Real system change takes collaboration across youth, caregivers, and professionals. In partnership with Casey Child and Family Services (CFS), FosterClub is proud to announce the Standing Work Group (SWG), a team of experienced young advisors who will work alongside CFS leadership and staff, parents, and kin/relative caregivers to guide improvements across child and family well-being.

SWG members bring lived experience in foster care plus professional experience in advocacy, case management, research, and community support. Their role is to work collaboratively on projects with CFS to highlight where systems fall short, recommend realistic solutions, and help partners stay accountable to youth and families.

Meet the Standing Work Group members

Jordan Otero (he/him), 4 years in Indiana foster care system

Jordan is a former foster youth from Indiana and an Intensive Foster Care Case Manager for The Villages of Indiana. He has been advocating for older youth aging out of care since 2017 and testified before the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee in January 2024.

“With my vast experience of being in foster care and now being a case manager in Indiana, and also being a LEAD ambassador with Foster Success, I have so much to add to any organization and project that can improve the lives of current and former foster youth.”

Cinthia Garcia (she/her), 7 years in Indiana foster care system

Cinthia entered foster care at 16 and is now pursuing a degree in Spanish while advocating for equity and support for youth facing language barriers and housing instability. She was named Outstanding Youth Advocate in 2024.

“This opportunity offers a unique chance to make a direct impact on the foster care system and work alongside experienced professionals to shape meaningful change…I believe my voice and perspective can help improve practices and policies that will benefit young people like me.”

Tina Harris (she/her), 8 years in New Mexico foster care system

Tina is a former foster youth and Fellow at the American Institutes for Research (AIR). She has served on the New Mexico Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee since 2014 and works to prevent the criminalization of foster youth.

“This opportunity aligns with the work I've spent years concentrating on: continuing the fight for each individual to have a voice and improved quality of life.”

Larry Banks (he/him), 18 years in California foster care system

Larry is a passionate advocate for foster youth and uses his personal experience to help others navigate the child welfare system. He works in the YMCA’s permanent connections program, helping youth rebuild relationships with family and supportive adults.

“I'm excited to leverage my lives experience to make a positive impact on many lives, and learn from the experiences of others in the group”

Taylor Barnett, (she/her), 11 years in Idaho foster care system

Taylor is a committed advocate for youth in foster care, using her personal experiences to support and empower others. A graduate of Grand Canyon University, she has spoken across the country about the need for better outcomes in the foster care system.

“I’m excited for the connections I am going to make within the Standing Work Group, and for the impact the group will have for Casey Child and Family Services and future foster youth!”

Why This Work Matters

Too often, decisions about foster care are made without including the very people they affect most: young people themselves. By centering lived experience and partnering with dedicated professionals like Casey Child and Family Services, we're modeling what true collaboration looks like. Listening to young people and investing in their leadership creates smarter, more compassionate systems.

Sign up for FosterClub email alerts and follow us on social media @fosterclub as we share the work of both the Standing Work Group in the coming months!