Publications
YLAT staff and alumni have published a series of reports to help other states effectively work in partnership with youth in their care to improve the lives of more youth in care and to help youth develop leadership skills.​
YLAT: An Innovative Approach to Systems Improvement
Amid comprehensive system reforms, the presence of YLAT has been a guiding force, a clear voice, and a motivation to continue the urgent effort. This paper explores the YLAT model, describing the principles, activities, results, and challenges Maine has faced in creating and sustaining this innovative approach.
The Answers Handbook
This is a handbook for youth by youth in foster care. It serves as a guide for both youth and adults, addressing many of the issues and questions that youth may have about the foster care system.
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The handbook was originally written by a group of 22 youth in care who came together for a two-day summit in 1998. Since its publication, it has been updated four times.
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You can look at individual sections HERE
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Maine's Innovative Model of Foster Youth Empowerment & Co-production
This brief, written by Ahmen Cabral, includes the research of Dr. Jenna Powers from her doctoral dissertation, which included an evaluation of our program effectiveness. The brief provides an overview of our program and highlights our aim to create inclusive environments for connection and growth
Making a Choice: A Guide to Making a Decision About Using Psychotropic Medication
This guide was developed by YLAT members in partnership with adult providers. It was created to provide youth with the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their treatments with psychotropic medication. Youth should always consult about their health with trusted providers and adults, but this document can help prepare them to be an active member in the conversations and decisions.
Publication Archives
We are proud to have published many handbooks, guides, and informational materials, with contributions with our YLAT youth. While these archived documents have outdated language, information, or contact information, they still provide excellent resources for youth an adults involved in the child welfare system.
Practical pathways
This guide was written for young people and their adult supports to aid in and inform on the transition out of foster care and into adulthood. This guide was produced to provide information and resources to support young people in getting their first apartment, buying a car, finding a doctor, making smart financial decisions, and more. This document includes some outdated resources, information, and contacts, but can still be a great tool in answering some big questions when entering adulthood.
Independence & Education Guide
A Resource to support young adults in career exploration; includes suggested steps and activities for adult supports to complete with older youth who are exploring and working towards their post-secondary, career, and independence goals. This resource supports providers and young adults in developing and learning skills that can be individualized to meet their needs and goals and increase their skills.
Partnering with Youth: Involving Youth in Child Welfare Training and Curriculum Development
This publication is a guide book for trainers, administrators, and practitioners on how to engage youth in the child welfare system as speakers, presenters, and partners in curriculum design and delivery. This publication was made possible by the Children’s Bureau, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.