CFSA’s Office of Youth Empowerment (OYE) offers a host of services and growth experiences for District teens and young adults in foster care.

• Assessments: Self-tests help youth in care identify their needs, interests, and talents. Standardized instruments reveal mastery of basic skills and vocational aptitudes, providing a firm basis for individualized attention and growth.

• Training and Guidance: Interactive classes and workshops characterized by lively discussion “stand in” for family guidance on a wide range of topics of interest and importance to young people today. Throughout the year, youth in care can attend sessions that cover health and self-care, relationships, pregnancy prevention and safe sexual behavior, money management, educational planning and study skills, finding and keeping a job, communication, and career planning. A popular workshop raises awareness about the legal ramifications and dangers of “sexting and texting” with the goal of helping youth make good choices about their behavior.

• Education: Youth in care have access to services that support academic achievement, completion of high school, and entry into college or vocational training. Tutors, mentors, application guidance, and scholarships are all available. Annual college and vocational tours expose youth to a broad range of options.

• Work: In addition to workshops on resume preparation, interview techniques, and looking for a job, youth have support in identifying and tapping opportunities for internships and paid work. OYE partners with District employment services agencies and local public and private employers to create and identify work experience opportunities specifically for youth in care.

• Broader Horizons: Because many youth in care come from disadvantaged backgrounds, opening the world to them is especially important. OYE creates opportunities for these young people to meet inspiring and successful adults, volunteer, participate in school and community activities, and travel. Every positive, enriching experience helps these young people broaden their horizons.

• Youth Advisory Board: A group of older youth, ages 17 to 21, meets regularly to advise the CFSA Director about how the agency can do more to address issues and meet their needs. Youth members of the board receive leadership training and other growth opportunities in return for their involvement and input that help to improve the foster care experience for all youth in care.

• Fun: Good times help young people develop social skills, make new friends, and just “chill.” Throughout the year, OYE gets foster youth together for parties, movie nights, pizza outings, bowling, field trips, and other fun events. A group of youth plans, directs, and stars in a gala fashion show each spring.