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Illinois Youth In Care: Youth Advisory Affinity Groups
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has created Youth Advisory Affinity Groups (YAAG) for members and allies of the African American, Asian American, Latino, Native American, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
The Statewide Youth Advisory Board's Draft Proclamation was Signed by the Governor
The month of October was exciting for the teens on the Statewide Youth Advisory Board (SYAB) as their hard work came to fruition when the Governor of the State of Illinois signed a Proclamation declaring that October 2022 is Foster Youth Voice Month. Join us as we celebrate these teens who not only fought for themselves to be heard, but the other 20,000+ youth in care.
Illinois Youth Summit on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
Illinois YAB was created by statute to give youth ages 14-21 in the care of IDCFS the opportunity to provide feedback on service delivery, programs, and policies that affect them, toward ensuring that all youth are optimally cared for and supported regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, language, handicap/disability, or religion. Illinois YAB is committed to youth empowerment, development, leadership, and achievement.
Parent Cafés empower communities by shifting the traditional service model, allowing parents to lead and support each other while developing valuable leadership skills. Designed by the people, for the people, Cafés not only build stronger communities but also offer parents hands-on experience in event planning, public speaking, and outreach—skills that often lead to further opportunities and employment. By compensating parent leaders and fostering political, social, and economic equity, Parent Cafés create sustainable engagement and leadership that continues to uplift families long after the Café ends.