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
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?
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ABOUT US
Oregon Foster Youth Connection is a program of Children First for Oregon.
Learn more at www.cffo.org
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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.