Mission and Vision
California Youth Connection (CYC) is a youth-led* organization that develops and grows leaders who empower each other and their communities to transform the foster care system through legislative and policy change.
Our vision is that youth impacted by child welfare and intersecting systems are empowered to have their needs met and the support to grow into healthy and vibrant adults.
[*CYC youth members lead the movement to improve the systems that impact their lives through local and statewide advocacy efforts. They also lead through partnering with the Board and Executive Director to set the organization’s priorities.]
Learn About Our Community
Are you between the ages of 14-24? Do you have lived experience in the foster care and/or juvenile justice systems? Then you’re in the right place to learn about California Youth Connection youth membership and how our local chapters work!
Are you 25 years + and want to work alongside youth to create systems change? California Youth Connection is a unique youth-adult partnership that mobilizes system-impacted young people and adults in community advocacy around local issues involving youth serving systems.
Legislative & Policy Issues
California Youth Connection provides youth members a platform to engage with decision makers in statewide policy and legislative change. Learn more about this year’s policy and legislative agenda.