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Eligibility

  • You must have personal experience within the child welfare system (foster care, adoption, guardianship, or independent living.
  • Be 14 years of age and older.
  • Have an interest in making a difference.

Commitment

  • Attend YLC meetings
  • Notify staff and peers if unable to attend
  • Be inclusive and keep and open mind

Benefits

  • Collaborate with community partners, CPS/DPFS staff and leadership, and other key decision makers.
  • Build community and expand your network
  • Increase your leadership, advocacy, and communication skills
  • Participation stipends (when applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I qualify to be a Lived Experience Leader?

Lived Experience: You must have personal experience within the child welfare system (foster care, adoption, guardianship, or independent living.

Age: If you are a Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) youth 14+ and interested in advocacy, leadership and fun activities! Please note that for some events/programs you may have to be 18+ to participate.

Who are we at what are we not?

We are a youth-led leadership movement that strives to amplify youth voices and facilitate the youth-adult partnerships. We provide different opportunities for networking, learning, advocating, and having fun!

It is not a paid internship, fellowship, or employer.  

What counties do you currently serve?

We proudly serve Hidalgo, Starr, Cameron and Willacy Counties.

Equal Opportunity for all

We encourage young people from low-income families, of color, LGBTQIA2S+, immigrants, with disabilities, or from other underrepresented communities to join.

Non-Discrimination Policy