Provides financial support for members participating in CYC activities

Sponsors local chapters to engage in advocacy work for the foster youth community

Fundraisers

Your contribution helps to create youth centered systems in California. Donate and help a foster youth find their voice and develop lifelong advocacy skills.

California Youth Connection

Founded in 1988 by a group of young people with experience in foster care and volunteer supporters from around the state, California Youth Connection (CYC) is a youth-led organization guided by current and former foster youth at all levels, including our board of directors and staff. Our mission is to develop leaders who empower each other and their communities to transform the foster care system through legislative, policy, and practice change.

Thirty-one years after our founding, California Youth Connection has grown into a unique model of youth leadership, rooted in a deep respect for young people and the power of their expertise through their lived experience combined with political education. Through community organizing, training, and advocacy programs, we ensure that our members—young people ages 14-24 who have experienced foster care—know that their perspective and leadership is pivotal to shaping the narrative and policies around foster care in California and beyond.We turned 30 last year but always grateful for the opportunity to share the thoughts of our members, supporters, staff, and partners. 