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TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has launched a Statewide Youth Advisory Board designed to give young people with experience in the child welfare system a direct voice in shaping policy and practice across the state.

Announced during Foster Youth Voice Month, the new youth-led group aims to elevate lived experience and expand opportunities for former and current foster youth to influence decisions affecting their peers.

The advisory board will serve as a structured platform for young adults to communicate ideas and concerns to state leadership, with the goal of improving programs supporting youth transitioning into adulthood and life after care.

According to DCF, the initiative builds on the department’s Youth Subcommittee, established in 2023, and responds to requests from young leaders for a more formal statewide avenue for participation and leadership.

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we continue to put the people we serve at the very center of everything we do,” said Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor N. Hatch. “The very idea to create a Statewide Youth Advisory Board originated from youth voice – and its establishment ensures their voices are not just heard, but are the driving force – informing, creating, shaping and guiding how we strengthen supports and services to drive outcomes and relatability for youth and families across our great state.”

DCF says members of the board will receive training in leadership, public speaking and policy development, and will collaborate with state officials and community partners. Meetings will be held throughout the year both virtually and in person.

Membership eligibility

The advisory board will include up to 21 voting members ages 18 to 23, along with non-voting seats for youth and young adults ages 14 to 26 who want to engage in statewide advocacy.

Applicants must have personal experience in Florida’s child welfare system, live in the state during their term and be sponsored by a community-based care lead agency or youth advocacy organization. Sponsors will help support the member’s participation in board activities.

DCF says the goal is to expand youth leadership while giving young people who have experienced the system the tools to advocate for change.

Interested applicants can apply online at www.myflfamilies.com/statewide-youth-advisory-board.

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alachuatoday.com

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