MI’s Foster Youth Voice Initiative

In 2024, the Michigan Departments of Education and Health and Human Services engaged with the Michigan Youth Opportunity Initiative (MYOI) in partnership with advocacy agency and college staff who engage directly with students in foster care. Youth were invited by staff to participate in a series of four sessions to share their experiences as students in foster care. Participants included youth currently in high school and recent graduates, including college students. Foster care alumni helped to facilitate the sessions and create a safe environment for authentic youth engagement. Youth shared freely and were financially compensated for their time. Adult supporters were allowed to attend, but they could only participate as listeners to truly center youth voice. Positive outcomes included the issuance of the Michigan Educator Resource Guide for Understanding and Implementing LEA Stability for High School Youth Experiencing Foster Care, which included quotes and lessons learned from the youth, and a state board of education presentation report.

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