Youth Engagement Project (YEP)
The Youth Engagement Project (YEP) is a partnership between CFPIC and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to improve Child Welfare policies, programs and practices by building capacity for youth engagement at the state and local level.
YEP works with counties to engage current or former foster youth on local projects designed to strengthen Child Welfare systems. These youth, called YEP Ambassadors, can engage with county coordinators in a variety of ways.
Our 2025 Accomplishments
- Partnered with 10,000 Degrees to highlight education opportunities for youth in care. webinar.
- Co-led the Foster Youth Education Summit (Orange County); youth ambassadors designed and delivered a standout student program for 100+ peers and nearly 800 attendees.
- Supported the CDSS ILP Convening, featuring Sacramento and San Joaquin counties' youth engagement work.
- Lead Ambassador Aliyana advocated for foster youth in Washington D.C. with the National Foster Youth Institute.
- Completed UC Davis Safety Organized Practice (SOP) training, providing youth-informed feedback.
- Co-hosted a statewide webinar on supporting transition-age youth, highlighting cross-system strategies and CalAIM opportunities.
- Launched the inaugural YEP Coaching Institute, pairing youth with lived-experience coaches; strong feedback and expansion planned.
YEP Statewide Impact
Youth Ambassadors provide consultation and technical assistance to inform state policy and planning, including:
- Prevention Convening
- CANS/CFT Steering Committee
- NYTD Workgroup
- CWDA TAY Subcommittee
- Kin First Culture & Accelerator
- ILP resources and county guide development
- CA Foster Youth Education Task Force
- Quality Parenting Initiative survey development
- Foster Youth Rights brochure feedback
- Homeless Resources
- Foster Youth Tax Training
- All County Letter and Information Notices
Looking Ahead
Youth Ambassadors and their county partners are strategizing for future county projects, such as:
- Feedback into the Request for Proposal (RFP) selection process, specifically for services that serve youth in care.
- Creation of a foster youth advisory board.
- Training for social workers and resource parents regarding Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) and importance of sibling relationships.
- Training for social workers regarding the emergency response process
- Focus groups to better understand barriers to participation in Independent Living Skills (ILSP) training.
- Guiding Family Finding processes.
- Increasing high school graduation and college enrollment for foster youth.
YEP in Action
YEP Ambassadors Lauren Mendez and Sophia Jeffe testified before the California Senate Human Services Committee, sharing powerful lived experience and advocating for a Kin-First Culture in child welfare. Their courage, insight, and leadership are helping shape a stronger future for California families.
YEP Ambassadors were featured in this Foster Care Month reflection video, created by San Luis Obispo county.
Ambassador Jonathan shared his story on impact social workers can have on the lives of youth.
Youth Ambassador Maritza Alcazar shares her experience in the foster care system, including the impact of being separated from her siblings and the meaningful support she received from a social worker along the way. Preview Maritza’s story below and click here for permission to access the full video.
Learn about how YEP is a win for youth, counties, and the state by viewing the video below.
The Impact of YEP in Counties
Through the wisdom and expertise cultivated by lived experience, our current Youth Ambassadors are working closely with their local county partners to guide and improve policies, supports, and resources for the youth involved in the foster care system. Here are some of the projects in the YEP counties:
- The creation of mental health brochures for various age groups that provide resources for youth in care.
- The review and input into county policies that directly impact youth in care.
- Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP) events for youth in care in multiple counties.
- An improved website for current and former foster youth, including a communication hub.
- Monthly articles in a countywide newsletter on various youth-informed topics.
- A resource guide for youth who speak English as a second language.
- The ongoing recruitment of specialized resource homes for teens.
- Human trafficking education and outreach materials.
- Participation on a cross-sector panel on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE).
- Participation in local Interagency Leadership Team (ILT).
- Development of Independent Living Program (ILP) resources.
- Support for youth needing their REAL ID.
Contact YEP!
The Youth Engagement Project at CFPIC currently partners with multiple counties in California to provide funding and program support to expand youth voice in Child Welfare systems. If you are interested in more information about YEP, please contact Margo Fudge at margo.fudge@cfpic.org.
If you’d like to request a youth ambassador to participate at your meeting or event, email yep@cfpic.org.