Youth Voices Essential for Improving Foster Care System Nationwide

Yes! Finally, some sense!

“The Selfless Love Foundation’s National Think Tank is a collective force of change-makers aiming to improve the foster care adoption process in this country. The annual conference, which took place in October, brings together young people who have experienced foster care, as well as child welfare leaders and policymakers from over 30 states.

The National Think Tank is a strategic plan to influence federal policy and state-level action to transform the foster care adoption process to best serve children.”

“In Florida, Selfless Love Foundation worked alongside youth to help pass a law that protects children’s images from public view. It also gives children aged 12 and up a say in the photos and information shared on adoption sites.

An entire day of the National Think Tank was dedicated to this specific issue. We also looked at adoption recruitment and post-adoption support for families, as the goal is not just child placement — but permanency.”

“There is no federal law and very limited state laws that even acknowledge young people’s right to choose how they’re represented in adoption recruitment.”

“t also reminds us that rights, recruitment and post-adoption support are connected. We can’t fix one without strengthening the others.”

“The most immediate and achievable step is to support legislation that gives youth the right to choose how they’re represented in adoption recruitment, protecting their privacy, dignity and safety.”

“With no national standard in place, we leave a vulnerable group of children without clear protections.

We already recognize a child’s right to choose adoption. ”

Experts warn of security risks to America’s kids as photos expose those up for adoption

[Fox News 11/9/25 by Dana Perino]

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