Improving Child Welfare Policy and Practice

Youth Advocates are 16+ and actively participate in leadership roles within their state such as local, state and youth boards, panel discussions, and other opportunities for self advocacy. 

Youth Advocates and Adult supporters are chosen by their state child welfare agency to work with NEYC on a regional level. 

NEYC is primarily a virtual group that has been meeting since 2008. NEYC was created following a Breakthrough Series on Adolescent Permanence. Youth Advocates and Adult Supporters meet in person 2-3 times a year and hold monthly conference calls as well as project calls to move the work forward. 

 The New England Youth Coalition (NEYC) consists of current and former foster youth and adult supporters working together to better the quality of life for youth involved with the foster care system through education, advocacy, and improvement of policy and practice.