These local policy agendas are a product of a collaboration between young adults who have experienced foster care and the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP). CARES Ambassadors in each city worked together with CSSP staff to co-develop policy recommendations that would break down barriers and set all young people up to thrive.
The local policy agendas build on an earlier collaboration between CARES Ambassadors and CSSP, A Policy Agenda for a Nation that CARES for Young Adults, which seeks to advance policy that supports young people in their families and communities, calling for fulfilling jobs that pay a living wage, have predictable hours, and provide workplace protections; housing that is safe, healthy, and stable; health care that is affordable and affirming, and includes supports for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health needs; and for those who are parenting, affordable and responsive child care.
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In our conversations with CARES Ambassadors in Atlanta, they consistently voiced their desire for a better landscape of mental health supports that promote their well-being and ability to pursue the goals they set for themselves. Most of all, Ambassadors demand care that is high-quality, holistic, culturally-responsive, and affirming of their identities and experiences, particularly as Black and brown youth who have experienced foster care. The following policy agenda reflects CARES Ambassadors’ vision for how young people should experience mental health services and supports in Atlanta, as well as their priorities for how to achieve this vision. |
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A Nation that CARES for Young Adults: A Youth-Centered Housing Policy Agenda for Los Angeles In our conversations with CARES Ambassadors in Los Angeles, they consistently talked about wanting a different and better housing experience. Most of all, they talked about stability and a future where they no longer have to worry about their housing. The following policy agenda reflects CARES Ambassadors’ vision for a housing system that supports young people in Los Angeles, as well as their ideas for how to achieve this vision. |
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A Nation that CARES for Young Adults: A Youth-Centered Housing Policy Agenda for New York City In our conversations with CARES Ambassadors in New York City, they shared their desire for a better landscape of housing supports, one that respects their journeys toward independence and recognizes their “full decisionmaking power.” They want good housing they can rely on and feel safe in as they pursue their goals and launch their futures. In the following policy agenda, CARES Ambassadors share their vision for how young people should experience housing in New York City, as well as their priorities for how to achieve this vision. |
