Activities
Our statewide activities engage youth in supporting one another, advocating for change and educating the child welfare system. For more information about our regular meetings, visit our YLAT Meetings page
Trainings
Throughout the year, young people are offered the opportunity to attend a variety of trainings. Trainings often cover topics like strategic sharing and story-telling, healthy relationships, workforce readiness, or financial literacy.
We work closely with OCFS’s Transition Specialists to identify each years' topic areas and collaborate with experts from partnering organizations.
As people with lived experience and expertise in Maine's foster care system, YLAT members often speak on panels, at conferences, and even at the state house. They practice advocacy and share their stories and knowledge with resource parents, OCFS staff, case workers in training, Guardian Ad Litems, and policy makers.
YLAT staff help youth panelists and presenters prepare and practice beforehand, so they feel confident and comfortable sharing their expertise.
Summer Events
Each summer, we hold a series of summer outings for youth and adult partners to come together for community-building and quintessential Maine fun.
Activities sometimes include a Sea Dogs Game and blueberry picking in Southern Maine, water slides in Waterville, outdoor fun with Hearty Roots in the midcoast, boating on Moosehead lake, and fishing in Presque Isle.
For our 2026 summer events, click here.