Who are we?
YLAT is a dynamic group of young leaders and adult partners working together to improve outcomes for youth in foster care. YLAT members take on this work with a sense of duty and on behalf of all youth who come in contact with the child welfare system. Strong youth-adult partnerships create a foundation for YLAT’s success and play a powerful role in improving foster care experiences for all youth in care in Maine.
YLAT’s youth leaders and adult partners:
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Bring Expertise
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Exercise Leadership
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Change and Grow through Participation
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Are Included Fully
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Give and Receive Respect
YLAT is a partnership between YLAT members (made up of current and former youth in foster care), the staff at the Muskie School of Public Service, caseworkers and additional staff of Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services and community members. Caregivers, service providers, lawmakers, and the legal community are examples of YLAT’s partnership with community members. Through this partnership, YLAT impacts youth in care, the child welfare system, and the larger community.