The ACS Youth Leadership Council (YLC) provides a voice and platform for young people currently and formerly involved with the child welfare and juvenile justice system in NYC to participate in planning, policy development, and decision-making that impacts them and their communities. We believe young people are the experts when it comes to determining their needs and measuring the impact that child serving systems have in creating viable and effective solutions to mitigating and resolving many of the complex social and economic issues they face.
The YLC aims to address issues around permanency, housing, finances, employment, education, social justice, coaching/mentoring and much more. YLC members meet once-a-month, and receive ongoing support and coaching from ACS Youth Engagement Staff and check ins from ACS leadership on a regular basis.
The YLC believes building connections and networking is a crucial aspect to young people becoming positive leaders and effective advocates as well as achieving successful transitions into adulthood. Through team building exercises, workshops, and on the job training, young people have access to the tools to help them develop and grow in an everchanging society. The YLC is working on policy reform, creating a YLC webpage, and keeping youth connected during these uncertain times.