Youth Voices of Foster Care Month

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is celebrating Youth Voices of Foster Care Month in October. Although it is not a national month to recognize youth voice, it is a movement taking place among several states. It is an opportunity to celebrate the youth and young adults in and formerly in foster care and recommit to helping them reach their full potential, live safe and healthy lives, and achieve permanent connections. It is a time for all local departments of social services (LDSS) and child welfare advocates to elevate youth voices to change their future and generations to come.

VDSS desires all youth to be heard, involved in their service planning, and prepared for their future. Youth engagement is an effective way to ensure that the youth’s voice and choice are incorporated in transition planning, policy, committee work, and legislation. VDSS is striving for meaningful youth engagement where young people are key decision makers and making their voices part of the partnership and decision-making. At the state level, VDSS engages and empowers youth with lived experience in foster care through SPEAKOUT, hiring opportunities, partnering with Project LIFE regarding youth-driven activities and events, and providing training and technical assistance to LDSS, private providers, and foster parents on the Youth Welfare Approach (https://capacity.childwelfare.gov/states/focus-areas/youth-development/youth-welfare-guide/ )

In honor of this month, SPEAKOUT, Virginia’s Youth Advisory Board, is hosting a special event entitled, Building Bridges: The Power of Permanent Connections for Youth in Foster Care on October 24, 2024, from 10am-12pm.This impactful virtual event focuses on the critical importance of permanent connections for youth in foster care and will highlight:
· The long-term benefits of stable, permanent connections.
· How these relationships offer emotional security, stability, and confidence to youth.
· The key roles foster parents, mentors, and professionals play in building these lasting bonds.

Participants will hear directly from youth in foster care and alumni who will share their personal stories about the impact of having permanent connections, both during their time in care and after transitioning out. There will also be an opportunity to engage in a live discussion with the youth panel and professionals to learn more about fostering long-term connections during a Question-and-Answer session. Register for this event at: https://umfs.formstack.com/forms/speakout_youth_perm_connections_form
Building Bridges event is open to LDSS/VDSS staff, Foster/Adoptive parents, Youth and private providers. Share accordingly.

Individuals with lived experience in foster care provide invaluable insight and feedback to improve their lives and the child welfare system. Let’s lift their voices and support them not just this month, but every day!
Please contact Tika Jeffery, SPEAKOUT Liaison at latika.jeffery9@ dss.virginia.gov or Letha Moore-Jones, Youth Services Supervisor, at letha.moore-jones@dss.virginia.gov with questions.