After successfully making their case to policymakers in Congress about needed policy action, young people from across the country proudly joined a White House bill signing ceremony of the Foster Care Independence Act. This landmark bipartisan legislation established the Chafee Program to support youth in foster care in their transition to young adulthood, including with job readiness training, education, and housing. In the 25 years since enactment, the Chafee Program has changed lives. In 2022 alone, states provided transition services to over 100,000 youth.
Beyond their work to create the Chafee Program, young advocates in 1999 sparked a new generation of leaders who are lifting their voices on reforms ranging from access to health and mental health services to ensuring youth in care can live with relatives and families. These advocates have appeared in the halls of Congress and the White House, advised governors and state legislatures, worked directly with programs and local leaders, and advocated for their own futures with their caseworkers. And their voices continue to grow louder.
Although we celebrate the incredible progress of the last 25 years, we know that the work is not yet done. With data showing systemic barriers and poor outcomes for too many youth, combined with youth-driven reform agendas that call for bold changes. To showcase current priorities in the movement, throughout the report we lift up issue areas where there is current and ongoing advocacy.