| Part of YLAT's
mission is to educate and advise the Maine Legislature, mostly
through meetings with and testimony before legislative committees.
YLAT members discuss these issues with one another, with Department
of Human Services staff and other relevant individuals to prepare
for presenting their experiences, insights and recommendations
before the legislative body.
In 2001, YLAT members received training from former state
representative Michael Brennan on how to effectively influence
public policy. This training turned into a publication called
Influencing Public Policy in Your State: A Guide for Youth
in Care. This publication is available by contacting YLAT
and can be accessed online [link].
Since 1999, YLAT has appeared before the legislature a number
of times to testify about pending legislation and to inform
committees conducting studies on child welfare issues. YLAT
members have addressed a number of policy issues in this forum.
In 1999, YLAT members prepared and provided testimony before
the Joint Committee on Education regarding the Tuition Waiver
for Youth in Foster bill. Because of their efforts, Maine
became the third state in the nation to pass a tuition waiver
bill for youth in foster care.
In 2000, YLAT members provided testimony before the Health
and Human Services Committee regarding services to families
to prevent removal of children.
Also in 2000, YLAT members appeared before a Special Legislative
Commission studying child abuse.
- The final report of the Commission is on the Maine Legislatures
web site. [link]
In 2001 YLAT members participated in the review of the Department
of Human Services by testifying before the Health and Human
Services Committee reviewing the Department of Human Services
in 2001.
- YLAT also presented a summary report on key issues and
recommendations regarding youth experiences in foster care.
[link]
- Media coverage of YLATs testimony appeared in a variety
of newspapers across the state. [Sun
Journal, Portland
Press Herald, Bangor
Daily News, Kennebec
Journal and the Morning Sentinal]
- The final report of the Committees review is on the Maine
Legislatures web site. [link]
- The final report on the Committee to review the Child
Protective System can also be found on the Maine Legislatures
web site. [link]
Are you interested in being more closely involved with legislative
activities? Contact us!
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