About Us

Our Mission

The Wyoming Youth Advisory Council’s mission is to represent Wyoming’s foster youth's interests in various spheres, such as recommendations for policy changes, and to help influence program development and resource allocation. Represented by current and former foster youth, who are collaborating with state agencies, policymakers, and community stakeholders, WYAC is taking action to support and enhance the foster care system in Wyoming. Through their advocacy, they aim to ensure that the voices of foster youth are heard and valued in decisions that impact their lives. WYAC also focuses on promoting educational opportunities, improving access to mental health services, and fostering a sense of community and belonging among foster youth. By organizing events, workshops, and outreach programs, WYAC strives to empower foster youth with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. Their efforts are creating sustainable changes that will benefit future generations of foster youth in Wyoming.

Our Vision

The Wyoming Youth Advisory Council envisions a future where every foster youth in Wyoming is empowered, supported, and equipped to thrive. We aim to be a voice for change, advocating for policies and services that prioritize the well-being of foster youth. Through leadership, collaboration, and education, we strive to create a community where foster youth feel safe, valued, and prepared to lead fulfilling lives. Our goal is to inspire a lasting impact on Wyoming's child welfare system, ensuring that all foster youth have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Our Values

Advocacy – We amplify the voices of Wyoming’s foster youth, ensuring their needs are heard and addressed.
Empowerment – We empower foster youth to lead, grow, and shape their futures.
Collaboration – We foster partnerships between foster youth, government agencies, and communities for lasting impact.
Inclusivity – We embrace diversity, ensuring all foster youth feel valued and represented.
Accountability – We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and transparency in our mission to serve foster youth.
Innovation – We seek creative solutions to improve the foster care system and the lives of foster youth in Wyoming.
Leadership – We cultivate future leaders who advocate for change and inspire others to make a difference.

Inclusion

At the Wyoming Youth Advisory Council (WYAC), we believe that every young person—or lived experience—deserves a voice and a seat at the table.

We are committed to building a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable space where all youth are empowered to speak, lead, and shape the future of Wyoming. We recognize that true leadership comes from perspectives, and we actively work to ensure that foster youth, justice-involved youth, and all young leaders have equal access to opportunities, resources, and support.

WYAC stands to uplift every young person, ensuring that no one is left behind. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will create a Wyoming where every voice is heard, every story matters, and every young leader has the power to make a difference.

WYAC: United. Empowered for Change.

WYAC Story

The Beginning

The Wyoming Youth Advisory Council (WYAC) has its roots in a federal initiative from 2005 that advocated for states to include youth with lived experience in foster care to help guide policy changes. Since then, Wyoming has relied on the voices of young people with direct foster care experience to influence decisions, although a formal council had yet to be fully established. Over the years, the Department of Family Services (DFS) worked closely with Independent Living Coordinators and various providers who supported youth in foster care and young adults, ensuring their experiences were heard in policy discussions.

year of 2020

In 2020, DFS partnered with Casey Family Programs to take a more structured approach, developing a strategic plan to create a formal youth council in Wyoming. This plan led to the creation of the Wyoming Youth Advisory Council (WYAC) in 2021, beginning with 15 youth and young adults with lived experience in the foster care system. Youth between the ages of 14 and 21 are nominated to the council by their caseworkers or Independent Living (IL) coordinators, and by 2021, 50 members had been nominated to the council.

2021 to present

WYAC's first meetings took place virtually starting in August 2021, with monthly gatherings designed to empower youth to advocate for change. In 2022, the council held its first in-person meeting in Riverton, Wyoming, with Governor Mark Gordon as the special guest, marking a significant moment for the newly formed group. The momentum continued in 2023 when WYAC hosted its second in-person meeting in Casper, where Wyoming's First Lady, Jennie Gordon, served as the guest of honor.

The council saw a major milestone in December 2023 and January 2024, when WYAC held its first election, appointing Nathaniel Williams as President and Szaber Parker as Vice President. This strong leadership team marked a new chapter for WYAC, providing direction and vision for the future.

In 2024, WYAC hosted its first annual Legislative Day, where council members had the opportunity to engage directly with legislators and senators, further amplifying their voices in shaping policies that impact foster youth. Later that year, WYAC held its largest in-person conference in Laramie, Wyoming, with the participation of WYAC youth, Independent Living Coordinators, foster care coordinators, and foster parents. This conference served as a pivotal moment for WYAC as it not only brought together key stakeholders but also featured a guest speaker and set the stage for the council to define its core values and vision for the future.

2024 – Children’s Justice Project Judges’ Breakfast
WYAC took a significant step in engaging with Wyoming’s judicial system by participating in the Children’s Justice Project Judges’ Breakfast. A panel of youth shared their lived experiences in the foster care system, offering judges a firsthand perspective on the challenges they face. The discussion highlighted the need for more informed decision-making in courtrooms, leading the judges to request WYAC to develop a comprehensive resource list. This list aims to assist judges in ensuring foster youth have access to the necessary support and services available to them.

2024 – Cheyenne Christmas Parade
As part of its commitment to community engagement, WYAC participated in the Cheyenne Christmas Parade, celebrating the holiday season while raising awareness about foster care advocacy. This event provided an opportunity for WYAC members to connect with the public and strengthen community support for foster youth across Wyoming.

2025 – Second Annual Legislative Day
Building on the success of its first Legislative Day, WYAC hosted its second annual event at the Wyoming State Capitol. Council members engaged directly with legislators and senators, sharing their experiences and advocating for policies that improve the lives of foster youth. Legislative Day has become a cornerstone of WYAC’s advocacy efforts, reinforcing the importance of youth-driven policy discussions.

WYAC continues to grow as a powerful advocate for foster youth across Wyoming, working to create positive change through the voices of those with lived experience.