Future Advocates and Leaders is a group of young people who are or have been in out- of-home care. They advocate for change in the child welfare system to better serve teens and young adults.

• FAL is the name and direction for young adults and teens who have or are transitioning from care.
• FAL is a place where youth can build their voices and speak out for change.
• FAL is a place for youth to socialize with other youth that understand their experiences.
• FAL exposes youth to resources, services, and supports in the community.

Future Advocates and Leaders provides teens and young adults more choices for successful living. Through activities, resources, support, education, advocacy, and connections, we want to empower teens to speak up and out about their experiences. We believe the most important decisions concerning youth with a foster care experience should start with them. We also believe when youth have a voice, they make a difference.

All youth in care and those who have transitioned from care collaborating with staff, administration, and community partners are aware of FAL and use it to connect and advocate for opportunities, change and normalcy.

What does FAL do?

• Advocate for and support teens in out-of-home care
• Plan, organize and participate in panels and forums for staff, foster parents, and community partners (including legislators)
• Work in partnership with the Ohio Youth Advisory Board
• Plan activities for teens and young adults to forge and enhance healthy relationships and provide opportunities for socializing, empowerment, engagement, and growth
• Collaborate with staff, community partners and foster parents to educate about the various issues and experiences of youth in foster care and those who have aged out of care

Youth Advisory Board Application
We recognize that a diverse group of young people is central to making our vision a reality, and we are actively looking for applicants who will bring diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives to FAL. FAL believes in the power of youth voice in areas that include education, employment, independent living preparation, transitional housing, and youth voice in court. Young people throughout Ohio need and deserve such leadership opportunities and to lead alongside their peers who understand their experiences. We are now recruiting members who have lived foster care experience or have emancipated or aged out of the foster care system. Youth and young adults ages 14-24 are encouraged to apply. Those 21 and older can serve in an Adult Supporter capacity.