Statewide Youth Advisory Board

Statewide Youth Advisory Board

Statewide Youth Advisory Board

Overview

The Statewide Youth Advisory Board is a youth-led, self-standing group made up of youth and young adults with Lived Experience in Florida’s child welfare system. Members from across the state bring their unique voices, stories, and expertise to help shape the policies and programs that impact youth and young adults across the state.

The Statewide Youth Advisory Board serves as a direct platform for youth and young adults to share feedback, ideas, and recommendations with the Florida Department of Children and Families. Additionally, the Board provides those with lived experience in the system of care with the information, tools, and resources needed to advocate effectively on behalf of their peers. By bridging the gap between lived experience and policy development, the Board strengthens the Department’s ability to serve Florida’s young people with compassion, accountability, and respect.

The Board meets regularly throughout the year, both virtually and in person, to discuss emerging topics, review Department initiatives, and collaborate on solutions. Meeting dates and participation opportunities are shared in advance with members and partners.

Our Goals

The Statewide Youth Advisory Board works to:

  1. Promote participation of youth and young adults in Department decision-making processes, ensuring consistent and constructive feedback from individuals with lived experience.
  2. Establish a structured partnership between youth members and the Department, guided by the Youth Advisor.
  3. Equip young adults with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead impactful discussions with key stakeholders, including Department leadership.
  4. Develop leadership skills for youth members through training in advocacy, public speaking, and policy development.
  5. Improve communication between Department staff and youth communities.
  6. Maintain independence as a youth-led group while collaborating closely with the Department to improve services and policies affecting youth.
  7. Incorporate youth perspectives into Department initiatives, policies, and programs impacting their lives.

Eligibility

Membership shall be exclusively composed of Youth and Young Adults with Lived Experience in Florida's child welfare system, including out-of-home care, adoption, or independent living programs administered by the Department of Children and Families.

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Age: Voting members must be 18–23 by January 1. Non-voting members may be 14–26, and Officer positions are limited to ages 18–23.
  • Sponsorship: Applicants must be endorsed by a Community-Based Care Lead Agency (Lead Agency) or a state-recognized Youth Advocacy Organization. Lead Agencies may sponsor up to two youth or young adults each, and Youth Advocacy Organizations may sponsor up to three youth or young adults each.
  • Residency: Members must live in Florida during their term and show active involvement with child welfare services or youth advocacy efforts.

If you are interested in becoming a member, please fill out the following:

Membership Interest Form (DOCX)

Meeting Information

Past Meeting Minutes

Past Meeting Minutes