Day at the Capitol

California Youth Connection's (CYC) annual Day at the Capitol (DAC) conference has resulted in the passage of dozens of new laws and policies that have profoundly improved the lives of children and youth in foster care. Our conferences have become national models of youth-led advocacy.

What is Day at the Capitol?

Day at the Capitol (DAC) is a 4-day event where CYC members are trained on the legislative process by other youth members. Attendees have the opportunity to meet with members of the California legislature to discuss their ideas for improving the foster care and juvenile justice systems by advocating for our sponsored bills.

At DAC 2025, CYC members met with members of the California legislature to garner support for our sponsored bills AB 562 and AB 373, both of which have now been signed into law!

Changing Laws Since 1993

AB 12 (BASS AND BEALL): EXTENSION OF FOSTER CARE SERVICES UNTIL AGE 21

Foster youth can choose to stay in care and receive services until they turn 21. There are more housing options, including independent living and school dorms. AB 12 also allows California to get federal money for these services.

AB 175 (GIPSON): MODERNIZING THE FOSTER YOUTH BILL OF RIGHTS

After passing the first foster youth bill of rights in California, CYC members fought to update the Foster Youth Bill of Rights. It adds new rights for foster youth, like having care that understands their culture, access to cultural services and activities, being able to see their case plan and court records, having access to computer technology and the internet, and access to grooming products regardless of how they identify.

+ Plus over 50 other laws

Your Sponsorship Matters!

Sponsor a CYC member registration of $1,000 to ensure their voices, stories, and expertise make it to the California State Capitol. Together we can build community and strengthen our local organizing efforts to address the critical needs and supports of those in foster care.

CYC Members at DAC

About California Youth Connection

California Youth Connection (CYC) is a youth-led nonprofit organization that develops and grows leaders who empower each other and our communities to transform the foster care and intersecting systems through community-led organizing, legislative, policy, and practice change.

Mission

Our mission is to develop leaders from among the population of current or former system-involved youth, to empower each other and their communities to transform the foster care system through legislative, policy, and practice change.

Vision

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

California Youth Connection is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (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.

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Day at the Capitol 2026

By California Youth Connection (CYC)

Day at the Capitol 2026

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