Founded in 1988 by a group of young people with experience in foster care and volunteer supporters from around the state, California Youth Connection (CYC) formed into a youth-led organization guided by current and former foster youth at all levels, including our board of directors and staff. Our mission is to develop leaders who empower each other and their communities to transform the foster care system through legislative, policy, and practice change.

For over 30 years since our founding, California Youth Connection has grown into a unique model of youth leadership, rooted in a deep respect for young people and the power of their expertise through their lived experience combined with political education. Through community organizing, training, and advocacy programs, we ensure that our members—young people ages 14-24 who have experienced foster care—know that their perspective and leadership is pivotal to shaping the narrative and policies around foster care in California and beyond.

OUR VOICES, OUR FUTURE!

California Youth Connection is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #943141616). All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.