About

Founded in 1988 by a group of foster youth and volunteer supporters from around the state, California Youth Connection (CYC) is guided by current and former foster youth at all levels, including our board of directors and staff. Our mission is to develop leaders who empower each other and their communities to transform the foster care system through legislative, policy, and practice change.

CYC invests in youth leadership to transform foster care to a structure built on love, compassion, and practical support for young people.

To accomplish this, CYC engages in:
• Peer-to-peer community building
• State and local policy and legislative advocacy
• Training in best practices for child welfare and other professionals working with foster youth
• Local community outreach and education on topics identified by young people