At the heart of meaningful growth in child welfare is a simple but powerful truth: nothing about us, without us. When young people with lived experience in out-of-home care are invited to share their perspectives, the system can become more responsive and hopeful.
That’s why, during Foster Care Awareness Month, we believe it’s so important to shine a light on the work of Wisconsin’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC). Their voices are not only shaping policies—they’re offering encouragement to the youth still in care, showing them that what they think and feel matters.
The YAC is proof that young people who have experienced out-of-home care firsthand have valuable insights, and more than that, they have a place to be heard and a role in leading the way forward.
Since 2005, the Wisconsin Youth Advisory Council (YAC) has empowered current and former youth in foster care to become powerful voices for their peers across the state.
YAC’s mission is actively working with governmental systems to inspire change through education, advocacy, training, and public awareness. Their collective voices are amplified to advocate and inspire change.
The following are some examples of the Wisconsin Youth Advisory Council’s many accomplishments, as listed on the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families’ website:
- The Healthy Relationships Booklet is a resource created for youth, by youth—the young people who made it wanted to help others understand how to navigate many different relationships.
- Panel presentations and participation at numerous conferences:
- Public Child Welfare Conference
- Together for Children Conference
- Youth Services Conference
- Membership on various committees and councils:
- Program Improvement Plan Committee
- Secretary’s Child Welfare Committee
- Milwaukee Partnership Council
- Participation in advocacy and training opportunities:
- The creation of a court improvement training video
- Participation in the Department of Children and Families Citizen Review Panel
- Participation in national internships and youth board opportunities:
- The National Foster Club All-Star internship
- Congressional Foster Youth internship
- Organizing the only youth-led Hands Around the Capitol event in the state
If you have any questions or are interested in becoming a council member, e-mail DCFILCoordinator@wi.gov with the subject line “YAC” or contact the YAC Advisor identified for the county you currently live in.
If you want to follow the Council and connect with current and past members, check out the Wisconsin Youth Advisory Council Facebook page.
