YLAT Involvement in Policy Development and Revision
YLAT Position Paper: Siblings in Foster Care and Adoption
[link]
Sibling Policy (created)
V9 Policy (revised)
YLAT-Advocated Bills
College Tuition Waiver Bill
Other Policies Relating to Youth
Independent Living Program
YLAT & Agency Policy
Department of Human Services and other child welfare agencies
policies have a direct influence on youth and the programs
that serve them. Many administrators have found it useful
to seek and utilize input from youth and young adults who
have been involved with their programs.
YLAT members began to actively have input into DHS policies
when the Independent Living Coordinator, Hugh Sipowicz, revised
the Extended Care Policy. Hugh met with youth across the state
to solicit their input and to make helpful changes.
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 on line [pdf].
Also in 2001, YLAT members met with Karen Westburg, the Bureau
of Child and Family Services Director. In this meeting, they
expressed concern about siblings becoming separated far too
frequently in the foster care system. Karen asked YLAT members
to compile feedback that could be used to develop the first
ever DHS policy governing sibling relationships in foster
care.
" YLAT's position paper on Siblings in Foster Care was
submitted to DHS and is being translated into policy. It is
hoped that the final policy will be completed during the summer
of 2002.
" YLAT began working with Camp To Belong in an effort
to help siblings have a better experience in Maine's care.
www.camptobelong.org
" Other states are developing policies or laws to improve
what siblings experience in foster care.
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