YLAT engages youth
Statewide, YLAT members direct the activities and goals of the local teams during the YLAT year. YLAT engages all youth—whether youth are currently or formerly in foster care, living in a group home or a foster home, adopted, in a kinship or guardian relationship, or living alone.
At every gathering, youth and adult partners not only have a great time, but they also build:
- The team and a sense of belonging
- Personal leadership skills
- A critical understanding of the child welfare system from many perspectives
YLAT members also are offered opportunities for practicing their new skills and making a difference. Youth are supported by adult partners, often receiving extensive coaching, to ensure success in the leadership roles they take on—such as leading a fun ice breaker for a YLAT meeting, conducting a literature review, preparing a meeting agenda, attending a committee meeting, or rehearsing a speech to present to the legislature.