Purpose:
The Oregon Child Welfare Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of young people, ages 14–25, who have been in foster care or other out-of-home placements in Oregon. The council gives youth a chance to speak up, share their experiences, and help shape the foster care system so it actually works for kids and families.
Youth on the council work with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and other adults who make decisions, giving real advice about what helps—and what doesn’t—for young people in foster care.
For adults, the YAC is a way to hear directly from youth, get ideas straight from the people who know the system best, and make programs and policies better.
If you're an interest holder in the Oregon Child Welfare System and would like to request the assistance of the YAC for feedback on policies, practices, program, or participation in training, education or other projects to improve the Oregon Child Welfare System, please click the link above to complete a request form. The YAC is supported by FosterClub staff who will review the request and follow up within one week.
Questions? Email [email protected]
Meet the Oregon Youth Advisory Council
What the Council is working on...
- The OR YAC meets twice each month to check in with one another and move forward their work.
- They met for the first time in Salem, Oregon to build community, share their stories of lived experience in foster care and identify ways they believe the system could support children, youth and families better!
- Their first major project was providing input about revisions to the Oregon Foster Youth Bill of Rights and Sibling Bill of Rights.
- Check back regularly for other 2026 priorities!
Timeline:
- We recruit for the Oregon YAC once each year in August and September
- Up to 20 youth representing all areas of Oregon, lived experiences in child welfare and identities are recruiting to ensure diverse perspectives.
- Council meets twice each month virtually and twice each year in person (fall and spring).
- Interested in getting involved with the OR YAC? Email [email protected] and let us know!