Page 6 - CCAI_AnnualReport_2016

FOSTER YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM ®

Twelve accomplished young adults who spent their
formative years in the U.S. foster care system interned “My summer as a Foster Youth Intern
on Capitol Hill in CCAI’s Foster Youth Internship (FYI) is unforgettable, it’s invaluable.”
Program® in the summer of 2015. Angelique (NY),
Lindsey Harrington, 2015 Foster Youth Intern
Ashley (CA), Brianne (HI), Cierrena (WI), Destiny (NC),
Erik (MT), Jenn (TN), Kenya (FL), Keri (OH), Lindsey
(MA), Marcia (PA) and Matthew (AR) each received for foster children. Inspired by the proposed
the opportunity to intern in a U.S. congressional office recommendations, U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (R-
or committee as well as share their experiences in MO) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced the
foster care with influential federal policymakers. Timely Mental Health for Foster Youth Act (S. 2166)
in October. The Foster Youth Intern class also met
Additionally, the interns worked diligently throughout individually with House Majority Whip Steve Scalise
the summer to research, write and publish a policy (R-LA), U.S. Representative Karen Bass (D-CA) and
report that was presented at briefings to both Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to share their ideas for
the U.S. Congress and the White House Domestic foster care reform. At the FYI Program Networking
Policy Council, and then released to child welfare Luncheon, the interns were honored to receive career
professionals across the nation. This year’s report, advice from Paul Monteiro, Director of AmeriCorps
Embracing Our Past, Empowering Their Future: Why VISTA. This year marked the FYI Program’s 12th
Child Welfare Reform Matters, addresses topics anniversary of providing a life-changing professional
ranging from post-adoption support, to prevention opportunity and national platform to over 170 current
of over-prescription of psychotropic medication and former youth in foster care.

5