ABOUT US

Oregon Foster Youth Connection (OFYC) empowers current and former foster youth to share their voice and to be heard in key decisions affecting children and youth in foster care. With peer support, leadership skills, and civic engagement, these inspiring youth take the lead in improving their own lives and the lives of thousands of kids in Oregon’s foster care system.

Youth Leadership

Foster youth grow as leaders by developing solutions for Oregon’s foster care system. From their unique perspective as youth who have experienced foster care, OFYC members participate in key child welfare advisory meetings, provide education on foster care issues, and advocate for policy change in the Oregon Legislature. They learn to communicate effectively, problem-solve, and work on a team to achieve their goals.

Meaningful Support

Through peer support and adult mentorship, members have the opportunity to build community with foster youth from all walks of life. Participating youth gain confidence from their experiences in foster care while building a foundation of support for a productive and successful adulthood.

Lasting Impact

OFYC youth establish long-term change within the foster care system by developing and advocating for policies in the Oregon Legislature. Wins secured by youth include the Foster Children’s Sibling Bill of Rights, a tuition waiver at state universities and community colleges for youth who spent time in Oregon’s foster care system, and the ability for foster children to open savings accounts in their own name. Alumni of OFYC have moved on to higher education, leadership roles in government, and career paths that build on the skills gained in OFYC.

Legislative Achievements

OFYC was founded in 2008 by a staff member of Children First for Oregon who experienced foster care as a youth. The very first OFYC meeting included four youth and two adults. Today, OFYC has members from all over the state, and we have been successful in passing every piece of legislation that our members have developed and advocated for in the Oregon State Legislature.

Sibling Bill of Rights | 2017

Ensures that youth in care are supported in preserving and strengthening relationships with their siblings.

“When you are in the foster care system, siblings are all the connection that you have. They know what you are going through; they know everything. They want to help you. They want to stick by you.” — Raven, OFYC member

Extracurricular Activities | 2015

Gives youth in care the opportunity to participate in activities with their peers, develop their talents, and build lifelong relationships by ensuring that Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and foster parents work together to support youth in joining at least one ongoing extracurricular activity.

“I knew that I needed something to help me get through my challenges or I’d shut down. I put all I had into extracurricular activities and found that it helped immensely. I came to realize I love helping others, being a leader, and standing up for what I believe in. Because of my activities, I have a plan of what I intend to do after I graduate.” — Alexis, OFYC member

Savings Account | 2015

Ensures that foster youth 12 years old or older receive direct assistance from DHS in establishing their own savings accounts.

Bill of Rights | 2013

Establishes clear requirements for informing foster youth about their legal rights and establishes a hotline answered by the Foster Care Ombudsman, which is an independent resource to investigate complaints, concerns, or violation of rights for children in the custody of Oregon DHS Foster Care.

“As a foster child, all you want to know is that someone has your back. By educating foster children about their rights, and setting up a grievance procedure if their rights are violated, we make one solid push to give foster kids safety and protection. That’s the very minimum any parent wants for their kid.” — Patrick, OFYC member

Tuition Waiver | 2011

Waives tuition and fees at state universities and community colleges for youth who spent time in Oregon’s foster care system.

“I want the chance to succeed. I have the grades, now I know I’ll have the resources.” — Nicole, OFYC member

Medical Assistance | 2010

Grants eligibility for Oregon Health Plan Plus healthcare coverage for all youth in Oregon’s foster care system when they turn 18.

Driving Privileges | 2009

Requires DHS to provide assistance to foster youth in obtaining a driver’s license.

Meet OUR MEMBERS

Coming soon!

MEET OUR STAFF

Lisa McMahon

Program Director

About Lisa

Lisa is OFYC’s Program Director. During her time at OFYC, she has been able to assist youth in making substantial changes to Oregon’s foster care system; a system they themselves have experienced. The youth Lisa works with have done this by using their knowledge of the system to bring forth legislation, inform rules and policy, and educate those who work directly with youth in care.

From the beginning of Lisa’s career as a high school Special Education teacher, to studying self-determination for nearly a decade while at Portland State University’s Regional Research Institute on Human Services, it has been clear that Lisa is passionate about and dedicated to empowering young people. Lisa loves helping youth find their “spark,” while providing them the support necessary to succeed in their goals.

When Lisa, a Michigan native, is not focused on improving the lives of youth in care, she likes to spend time with friends and family. Lisa also loves to travel, take hikes, listen to live music, and eat at the many amazing restaurants in Portland.

You can reach Lisa at Lisa@cffo.org, (503) 236-9754, or on Facebook!

Kate Rosenstein Houston

Program Coordinator

About Kate
Kate is OFYC’s Program Coordinator. Kate grew up in Oregon’s child welfare system and has been a longtime advocate for youth in foster care, going back to the start of OFYC! Kate was one of the founding members of OFYC and later became Co-President. She has continued advocating for youth and working with child welfare, interning with the FosterClub AllStars, serving as a Youth Partner for Washington County Wraparound Mental Health Services, and working with Boys and Girls Aid and Youth MOVES Oregon. Kate has worked directly with youth in a variety of settings — as a mentor, as a Peer Delivered Service Provider, and as a Skills Trainer in Special Education. Kate’s experience in Special Education and child welfare has helped her target her passion in order to strengthen and build better systems of care for Oregon’s children. Kate believes that nothing is more powerful than advocacy for change, and she’s passionate about using her voice and working with youth to do the same.

In her free time, Kate enjoys hiking, road trips to the beach, baking goodies with her family, and exploring Portland’s foodie scene.

You can reach out to Kate at kate@cffo.org, (503) 236-9754, or on Facebook!

Do You Have Questions About OFYC?

Read our FAQ

What is OFYC?
We are a statewide, youth led advocacy group of current and former foster between the ages of 14 and 25. Members shape every aspect of what OFYC is, how it is structured, which policies we work on, and what activities we participate in. With support and training from Foster Youth in Action (FYA) and OFYC staff, members are empowered and given the tools they need to actively participate in the development of policies, programs, and practices that improve the lives of thousands of youth in Oregon’s foster care system.
Who can be a member?
If you are a current or former foster youth between the ages of 14 and 25, you can apply to be a member! Maybe you were adopted or are now in a guardianship, you are welcome too! All you have to do is fill out the application here. We can provide assistance if you need support in filling out the application. 
I want to connect youth to OFYC. What should I do?
If you know current and/or former foster youth and would like to connect them to OFYC, help youth fill out our “More Information” form.  You can also sign up to receive emails about opportunities for youth to participate…and help them get to an activity.
What do OFYC members do?
Members take action and make change in lots of different ways. From our unique perspective as youth who have experienced foster care, we participate in child welfare advisory meetings, provide education on foster care issues, and advocate for policy change in the Oregon Legislature. We build community with foster youth from all walks of life while learning how to communicate effectively, problem-solve, and work on a team to achieve our goals.
Do I have to be a member to get involved?
Nope. If you are a current or former foster youth, you can join our Facebook group or sign up to receive emails about the different things we are doing. Jump in when you have time and something sounds interesting!
What is the OFYC Advisory Committee?
Our OFYC Advisory Committee is a group of youth, young adults, and supportive adults who work together to make decisions about the OFYC program and its future. In partnership with our staff and members, the Advisory Committee ensures we follow the vision and mission of OFYC, guides the strategic visioning for OFYC’s future, and helps to prioritize program activities and efforts.

ABOUT US

Oregon Foster Youth Connection is a program of Children First for Oregon.

Learn more at www.cffo.org

CONTACT US

info@ofyc.org
(503) 236-9754

FOLLOW US

HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Your gift to OFYC empowers current and former foster youth to improve their own lives and the lives of thousands of kids living in Oregon’s foster care system.

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