Our Work
NEYC facilitates monthly virtual meetings with Youth Advocates (16-23) and their Adult Supporters and longer, biannual conferences both online and in-person. Youth advocates stay connected to their state’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) and facilitate information sharing between NEYC and their YABs. NEYC is the complimentary youth group for the New England Association of Child Welfare Commissioners and Directors (NEACWCD), we aim to provide the NEACWCD with youth perspectives and creative solutions through our shared goal of supporting youth and families in the Child Welfare System.
Monthly Advisory Meetings
Each month, NEYC members meet via Zoom for an hour. This is an opportunity for cross-collaboration between all six New England states. Members have a chance to share priorities their state is working on, and work on topic areas/skills that benefit them beyond their advocacy involvement through NEYC. Often members learn about approaches they would like to bring back to their home state and gain a sense of belonging through shared experiences across the region.
Sibling Bill of Rights
The Sibling Bill of Rights aims to protect the relationship between siblings during their time in foster care. These rights are intended to guide states, agencies and resource parents in an effort to preserve and maintain these important relationships.
Normalcy Definition
"Normal” refers to standards or usual activities regularly experienced by youth not in out-of-home care. "Out-of-home care" includes residential treatment facilities, foster homes, group homes, and placements with relatives or kin. In addition to "standard or usual activities", normalcy for youth in out-of-home care includes opportunities for input and participation in decision-making for their cases and day-to-day lives.
Normalcy Bill of Rights
Normalcy Toolkit
NEYC Regional Youth Leadership Conference
Twice a year, NEYC members come together for conferences. Our winter conference is held virtually and serves as a chance for participants to connect with one another, and go deeper into a skill area or training. Keynote speakers from across the country are invited to come to this space to share their experiences, expertise and help our NEYC members deepen their skillset.
In the summer, youth advocates and adult supporters come together for an in-person overnight conference. This provides a chance for members to connect on a deeper level, present in front of their peers on selected topic issues, and work together on areas impacting the child welfare system. The Child Welfare Commissioners and Directors attend this meeting and have the chance to meet and hear directly from members of NEYC about their hopes, wishes, and perspectives of the Child Welfare System.
Past NEYC Projects
Project Bank Account
GOAL: Create a bank account for every youth entering foster care in New England at the age of 13+.
Normalcy Implementation
GOAL: Turn the Normalcy Bill of Rights, Normalcy Definition and Normalcy Toolkit into online continuing education training modules for social workers, providers and caregivers in New England.
Driving to Success
GOAL: Ensure youth in foster care in New England are able to obtain their driver's license prior to the age of 18.