Former Foster Care Youth Programs - Lutheran Social Service - Willmar

A statewide group of current and former foster youth ages 14-23. Focuses on advocacy, changing the system and laws currently in place that affect children and youth in care and their families. Other areas of focus include: - Advocacy: youth meet with legislators, judges, attorneys, and social workers to address the needs and wants of youth in care. - Leadership: youth meet bi-weekly to discuss and plan projects and upcoming events related to foster care awareness and advocacy. - Collaboration: youth meet with other Youth Leadership Councils from around the state to discuss and plan ways to make a change in systems and provide greater community awareness. - Community development: youth plan and participate in community events to celebrate foster youth and raise awareness of the foster care system and what life is like as a youth in care. Youth attend community events where they can share what their local Youth Leadership Council is involved in and learn about other organizations within their community.

03/06/2026