OFYC 2020 Virtual Policy Conference

If you’re 14-25 years old and have ever been in foster care, you’re invited!!! Join 35-40 other current or former foster youth from across Oregon for four days of virtual advocacy, activism, leadership and fun!

Where: At your computer or phone
When: Saturday, August 22nd – Tuesday, August 25th

Registration is now closed…

The OFYC Policy Conference is a 4-day conference where you will have a chance to create legislative solutions that will help all children and youth in foster care in Oregon!

  • We’ll talk about problems that YOU see within the system (related to Understanding and Healing from Trauma, Supporting Youth 18-21, and Removing Racial Bias from Foster Care)
  • We’ll think through solutions to those problems
  • We’ll present our solutions and recommendations for policy change with a virtual room full of adults! (DHS Administration, Legislators, CASAs, Attorneys, and other people connected to Child Welfare)

But the conference isn’t all about work! You’ll make friends and participate in (optional) fun evening activities!

Here is an idea of what your time at the conference will look like (Draft Agenda):

Day 1 – Saturday, Aug 22nd:

  • (Optional) Afternoon Sessions
  • (Optional) Agenda Review and Check-in Activity

Day 2 – Sunday, Aug 23rd:

  • Morning Sessions
  • Afternoon Sessions
  • (Optional) Community Building fun

Day 3 – Monday, Aug 24th:

  • Morning Sessions
  • Afternoon Sessions
  • (Optional) Community Building fun

Day 4 – Tuesday, Aug 25th:

  • Morning Practice
  • Afternoon Policy Presentation: to adults who can make Policy & Legislative change!

“Sessions” will be things like: Identifying the problems, brainstorming solutions, learning about current policies, preparing your presentation.

Let us know how we could support you to attend. We will do our best to support youth with accessible materials, problem solving technology or internet issues, etc. (Please email info@ofyc.org or scroll down to see contact information for Lisa and Kayla)

 

Registration Materials will be available below:

  • Registration Participant/Youth (online form)
  • Photo/Media Release Form for Participants (online form)
  • Application Adult Supporter (online form)
  • Photo/Media Release Form for Adult Supporter (online form)
  • Background Check Adult Supporter 

Foster Parents & Caseworkers

This 4-day gathering focuses on teamwork, critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership development, building a sense of community, having fun and making history! Through daily workshops and activities, youth will work together and learn how to use their experiences to direct policy change. On the final day of the conference they will get the chance to share their recommendations with legislators and other adults interested in Child Welfare at our Luncheon.

Important Documents (will be loaded soon!):

  • This link goes to the 2020 Prep List, Be sure to use it! Prep List 2020!
  • This link will take you to a copy of OFYC’s Expectations of youth who attend our conferences: Conference Expectations

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Lisa (OFYC Program Director, at 503-236-9754 extension 1, by emailing Lisa@ourchildrenoregon.org, or message her on Facebook).