SAVE THE DATE! We will be holding our annual Foster Care Advocacy Day at the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday January 31 from 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Here’s what you need to know:
WHO should attend? Anyone who wants to advocate for better outcomes for children, youth and families involved in the foster care system. Whether you’re an adoptive parent, a youth with experience in foster care or a citizen who wants to help raise awareness of foster care related issues to legislators, you should consider attending this impactful day!
WHAT exactly is this day? On Foster Care Advocacy Day, Children’s Home Society of Virginia leads groups of advocates, families, and youth through the General Assembly to meet with legislators and lift the voices of those with foster care experience. Throughout the course of the morning, you will be assigned to a small group and will meet with a number of legislators in brief but impactful meetings. You will have the opportunity to share with legislators why they should focus on foster care issues during this year’s General Assembly session.
WHEN does this occur? This year’s Foster Care Advocacy Day will be held on Wednesday January 31 from 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. We will hold a brief morning meeting to kick off the day with everyone participating and then split into small groups to meet with legislators throughout the morning.
WHERE is this held? We will be holding Foster Care Advocacy Day in person at the General Assembly building in Richmond, Virginia. Once registered, you will get more details on where exactly to meet the morning of advocacy day.
WHY should I spend my time doing this? Virginia has some work to do. Virginia has one of the highest rates of youth aging out of foster care in the whole country. Children and youth in foster care experience trauma at high levels that impact the rest of their lives. We are working to improve the foster care system to promote permanency for children and youth and improve the life outcomes of youth with foster care experience. To do that, we need your help to ensure legislators prioritize these issues as they work through the 2024 General Assembly session.
HOW will I know what to do? If you’ve never attended an advocacy day, don’t worry! We will be planning and hosting a training before Advocacy Day to ensure everyone feels knowledgeable, comfortable, and excited for Advocacy Day! Each small group will be led by a staff member who will guide you through the General Assembly and lead the meetings with legislators. Additionally, if you want more one-on-one training, you are welcome to reach out to Cassie Plevelich at [email protected] for more information.
Now that you know all the details, it’s time to register! Click here to officially register for 2024 Foster Care Advocacy Day. Once registered, you will receive more detailed information in mid-January. We hope you will join us!