We fight for policies that uplift youth voices, improve outcomes, and ensure every young person in Virginia’s foster care system has the support, stability, and respect they need to thrive during care and beyond. That means centering youth in decision-making, advocating for stronger transition planning, and expanding access to critical services like housing, education, and health care. We work alongside youth and community partners to create a system that values their potential, not just their case files.
Our work in this area includes:
Advocating for Youth-Centered Policies
Young people in foster and kinship care deserve a voice in the systems that shape their lives. We work to ensure their rights are protected and their needs prioritized at every stage of care. Our advocacy includes:
- Promoting laws that safeguard the rights of youth in foster care.
- Ensuring youth participation in decisions about their placements, services, and futures.
- Partnering with advocates to improve education, healthcare access, and support services.
Educating Youth About Their Legal Rights
Knowing your rights can be life-changing, especially for youth navigating foster care. We create tools that empower young people to understand the legal system and advocate for themselves. We work to:
- Provide accessible, youth-friendly resources through.
- Help youth understand court proceedings, placements, and permanency planning.
- Equip young people with the knowledge they need to speak up and take action.
Supporting Successful Transitions from Youth to Adulthood
Aging out of foster care shouldn’t mean aging out of crucial support systems. We advocate for strong transition policies and provide resources that help youth build stability and independence. Our efforts include:
- Teaching life skills, legal rights, and self-advocacy through youth-centered programming.
- Promoting access to housing, healthcare, education, and job training.
- Advancing policies that extend foster care and strengthen transition planning.
Our Family Advocacy Team
Naomi Y. Cordova
Legal Administrative Assistant of Legal Assistance for Victim-Immigrants of Domestic Abuse (LA VIDA)
Valerie L’Herrou, Esq.
Deputy Director of the Center for Family Advocacy
Staff Attorney, Family & Child Welfare
Vanessa Paster, Esq.
Managing Attorney of Legal Assistance for Victim-Immigrants of Domestic Abuse (LA VIDA)
Susheela Varky, Esq.
Director of the Center for Family Advocacy and Legal Assistance for Victim-Immigrants of Domestic Abuse (LA VIDA)
Listening to Those Who've Lived It
Featured:
Voices of Foster Children
Last year, a group of students in Virginia’s “Great Expectations” program for foster care alumni participated in an advocacy workshop led by VPLC and Voices for Virginia’s Children. These young people saw the need for greater oversight and transparency—and they inspired action.
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