You’re Invited to the National Policy Council’s First Roundtable of 2025
1 in 3 young people in foster care experience serious mental health challenges, but far too many never get the support they deserve. Why? Because the system is often set up to react to a crisis instead of preventing it, and the care provided doesn’t always match what youth actually need.
That changes here.
On September 30, 2025, the National Foster Youth & Alumni Policy Council (the Council) is bringing together young people, foster parents, child welfare professionals, and policymakers for an urgent conversation about what it really takes to support mental health in foster care. And you’re invited.
Who's Leading This
The Council is a national group of young people with lived experience in foster care who use their stories, skills, and leadership to shape better policies. They’ve sat in courtrooms. They’ve lived in group homes. They’ve navigated therapy that didn’t fit—and sometimes found what worked. This Roundtable isn’t about theories. It’s about real-life solutions designed with youth, not just for them.
Why This Event is Different
This isn’t another panel where people talk about foster youth without them in the room. This is led by young people with lived experience in foster care: centered on lived experience and practical change.
We’ll dive deep into three core themes that are reshaping the conversation on mental health in foster care:
Rethinking the Role of Normalcy: Everyday Experiences as Mental Health Care
How everyday routines, relationships, and choices can build emotional well-being.
Centering Youth Voice: Identity, Autonomy, and Accountability
Why identity, autonomy, and accountability matter, and how to make them non-negotiable.
Opening Doors: Expanding Culturally-Aligned Services
Opening doors to culturally-aligned services that actually meet the needs of young people and their families.
And for the first time, the Council will unveil a brand-new work product packed with actionable strategies, so attendees can walk away with tools to create change in their own communities.
Event Details
When
September 30, 2025
11am – 12:30pm PDT
Cost
There is no cost to attend – we just want you to be there!
Why It Matters to YOU
- Young People in Care or Alumni: Your perspective is the missing piece in conversations about mental health. This is a space where your voice is heard, respected, and acted on.
- Foster Parents: Understand the role you play in daily mental health support, and get ideas to make your home a place of healing.
- Child Welfare Professionals: Learn how to remove system barriers and implement youth-driven solutions that work in real life.
- Policymakers & Leaders: Hear directly from youth about what needs to change and leave with strategies ready for policy and program action.
Join the Discussion
This conversation will shape the future of mental health in foster care, and we’re inviting you to be part of it.
Share this event with your networks, colleagues, and communities. Change starts when we show up together.