All youth in foster care need and deserve a permanent, loving family. Unfortunately, each year in Fairfax County approximately 23% of foster youth exit care without achieving permanence. All youth face challenges as they are growing up, and youth who have experienced trauma face a unique set of challenges as they transition into adulthood. More than ever, these youth need caring supportive adults to help encourage them to make good choices and resist risky behaviors and potential hardships.
Fairfax County Department of Family Services Foster Care and Adoption offers a Youth Advocate Program to help provide that much needed support to youth in foster care. Youth advocates empower, uplift, and even help to guide foster youth as they grow through life’s challenges. Youth advocates mentor and coach assigned foster youth and help them to find and use their voices.
As one of our current Youth Advocates, Nyrisha explained, “I want to inspire youth who are in care and young adults that have transitioned out of care. I want them to know my past, see me in the present and know that they have a bright future.”
In addition to providing a solid influence in the life of foster youth, advocates also have opportunities to develop skills through:
- Providing advocacy and support during team meetings for their assigned youth.
- Providing feedback to staff on various issues, policies, and projects.
- Participating in speaking engagements.
We are looking for people who are mature and self-aware regarding their own past trauma. Youth advocates will have the chance to grow and learn as they work with youth of different ethnicities, LGBTQ youth, and youth with physical/emotional disabilities or chronic illnesses.
Youth advocates can really make a difference in the life of foster care youth. As one youth explained, “Working with a youth advocate reminded me I’m not stuck as a statistic. I have freedom over my future, and I can be exactly who I choose to be.”
Another youth put it this way, "My foster care advocate Nyrisha has inspired me to do my best and reach for the stars in everything I do."
If you or someone you may know is an alumnus of foster care between the ages of 21-35 and interested in this opportunity, we would love to talk with you about your passion for working with and advocating for youth in foster care. Contact us by email or call 703-324-7588.
The core purpose of the Youth Advocate Program is to include the voice and perspective of former foster youth to improve services, experiences, and outcomes for current and future generations of youth in foster care.
Interested applicants should have: the ability to read, write, speak, and type in fluent English (at least 6th grade level); high school diploma or GED preferred; experience utilizing a computer; reliable transportation to locations in Fairfax County and surrounding areas.
Youth Advocates receive a small stipend and personal ongoing staff support for mentoring.
This article posting is part of the Foster Family News monthly newsletter designed to keep foster parents informed about all the new and notable happenings in Fairfax County.
Learn about what the Foster Care & Adoption program has planned for foster families - stay on top of trends, participate in trainings and learn about policy changes.