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OCFS Youth Advisory Board (YAB) empowers youth with lived experience in foster care, juvenile justice, and other systems to drive meaningful change. YAB partners with state leaders to turn experience into action and shape policies that support, respect, and prepare youth for the future. Our Voice. Our Impact. Your Future. Welcome to the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Youth Advisory Board (YAB)! The OCFS YAB is made up of young leaders with lived experience in foster care, juvenile justice, homelessness, or other youth systems within New York State (NYS). Through collaboration, advocacy, and partnership with OCFS decision-makers, YAB members turn experience into action — and action into lasting impact for youth across the state. Learn More Get Involved Our Voice. Our Impact. Your Future. Mission Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut posuere diam vitae sagittis accumsan. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Vivamus congue est ut feugiat venenatis. Morbi congue iaculis accumsan. Vision Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut posuere diam vitae sagittis accumsan. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Vivamus congue est ut feugiat venenatis. Morbi congue iaculis accumsan. Mission The OCFS Youth Advisory Board gives young people in New York State who have lived in foster care or other systems a voice in improving child welfare programs and policies. In partnership with New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Youth Advisory Board members use their real-life experiences to help create fair, trauma-informed changes that better support youth who are in care or at risk of entering care. Vision The OCFS Youth Advisory Board works toward a future to make sure youth voice leads real change, and that young people with lived experience are supported, respected, and prepared for their futures. Benefits OCFS YAB members are compensated for their time while gaining leadership experience, professional development, peer support, and hands-on policy experience. Serving on the OCFS YAB builds real-world skills, strengthens résumés, and supports future careers, education, and advocacy — all while helping shape meaningful systems change. commitment OCFS YAB is a structured leadership opportunity that includes monthly meetings (two in-person annually), project-based work, and ongoing training, with flexible support to ensure members can participate in a way that honors their capacity and goals. Why the OCFS YAB? Here, your story matters, and your voice helps shape the policies, programs, and decisions that impact youth across New York State. The OCFS Youth Advisory Board empowers young people to influence change through the use of their lived experiences in the systems that serve them. Follow us on Instagram @wixstudio Load more Real Stories. Real Impact. Region 1: Buffalo Region 2: Rochester Region 3: Syracuse Region 4: Albany Region 5: Westchester Region 6: New York City Regional Map For Nominators Recommend a Youth Nominate a young person with lived experience to join the OCFS YAB and help shape systems through youth voice, leadership, and advocacy. Recommend a Youth For Organizations Request a Youth Invite an OCFS YAB member to share lived-experience insight, system feedback, and youth-centered perspectives with your organization, staff, or stakeholders. Request a Youth We’re looking for passionate young adults from across New York State to share their lived experiences and help shape the future of youth services and policies that matter. For the Youth You are eligible if . . . you are between the ages of 18 and 26 you are a youth with lived experience in the New York State child welfare system (foster care, juvenile justice, or homelessness); and you want to advocate for yourself and others! Apply Now Youth In Action Load More Resources YAB knows firsthand what it’s like to navigate basic needs, education, and financial struggles. These resources were gathered with input from young people who’ve navigated these systems themselves. They’re here to help you find what you need and push for better services in your community. HOUSING & FOOD Homeless Shelters Directory NYS Regional Food Bank U.S. Department of Housing Youth Homelessness Programs SAFETY & SUPPORT NYS Office of Victim Services NYS OCFS Linktree The Trevor Project FINANCIAL AID NYS Education & Training Program NYS Chafee Funds Program Foster Youth College Success Initiative Connect with the OCFS YAB Send us a message or email us at YAB@wrisolutions.org First name Last name Email Message Subject Message Submit Current OCFS YAB Members Our OCFS Youth Advisory Board members are young leaders with lived experience who partner with state agencies to inform policy, practice, and program improvement across New York State.