TIMELINE
OFYC was founded in 2008 by a staff member of Children First for Oregon who experienced foster care as a youth. The very first OFYC meeting included four youth and two adults. Today, OFYC has members from all over the state, and we have been successful in passing every piece of legislation that our members have developed and advocated for in the Oregon State Legislature.
Extracurricular Activities | 2015
Extracurricular Activities—Gives youth in care the opportunity to participate in activities with their peers, develop their talents, and build lifelong relationships by ensuring that Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and foster parents work together to support youth in joining at least one ongoing extracurricular activity.
“I knew that I needed something to help me get through my challenges or I’d shut down. I put all I had into extracurricular activities and found that it helped immensely. I came to realize I love helping others, being a leader, and standing up for what I believe in. Because of my activities, I have a plan of what I intend to do after I graduate.” — Alexis, OFYC member
Savings Accounts— Ensures that foster youth 12 years old or older receive direct assistance from DHS in establishing their own savings accounts.
Bill of Rights | 2013
Bill of Rights — Establishes clear requirements for informing foster youth about their legal rights and establishes a hotline answered by the Foster Care Ombudsman, which is an independent resource to investigate complaints, concerns, or violation of rights for children in the custody of Oregon DHS Foster Care.
“As a foster child, all you want to know is that someone has your back. By educating foster children about their rights, and setting up a grievance procedure if their rights are violated, we make one solid push to give foster kids safety and protection. That’s the very minimum any parent wants for their kid.” — Patrick, OFYC member
Tuition Waiver | 2011
Tuition Waiver— Waives tuition and fees at state universities and community colleges for youth who spent time in Oregon’s foster care system.
“I want the chance to succeed. I have the grades, now I know I’ll have the resources.” — Nicole, OFYC member
Driver Privileges | 2009
Driving Privileges — Requires DHS to provide assistance to foster youth in obtaining a driver’s license.
Medical Assistance | 2010
Medical Assistance— Grants eligibility for Oregon Health Plan Plus healthcare coverage for all youth in Oregon’s foster care system when they turn 18.
Sibling Bill of Rights | 2017
Sibling Bill of Rights— Ensures that youth in care are supported in preserving and strengthening relationships with their siblings.
“When you are in the foster care system, siblings are all the connection that you have. They know what you are going through; they know everything. They want to help you. They want to stick by you.” — Raven, OFYC member