Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day 2013

For Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day 2014, click here.

On May 21, fifty former foster youth from across the country came to Capitol Hill for the 2nd annual Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day. 

The former foster youth came to Congress to share their stories and ideas for comprehensive reform of the foster care system.  This year's theme was "I Imagine a Better Future for Foster Care".

At the beginning of the day, Shadow Day participants prepared for their day on Capitol Hill and met with Congressional staff at a quick breakfast.

From 9:30-12 p.m., participants job-shadowed members of Congress during their Congressional business.  By attending meetings, briefings, hearings, and floor speeches, Shadow Day participants got to see the day to day activities of Members of Congress.

Some Shadow Day participants were taken for Member-led tours of the Capitol.

Every participant had the opportunity to have substantive meetings with the members of Congress during which they shared their personal experience and recommendations for the system.

After a long morning of shadowing, participants joined their members of Congress for a Congressional Luncheon hosted by Casey Family Programs. At the luncheon, many members provided remarks to foster youth and child welfare stakeholders from across the country.

Four former foster youth discussed their experiences in foster care and recounted their Shadow Day experience. 

After the luncheon, participants headed to White House for a roundtable with Administration Leaders. 

After introducing themselves, Administration leaders heard directly from foster youth about their recommendations based on personal life experiences.

View more photos.