Florida Department of Children and Families launches Statewide Youth Advisory Board to empower youth with lived experience in the child welfare system

Tallahassee, Florida – The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has taken a major step toward amplifying youth voices in the state’s child welfare system with the launch of the Statewide Youth Advisory Board. Announced today during Foster Youth Voice Month, this new youth-led initiative is designed to elevate the perspectives of young people with lived experience in Florida’s child welfare system, giving them a formal platform to influence policies and programs that affect their lives.

The Statewide Youth Advisory Board represents a significant expansion of DCF’s efforts to engage youth in meaningful leadership roles. By creating a space where young people can provide feedback, share insights, and propose solutions, the Department is ensuring that the voices of those directly impacted by the child welfare system are central to decision-making processes. Beyond providing input, the Board equips members with the tools, information, and resources needed to advocate effectively for themselves and their peers. In doing so, it bridges the gap between lived experience and policy development, helping the Department enhance its services with empathy, transparency, and accountability.

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we continue to put the people we serve at the very center of everything we do,” said Department of Children and Families 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.”

Read also: Secretary of State Cord Byrd honors Pedro Zepeda with the 2025 Florida Folk Heritage Award for his dedication to Seminole traditional arts

The creation of this board builds on the success of the Department’s Youth Subcommittee, established in 2023 to increase collaboration with youth organizations across Florida. While the Subcommittee laid important groundwork, young leaders expressed a desire for a more formal structure that offered greater access, influence, and leadership opportunities. The Statewide Youth Advisory Board answers that call, providing both voting and non-voting membership options, extensive training, and regular opportunities to engage directly with Department leadership.

Membership is open to youth and young adults who have personal experience in Florida’s child welfare system. Voting members will include up to 21 individuals ages 18–23, while additional non-voting seats will be available for youth and young adults ages 14–26 who wish to engage in advocacy and leadership activities statewide. Members must reside in Florida during their term and demonstrate a commitment to active participation. Applicants are required to be sponsored by a Community-Based Care Lead Agency or a youth advocacy organization, which will support their engagement in board activities.

The Board will meet regularly throughout the year, both virtually and in person, to review Department initiatives, identify areas for improvement, and collaborate on recommendations to strengthen support for youth and young adults. Members will receive training in leadership, public speaking, and policy development, working alongside Department leadership and community partners to improve outcomes in critical areas such as the transition to adulthood.

Read also: Governor Ron DeSantis signs proclamation officially recognizing Veterans Day and Veterans Appreciation Month across Florida this November

The Statewide Youth Advisory Board provides a formal pathway for youth voices to inform policy and program decisions, ensuring that young people are not just recipients of services, but active participants in shaping the systems that serve them. By fostering collaboration, providing skill-building opportunities, and amplifying lived experience, the initiative reflects the Department’s commitment to youth empowerment, equity, and meaningful engagement.

Young people interested in applying are encouraged to submit their applications online at www.myflfamilies.com/statewide-youth-advisory-board. With this launch, Florida is taking a significant step forward in centering youth voices, demonstrating that the perspectives of those who have experienced the child welfare system are essential to building stronger programs and improving outcomes for children and young adults across the state.