Mission Statement

The Youth Leadership Advisory Team (YLAT) is a team of Maine youth in care (in state custody), ages 14-21, engaged in the education of the government, general public, caregivers, and peers regarding the needs of children and young adults in the child welfare system. Advocating for positive changes in the child welfare system, YLAT members help develop, guide, and revise the Bureau of Child and Family Services policies in order to create safety, comfort, and opportunities for all kids in care.

YLAT is a group of youth in care working together to have fun and...

• Advise, assist, and connect with other youth in care
• Speak out to educate government, general public, care givers, and peers
• Promote positive changes in the system while working with the Department of Human Services (DHS)
• Build positive long-term relationships in the community
• Perform community service projects

What We've Done

• Created "Answers" Handbook for youth in care
• Advocated for passage of a college tuition waiver bill
• Worked with DHS to revise and create policies
• Spoken for panels (with CASAs, judges, GALs, and many others)
• Pre-service trainings (foster parents and caseworkers)
• Planning of Annual Youth Leadership Summit
• Planning of Annual Teen Conference
• Created newsletter "The Quarterly Advocate"

Please have a look at our projects, and contact us for futher information. We love hearing from you!