Youth Engagement
What is IYAB?
IYAB meetings are youth-led and facilitated by IYAB Leadership Team Members. A staff member from Foster Success supports IYAB during meetings, projects, and other advocacy work.
IYAB offers a safe space for teens and young adults with lived experience in foster care to connect, share, and grow with each other. Adult workers or Foster Success staff are only able to attend IYAB meetings if they are invited by the board.
IYAB empowers members to advocate for themselves and communicate their needs and concerns effectively.
IYAB is the youth board in Indiana that is responsible for advising and providing feedback to DCS on issues affecting those in foster care.
IYAB members will:
- ADVOCATE on behalf of youth in foster care.
- TEACH using lived experience to inform others.
- LEARN how to navigate the foster care system.
- BELONG to a community for teens and young adults with lived experience.
How does IYAB benefit me?
How you benefit from IYAB is up to you and how much involvement you would like to have with the board. Benefits include:
- A sense of community and belonging
- Empowerment
- Development of leadership skills
- Career preparation
- Education
- Advocacy
- The ability to impact the foster care system
- Personal growth and healing
- A great entry for college applications or your resume
“(IYAB) tries to make us feel as comfortable as possible in our own skin, or the skin that we want to be in, and that’s amazing. I feel like we’re actually being heard.”
– Rosie F.
What Opportunities are available through IYAB?
It’s up to you! Members can decide how involved they want to be.
You don’t need to fill out an application to attend a meeting! Register for a meeting today so we know you’re coming.
Want to be a IYAB Member? Apply below.
Questions? Contact Diana Brownlow, Assistant Director of Youth Engagement
Call or text 317-504-4196 • diana@fostersuccess.org