Teen Conference
Every summer, since 1991, Maine has held a statewide conference for teens in foster care. The Teen Conference Planning Committee (TCPC) comprised of YLAT staff from the Muskie School, youth, and Alumni of foster care and OCFS plan the Teen Conference.
Participants include youth in care, foster and adoptive parents, OCFS staff, and agency staff. This day is a great chance for youth to get together, play, learn, and talk about their experiences in the foster care system.
“Regardless of your beginnings, we can change”,
Youth participant at a Teen Conference
The Teen Conference offers a keynote speaker, large group activities, and exciting workshops that cover topics such as creative arts, movement, and dance, planning for your future, financial tips, and well-being.
During the Teen Conference, youth and adults celebrate their personal achievements for the year and honor those who have made significant contributions to system change through a variety of leadership awards.
Brad Levesque Youth Leadership Award: Since 2000, The Brad Levesque Youth Leadership Award is given to a young person in care who demonstrates great leadership and meets the other criteria that Brad helped to develop.
Foster Care Alumni Award: Each year, we recognize an alumnus of foster care for their ongoing commitment to making a positive change in the child welfare system.
Friend of Youth in Care Award: Contributions can be small or large, public or private. This award started in 1994 and is given to someone or an agency that is doing great things on behalf of youth in foster care. This award is nominated and determined in YLAT meetings.
Creative Arts Award: Started in 2014 with photography, we award alumni of foster care and a youth currently in the Maine foster care system as winners in our Creative Arts contest.
What’s the Teen Conference Planning Committee?
The Teen Conference Planning Committee (TCPC) offers the chance for young people and adults to come together and develop the Teen Conference. The TCPC meets every other month to discuss important aspects of the conference such as theme, t-shirt design, workshops, the keynote speaker, and other parts of the day to ensure that it is youth friendly and fun! If you would like to be involved with the TCPC please connect with your transition worker or Shannon Saxby at cheri.crossman@maine.edu or 207-780-5833.
If you’d like to attend the Teen Conference, talk with your caseworker or transition worker. You can also visit www.ylat.org or www.facebook.com/MaineYLAT for more information.