OUR VOICES, OUR FUTURE!

Our History

California Youth Connection was founded in 1988 by a group of 17 young people with experience in foster care and volunteer supporters from around the state. The youth who founded CYC knew firsthand that far too many youth were exiting care at 18 with no safe place to go and little, if any, chance of going to college or maintaining employment. Determined to change these outcomes for generations of foster youth, they convened their peers to educate policy makers and advocate for the needs of youth in care.

Our Mission

California Youth Connection is a youth-led* organization that develops and grows leaders who empower each other and their communities to transform the foster care system through legislative and policy change. *CYC youth members lead the movement to improve the systems that impact their lives through local and statewide advocacy efforts. They also lead by partnering with the Board of Directors and Executive Director to set the organization's priorities.

Our Vision

Our vision is that youth impacted by child welfare and intersecting systems are empowered to have their needs met and the support to grow into healthy and vibrant adults.

CYC Membership & Chapters

Youth and young adults ages 14-24 with lived experienced in foster care are encouraged to become members and organize within our chapters throughout California. With the support of staff and volunteer supporters, chapters focus on leadership development, local community education, and policy implementation. CYC members also lead statewide activities including: conferences, legislative implementation, and the Statewide Membership Council (SMC).

Legislative Achievements

Since 1988, starting with a letter to the governor, our members have been discussing important issues that impact the lives of foster youth. Collectively prioritizing an annual focus, creating strategies, developing legislative language, testifying and educating policymakers, writing letters to the governor, and always keeping youth at the center has resulted in dozens of laws being passed.

The CYC Legacy

For over 35 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.

Give With Confidence

California Youth Connection is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID #94-3141616). All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.

Invest in CYC's Future Today!

Our Voices, Our Future!

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Team Members