Celebrating Foster Youth Voice Month: Empowering Young Leaders Nationwide

Each October, Foster Youth Voice Month (FYVM) highlights the voices of young people with lived experience in foster care. Started and led by Selfless Love Foundation (SLF), this national movement ensures that youth are not only heard but included in the decisions that shape their lives. With more than 360,000 children in foster care across the United States, elevating youth voice is critical. SLF believes that young people impacted by the system deserve more than visibility; they deserve influence. Their insights are essential in transforming child welfare into something that honors the experiences and opinions of people it serves.SLF invites youth to illustrate the importance of youth voice through the annual T-Shirt Design Contest. The submissions are voted on by a group of professionals and youth advocates. The winner receives financial compensation and national recognition. This year’s winner is Henry, a gifted young artist from New York. His hand-drawn design, filled with powerful and hopeful messaging, was selected by a group of leaders and youth advocates. Henry’s art depicts youth painting inspirational quotes as they climb a ladder to the sky.

“It’s important for people to know that kids in foster care have value and purpose,” said Henry, FYVM T-Shirt Design Contest winner. “Life is not about where you are now, but where you will be in the future. I think the obstacles we have to overcome are not as important as the attitude we need to have to overcome them.”

Henry’s winning concept will be printed on t-shirts, which are generously sponsored by the Jockey Being Family Foundation, and distributed to youth and organizations across the country. These shirts serve as a bold statement of empowerment and a reminder that youth voices matter.

“One thing that stuck out to us in Henry’s art submission was the time he clearly put into the piece that was evident in the hand drawn characters and custom lettering used for his quotes,” said James Minter, Youth Advocacy Director. “The language and positive messaging he included in his design emphasized the importance of hope, and I’m confident it will inspire other youth throughout the nation this Foster Youth Voice Month. His positive energy is infectious.”

More than 40 states will participate in FYVM, showcasing how youth-led insights are transforming policies and practices nationwide. This month isn’t just about recognition; it’s about action and ensuring youth are part of creating solutions.

“It’s important to recognize and celebrate Foster Youth Voice Month because meaningful system change must be informed by those directly impacted,” said Janessa Collins, Advocacy Coordinator. “Youth deserve to be seen and respected as subject matter experts in the child welfare space.”

Join us in celebrating youths’ voices, creativity, and leadership, by following us on social media @SelflessLoveFoundation and visiting: www.selflesslovefoundation.org/foster-youth-voice-month/