Finding Your Voice: Supporting the Self-Advocacy of Youth in the Care of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families

Connecticut Voices for Children released a report that examined the importance of supporting self-advocacy skills for youth in the care of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF). After conducting extensive research using interviews, focus groups and surveys, the study finds evidence that youth in State care are more likely to fall behind on a number of metrics including education, housing, and college persistence. In response to these findings, Voices has developed recommendations that focus on changes to policy, programs, and employment practices as well as modifications in State law and funding to support these modifications. By establishing strong self-advocacy skills, Connecticut’s youth in care will be better prepared to address the challenges of being in care and have more confidence to strive towards their goals for the future.