
LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
Since our founding in 1988, the foster care system in California has been transformed, and so too have the thousands of foster youth who have joined CYC, becoming confident, effective advocates for themselves and generations of foster youth. Through CYC, youth have gained job skills, education and career connections, and most importantly, a community of peers. Our work has resulted in the passage of dozens of new laws that have profoundly improved the lives of the 60,000 children and youth in California’s foster care system.
In our 30-year history, CYC has established a unique model of youth empowerment through sophisticated policy advocacy. Today, hundreds of current and former foster youth are organized into chapters in 33 California counties. By participating in our three annual youth-led conferences and our robust training program, CYC members develop essential skills and engage directly with policymakers.