policies and initiatives. They are young adults from all around New York State who advise and collaborate with OCFS on policy topics related to foster care as they shape their transition to independence. YAB members have been speakers at venues such as the OCFS Homefinders Summit, the New York Public Welfare Association’s annual conferences, and various speak-out events around the state.
Become A Youth Advisory Board Member
You are eligible if
- you are between the ages of 18 and 24;
- you are a youth in foster care or a former youth in foster care; and
- you want to advocate for yourself and others!
Youth Advisory Board Member Application: OCFS-4707 Word | OCFS-4707 PDF
We are taking applications until Friday, December 3. Please e-mail yab@ocfs.ny.gov if you have any questions.
Board Member Commitments
- Attend quarterly YAB meetings in the Albany, NY area.
- Complete monthly assignments related to youth transition.
- Represent the voices of the youth from your agency or county.
- Seek out, listen to and respect others’ opinions and experiences.
- Advocate for yourself and others.
Board Member Benefits
- Collaborate with executive staff and key decision makers at OCFS.
- Build relationships and increase your leadership and communication skills.
- Discuss issues that are important to help improve the foster care system!
- Build up your resume.
- HAVE FUN!
YAB Accomplishments
Foster Care:
- Provided feedback to the questions that are asked to youth during the recertification of foster home process.
- Created a guidance document for caseworkers on face-to-face contacts with youth in care.
- Identified attributes to consider when matching foster children with foster parents.
National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD):
- Reviewed the NYTD survey and provided feedback.
- NYTD Email - Designed an email that can better capture a youth’s attention to increase participation rate.
Contact
If you would like to learn more about the Youth Advisory Board, email yab@ocfs.ny.gov.
Resources
- Attorney for the Child- Tip sheet for youth
- Bill of Rights- Tip sheet for youth
- What Foster Parents Should Know
- What does a quality caseworker look like?
- Caseworker Guidance
- I Promise
A message that might be displayed in residential settings, group homes, and foster homes to provide a sense of support from adult caregivers to the youth in care. - Contact Card
An option for youth who need a place to keep important phone numbers.