National Foster Youth Action Network

About the National Foster Youth Action Network

Founded in 2008, the National Foster Youth Action Network ("Action Network") trains and empowers foster youth to speak out about their experiences in care and to work collaboratively with policymakers to improve the foster care system. As consumers of the system, we believe that foster youth are best equipped to identify problems and help craft effective solutions for system change. Action Network staff, many of whom are themselves former foster youth, train and guide youth as they organize themselves, set their own policy agendas, and partner with legislators and policy makers to find the best legislative solutions for foster youth, governments, and communities. By partnering with community-based organizations in multiple states, the Action Network builds a sustainable training model and creates a culture of empowerment among foster youth and their adult allies. The Action Network is now active in four states and continues to expand.