About ten years ago David Jacob was asked to create a documentary about an annual Maine state gathering of all parties interested in permanency for older youth in foster care. Young people came from every corner of the state as did those in government, social work, and others.  There were some amazing connections made, break out groups for impressive brainstorming, and compelling keynotes.

YLAT is a youth and adult partnership committed to improving the outcomes for youth who are or have been in foster care . –YLAT 

We were asked to jump into the waters again recently, again for Muskie and foster youth; this time for a keynote address.  Some of the most successful young people who had recently aged out of foster care gathered for wisdom and inspiration in Augusta, ME.  The result was so powerful, we were then asked to recreate the message for a National campaign.

We were honored to craft these stories.

There are projects in life that are simply important.  Foster care is absolutely in that realm, and we are so very proud to have had an opportunity to tell these brave stories.  We hope the national audience love these five young people as much as we did.

Walking the Talk

There are fewer parents on the front lines.

Some foster statistics from Maine.

• As of July 1, there were 1,493 licensed foster homes, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services
• Maine is allowed to use foster money in creative ways because of a federal waiver
• Every year 903 young people enter Maine’s foster care system

 

Some foster statistics from the National Research by Casey Family Services.

• • Every year 268,000 children enter the foster care system
  • $5.3 Billion dollars is spent on foster care nationally per year
  • 50% of youth are reunited with family

 

There are far too many young people in need of services, and YLAT is the largest organization in the state of Maine for peer to peer support.

For more information, visit YLAT.