Y.O.U.T.H. Training Project

Led by a staff or former foster youth, YTP is the first child welfare training program developed and delivered entirely by current and former foster youth. A national model for the design and delivery of youth-led training of all kinds, YTP has provided technical assistance and advice to numerous groups developing constituent-driven training programs. YTP was the first program to use digital storytelling as a child welfare training and empowerment tool, an approach that has been replicated by many other programs across the country. Staff and youth trainers are frequently invited to present keynote and plenary addresses at child welfare and youth development conferences.

Since 2000, YTP has trained, employed, and supported more than 140 youth who have in turn trained over 7,500 child welfare professionals on the needs of foster youth and the practices that best support them.