Youth Advisory Boards (YABs) provide a meaningful platform for young people with lived experience in foster care and child welfare systems to develop leadership skills, influence policy and practice, and advocate for positive change. Through mentorship, training, community engagement, and youth-led initiatives, YABs empower young people to share their perspectives, strengthen self-advocacy skills, and help improve outcomes for youth served by the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
CT YAB functions through 6 regional regional youth-driven boards and supported by community partners and DCF staff who work alongside youth to plan activities, identify priorities, and advance advocacy efforts. Local boards meet regularly to discuss issues impacting youth, provide feedback on programs and services, and participate in leadership development opportunities.
Regional YABs are connected through a shared Statewide Youth Advisory Board, where youth leaders collaborate with DCF leadership, including the Commissioner, to address statewide priorities, share recommendations, and support projects that improve policy and practice. Youth may also participate in broader advocacy opportunities such as Youth at the Capitol Day, leadership conferences, and regional and national youth engagement initiatives such as the New England Youth Coalition (NEYC) and Jim Casey/Annie E. Casey fellowships and initiatives.
Stipends are provided for participation in Youth Advisory Board (YAB) meetings, activities, and approved projects.
For any questions regarding the YAB please contact contact Child Services Consultant/Statewide YAB Coordinator Shaneka Hernandez or TSS Program Supervisor Elizabeth Hazelwood.
Navigate to:
Region 1 Youth Advisory Board
Region 2 Youth Advisory Board
Region 3 Youth Advisory Board
Region 4 Youth Advisory Board
Region 5 Youth Advisory Board
Region 6 Youth Advisory Board
Statewide Youth Advisory Board
New England Youth Coalition
Youth Advocacy/Lived Foster Care Expert Opportunities
Region 1 Youth Advisory Board
Space for community agency Support/Contact Information to get involved with the regional board
Space to upload annual Project information
Space to upload Other Information
Region 2 Youth Advisory Board
Space for community agency Support/Contact Information to get involved with the regional board
Space to upload annual Project information
Space to upload Other Information
Region 3 Youth Advisory Board
Space for community agency Support/Contact Information to get involved with the regional board
Space to upload annual Project information
Space to upload Other Information
Region 4 Youth Advisory Board
Space for community agency Support/Contact Information to get involved with the regional board
Space to upload annual Project information
Space to upload Other Information
Region 5 Youth Advisory Board
Space for community agency Support/Contact Information to get involved with the regional board
Space to upload annual Project information
Space to upload Other Information
Region 6 Youth Advisory Board
Space for community agency Support/Contact Information to get involved with the regional board
Space to upload annual Project information
Space to upload Other Information
Statewide Youth Advisory Board
Space for Statewide Coordinator Contact Information to get involved with the statewide YAB
Space to upload annual Project information
Space to upload Other Information
New England Youth Coalition
Description of NEYC
Space for Adult Supporter Contact Information to get involved with NEYC
Youth Advocacy/Lived Foster Care Expert Opportunities
Field for Current foster youth-where opportunities can be posted
Field for Former/Alumni Foster Youth-where opportunities can be posted