The Florida Department of Children and Families launches a new Statewide Youth Advisory Board to empower young people with lived experience in the child welfare system

Tallahassee, Florida – The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has officially announced the launch of the Statewide Youth Advisory Board, a new youth-led initiative designed to amplify the voices of young people with lived experience in the state’s child welfare system. Introduced during Foster Youth Voice Month, the Board represents a major step forward in the Department’s commitment to youth empowerment, leadership, and participation in shaping policies that directly affect their lives.

The new advisory board offers a formal platform for youth and young adults to share their insights, experiences, and recommendations directly with Department leadership. By ensuring that young voices inform decisions at the highest levels, the Board aims to strengthen child protection and well-being services across Florida. Beyond providing a voice, the initiative equips members with the tools, resources, and guidance they need to advocate effectively on behalf of their peers. This combination of lived experience and structured support is intended to bridge gaps between youth perspectives and policy development, fostering a system that is both more responsive and more compassionate.

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we continue to put the people we serve at the very center of everything we do,” said DCF Secretary Taylor N. Hatch. “The very idea to create a Statewide Youth Advisory Board originated from youth voice—and its establishment ensures their voices are not just heard, but are the driving force—informing, creating, shaping, and guiding how we strengthen supports and services to drive outcomes and relatability for youth and families across our great state.” Hatch’s remarks underscore the Department’s ongoing focus on centering youth experiences in program design and decision-making.

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The Statewide Youth Advisory Board builds on the success of the Department’s Youth Subcommittee, which was created in 2023 to increase collaboration with youth organizations across Florida. Feedback from young leaders indicated a need for a more structured and influential platform, which led to the development of the Board. The new initiative offers greater access, leadership opportunities, and the ability for youth to shape statewide advocacy efforts directly.

Membership on the Board is open to youth and young adults who have personal experience with Florida’s child welfare system. Voting members will include up to 21 individuals ages 18 to 23, while additional non-voting seats will be available for youth ages 14 to 26 who want to participate in statewide advocacy and leadership activities. Members must reside in Florida during their term and demonstrate an active interest in contributing to the Board’s work. Applicants must also be sponsored by a Community-Based Care Lead Agency or a youth advocacy organization, which will provide support for their engagement in Board activities.

Throughout the year, the Statewide Youth Advisory Board will meet regularly both virtually and in person to review Department initiatives, identify areas for improvement, and develop recommendations that strengthen supports for youth transitioning into adulthood. Members will receive training in leadership, public speaking, and policy development, working closely with Department leadership and community partners to ensure that their contributions have tangible impact.

The launch of the Statewide Youth Advisory Board represents a significant milestone in DCF’s ongoing efforts to center youth perspectives in policymaking and program development. By actively involving youth with lived experience, the Department is creating a system that not only listens to young people but also empowers them to take an active role in shaping the services and programs that affect their lives.

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Youth interested in participating are encouraged to apply online at www.myflfamilies.com/statewide-youth-advisory-board. With this new platform, Florida is providing a meaningful avenue for young leaders to influence statewide policy, advocate for their peers, and gain skills that will help them navigate life beyond the child welfare system.

The Statewide Youth Advisory Board is more than a formal committee—it is a testament to the Department’s recognition of youth as partners in shaping a better future. By combining training, mentorship, and active leadership roles, the initiative ensures that the voices of Florida’s youth are not only heard but are central to the work of strengthening the state’s child welfare system for years to come.