The Statewide Youth Advisory Board's Draft Proclamation was Signed by the Governor

Their voices were heard.

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.

"My experience on my first SYAB retreat was inspiring. I met new people that gave me new hope that individuals actually want good in the world. I felt very accepted, and the space was non-judgmental." - S.L.

The Proclamation came after the groundwork was laid by the youth on the SYAB. The Statewide Youth Advisory Board convened its first in-person retreat after two long years of meeting remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual weekend long event is an opportunity to ground youth leaders in the fundamentals of the SYAB. The SYAB and Regional Youth Advisory Boards have been supported by Be Strong Families on behalf of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services since 2017. This programming is serviced by BSF under the Youth Leadership Development Initiative and is in support of the statute for youth to have the opportunity to collectively address systemic issues.

During the retreat participants learn about the Illinois YAB statute, the mission of YAB, how to successfully fulfill the board's charge, the board's history, and all its accomplishments. A major component of the retreat is allowing space for youth leaders to discuss their intentions for the year. SYAB will continue working towards achieving permanency quickly, strengthening youth contact with caseworkers, and strengthening sibling contact. 

“I found the retreat very astonishing. I was able to meet people I've only seen virtually, learn more about others' interests, and find a number of ways to stay connected. It was great to work with everyone, it felt like we've been doing the in-person meetings since the beginning of time even though it had been two years in the making!” - JP

During this quarter’s meeting, a professional etiquette coach was hired to teach the youth basics etiquette. Participants learned about making first impressions and lasting impressions, how to properly introduce oneself, standard courtesies, and what to say and not say in professional settings.  

This year, SYAB was presented with a unique opportunity. The Selfless Love Foundation, an organization based out of Florida that works to improve the child welfare system and the lives of youth in care, invited Illinois DCFS YAB (along with other state agencies) to participate in what they are calling Foster Youth Voice (FYV) month. FYV month is an opportunity for youth to safely use their voices to impact change. Youth with lived experience in the foster care system from each state was invited to write a blog describing an experience in the child welfare system in which using their voice made a difference. During the retreat, SYAB members wrote a collective piece detailing ways SYAB has made a difference in Illinois’ child welfare system. Submitted blogs will be published on The Imprint website for child welfare professionals to view in the month of October.  

The retreat is also a time for youth to develop group dynamics, build relationships, build trust, and inspire teamwork. With that, youth leaders participated in several exercises with the hope of accomplishing the aforementioned goals. Two noteworthy exercises included: a trust walk that helped participants learn to trust each other and an escape room that required the group to work as a team. AND like any other retreat, we were sure to leave room for fun. A hayride, bonfire, outdoor swimming, canoeing, and dodgeball were amongst the many activities to name a few.  

“What the retreat meant for me was to be able to get out of my living space for a weekend. Also, to have fun with the youth that were there that I had met before and the new ones. To make bonds and connections and have fun and do new things that I haven't done before, but also have the time to get work done that needs to be done. There is a time to work and there is a time to play and hangout. You work hard and play harder.” - DP 

"My experience on my first SYAB retreat was inspiring. I met new people that gave me new hope that individuals actually want good in the world. I felt very accepted, and the space was non-judgmental." - S.L