Young Leaders with Lived Experience – Opportunities to Make Change
Did you have lived foster care experience as a youth or young adult? Do you have a strong desire to change the foster care system to improve the supports and services provided to older youth and young adults? Are you passionate about advocacy and are ready to partner with like-minded peers? If you answered yes to either of those questions – perhaps you should think about joining one of our state’s young leadership advocacy groups – Georgia Peers Advocating for Change (GPAC), GA EmpowerMEnt, or the Amerigroup Youth Advisory Council. Below you will find information about each of the groups and how to get plugged in. Remember, real change happens when the people who need it LEAD IT!
Georgia Peers Advocating for Change
Georgia Peers Advocating for Change (GPAC) is the Georgia Division of Family Children Services’ Statewide Youth Advisory Board. The GPAC board was established in the fall of 2020 to support the ongoing and consistent infusion of youth voice in all aspects of child welfare. GPAC consists of youth and young adults ages 16-26 with lived foster care experience. Board members represent each regional coverage area of the state and work with local and state leadership to support improved case planning and overall child welfare system enhancements.
***Click here to learn more about us***
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***(Attach PDF Application and PDF Infographic)***
Georgia EmpowerMEnt
EmpowerMEnt is an initiative founded by former and current foster youth in Georgia who are working with community leaders to change the foster care system. Our trained advocates are willing to be the voices for youth currently in foster care and collaborate with others to change the system for the better.
Amerigroup Youth Advisory Council
The Georgia Families 360° Program at Amerigroup’s Youth Advisory Council is comprised of a group of young people ages 16 – 24 across the state who serve as advocates for their peers, community and provide input on issues facing adolescents and young adults. The YAC will also provide input to the GF360° program leadership and steering committee on programming related to transitional age youth and bring valuable youth perspectives and voice to the organization’s work on issues facing adolescents and young adults.