KidsVoice IL Advocacy Group


The Independent Living Advocacy Group (IL Advocacy Group) was formed by a group of KidsVoice staff concerned about the lack of options for teen clients in foster and residential placements who turn 18 or “age out” of the child welfare system without the resources to successfully live independently. The IL Advocacy Group is devoted to creating more and better options for our teen clients by removing the barriers which prevent so many eligible youth from understanding and accessing IL resources such as education, housing, public benefits and employment. Comprised of attorneys and child advocacy specialists who volunteer their time, the IL Advocacy Group gives presentations to youth and to residential placements and service providers about the services, rights and resources available to youth in substitute care.

The IL Advocacy group also:

  • Hosts an annual Independent Living Resource Fair for youth in placement

  • Publishes a brochure as well as a guidebook about the rights of youth in substitute care and is coordinating a Youth Advisory Board for youth currently and formerly involved in the Allegheny County child welfare system to inform and influence policies and practices affecting youth in substitute care.
For information concerning KidsVoice's IL Advocacy Group, please contact 412.391.3100 or email ilinfo@kidsvoice.org.

Resource Fair

Through the Independent Living Resource Fair, KidsVoice is able to educate children who are in the foster care system on various services available to them as they transition out into adulthood. This free event, highlights and provides access to services and programs including post-secondary education, child care, public assistance, housing, job training and employment services. If you are interested in presenting, having a booth , or attending our next Resource Fair, please email KidsVoice at ilinfo@kidsvoice.org.

Know Your Rights Poster

This poster is a compilation of various rights that exist for children in substitute care. To download a poster or to request a poster email ilinfo@kidsvoice.org.

Know Your Rights Manual

In cooperation with the Juvenile Law Center and members of the Pennsylvania Youth Advisory Board the Know Your Rights guidebook has been issued. This guidebook, which is based on Pennsylvania law, provides youth with information about their legal rights in substitute care and about how to advocate for themselves. This guidebook is presented in question and answer format and is designed for use by youth as well as family members, friends, educators and service and placement providers assisting youth in transitioning to independent living. Click here to download a copy. If you are a client and would like to receive a hard copy of the book, please email ilinfo@kidsvoice.org with your name and address. Non-clients can obtain a copy of the guidebook for $5.00 by calling the Juvenile Law Center at 1-800-875-8887. You can also download the manual at the Independent Living website.

Allegheny County Resource Appendix

This appendix provides a list of Allegheny County Resources to help youth that are transitioning out of substitute care.

Pennsylvania Youth Advisory Board

The purpose of this committee of youth is to work to improve the foster care system by giving youth a voice. Independentlivingpa.org is a website devoted to children who are 16 through 21, who are eligible to receive Independent Living Services and/or are leaving substitute care in the future. The site consists of helpful information to assist children in funding college and SAT preparation. It also includes a link to the Youth Advisory Board, or “YAB.” The YAB is made up of teens who are presently in group home or foster care or who have been in placement in the past. The YAB gives presentation throughout Pennsylvania, including the Pennsylvania legislature, on issues that effect children in group home or foster care. Another useful tool on the independent living website is the “Know Your Rights” link which provides an assortment of rights for children involved with Children Youth & Families. Clicking on the link labeled “Youth 411” leads browsers to a collection of information for employment, mental health, public benefits, housing, education and a listing of essential documents teens need before they turn 18 years old. Lastly, the website provides a forum for children who would like to express their frustrations, accomplishments and questions to other teens accessing the site. Send an email to ilinfo@kidsvoice.org to learn about upcoming YAB meetings or how to join the Pennsylvania YAB or the Southwestern Regional YAB chapter coordinated by KidsVoice.

The Bridge of Pittsburgh

Is a one stop shop for children aging out or who have aged out of the foster care system. KidsVoice has partnered with The Bridge of Pittsburgh and helps to provide outreach to youth. For more information on The Bridge of Pittsburgh please click here.