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Rights & Resources

Young people in foster care face many life challenges. This means it is very important for youth to know what resources are available to them while they are preparing to enter into adulthood.

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It is especially important for youth to know their rights, when they need to advocate for themselves or for others. Youth have the right to ask for help if their needs are not being met or if they have concerns about an issue.

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Child Welfare Ombudsman Program
Call: (866) 621-0758 OR (207) 623-1868


An Ombudsman (pronounced: om-budz-man) helps people when they have concerns about DHHS involvement in families’ lives. Anyone who has a concern has the right to call the Ombudsman and tell him/her about it. If you make a complaint, you can ask that your name be kept private. The Ombudsman will check out complaints and see if he/she can help get more information, notify DHHS of problems, work with people to find out what is wrong and try to fix the problem at no cost to you!

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Independence & Education Guide

The Independence and Education Guide is a resource that includes suggested steps and activities for adult supports to complete with older youth who are exploring and working towards their post-secondary, career, and independence goals. This resource supports providers and young adults to develop and learn skills that can be individualized to meet their needs, goals, and increase their skills.

Check out other resources offered on the YLAT website 

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"It is important for youth to stand up for their rights because without those rights it’s as if we (youth) have no control of ourselves."
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