good news!

On June 19, 2025, the Safe Landings Act for Older Youth went into effect in the state of New York. This legislation ensures that older youth who age out of care are still able to claim the benefits allocated to them in Family Court.

The Safe Landings Act allows youth who have left foster care to seek enforcement or contempt when the Local Social Services District fails to comply with court orders issued before the youth left care which required the provision of supports and services such as housing assistance, documents, and driver’s licenses.

Statewide / NY State-Level Opportunities

Here are several leadership & advocacy opportunities and resources for foster youth in New York State, including peer‐led boards, internships, state programs, and coalitions.

Fostering Youth Success Alliance (FYSA)
A statewide advocacy group for youth with foster care experience. Offers opportunities like the Youth Advocate Internship Program where youth help shape policy, raise awareness, and participate in events. FYSA Youth Advocate Internship Application: you can apply directly. fysany.org

NY Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS) Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
Provides youth with lived experience of foster care a platform to contribute perspectives in policy development and implementation of state programs. Contact OCFS to see how to join. Their website has details: Office of Children and Family Services

Youth In Progress (YIP)
A New York State youth in care program that promotes “Speak Outs” and training/events for youth to connect, share, and advocate. Their website lists events/training; following them or contacting them directly is the way to engage. youthinprogress.org

Children’s Defense Fund – New York (CDF-NY)
Engages youth with lived experience in several campaigns: for example, YouthNPower: Transforming Care, and works on policy coalitions and advocacy around child welfare, legal rights, etc. Their site shows current campaigns you may join; some may have leadership roles or youth advisory involvement. Children's Defense Fund

Local / NYC & Metro Opportunities

Fair Futures (Center for Fair Futures)
A youth-led advocacy coalition in NYC for foster youth, including a Youth Advisory Board (YAB), coaching, professional development, advocacy campaigns (e.g. funding, housing). The Fair Futures website has a YAB section and sign-ups. fairfuturesny.org

NYC ACS Youth Leadership Council (YLC)
For youth in / formerly in child welfare / juvenile justice in NYC. Meets monthly; works on issues like housing, education, employment; gives policy input. You can apply via ACS Youth Engagement Staff; check ACS site. New York City Government

New Yorkers for Children - Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
For youth aged 15-26 currently or formerly in foster care in NYC. Peer leadership, awareness-raising, advocacy of foster youth issues. Their website outlines how to join and what they do. NYFC - New Yorkers For Children

Children’s Aid – Fostering Youth Success Alliance
Local NYC branch coalitions; works on advocacy, organizing youth for legislative action, training; mentions volunteer/advocacy roles. They may share opportunities via newsletter; reach out to policy/public-affairs teams. Children's Aid

Other Useful Programs / Trainings

Foster Club All Star Internship (NY State)
Internship for NYS youth, with leadership training to improve outcomes for foster youth. Office of Children and Family Services

The Door Youth Leadership Programs
Non-specific to foster youth only, but offers youth councils, leadership skill building, public health peer educator roles etc., in NYC. Could be accessible & useful. door.org