Public Policy & Advocacy

our work

Public Policy & Advocacy

The Mockingbird Society’s Public Policy and Advocacy team partners with youth, young adults, and families who have been impacted by foster care and homelessness, providing tools and structure so they can successfully advocate for systems reform.

When young people who have experienced foster care and homelessness are their own best advocates, they put a face on these issues and build public will for change.

Together with youth advocates and informed by coalitions and partner organizations, The Mockingbird Society develops an annual policy agenda with goals and priorities to reform child welfare and systems addressing youth homelessness through changes in practice, policy, and budgets. While we primarily advocate at the state level, our youth advocates have led successful federal and local policy changes as well.

Mockingbird youth advocates sit on the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs Advisory Committee and the Washington State Supreme Court Commission on Children in Foster Care. We also work directly with elected officials, their staff, and other policymakers to educate and develop champions for youth-led policy reform. Our philosophy of youth-adult partnership helps to ensure that young people have the opportunity and the support to present their ideas to decision-makers who can best move these issues forward, including at our annual Youth Leadership Summit and Youth Advocacy Day.

Coalition building and participation are also key parts of moving The Mockingbird Society’s policy agenda forward and maximizing the impact of our work. TMS convenes and chairs the Washington Coalition for Homeless Youth Advocacy (WACHYA), a coalition that unites advocates, providers, and funders in Washington state to advocate for, create, and implement effective policies to support homeless and at-risk youth in achieving safety and stability. In addition, TMS staff and youth advocates participate in many other coalitions related to child welfare and youth homelessness, consistently advocating to create space for authentic youth voice.

Read our 2023-2024 Advocacy Report to learn more about our work and impact.

READ THE REPORT

2024 Legislative Wins

These policy wins are the culmination of a year's worth of young peoples' advocacy efforts. These are THEIR wins, and we celebrate these acheivements with them.

SB 5908: Extended Foster Care - Lead Agenda Item

On March 19, 2024, Senate Bill 5908 Extended Foster Care (EFC) was officially signed into law. Beginning on June 6, 2024, the following elements of the bill will go into effect: Any young person who is dependent at age 18 will be eligible for Extended Foster Care; Young people can sign a voluntary placement agreement or an agreement to participate in EFC anytime within six months of their 18th birthday (even before they turn 18), and they can sign those forms electronically; and young people who enroll in EFC must receive their first subsidy within one month.

This marks The Mockingbird Society’s 70th major legislative win since its inception in 2000.

HB 1929: The Bridge Residential - Support Agenda Item

This support agenda item was carried to the finish line by Northstar Advocates and The Bridge Coalition. The Bridge will create two 6-10 bed community-based housing programs that young people can stay in for 1-90 days as they identify long-term housing. Behavioral health services, consultation, and technical assistance will be provided.

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The work we do, and the people we help

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Current Issues

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Legislative Testimony

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Coalitions

Mockingbird's Annual Advocacy Cycle

For years, Mockingbird has been developing leaders, organizing advocacy campaigns, and changing both policies and practices impacting those who have experienced foster care and homelessness. During this time, we have developed an annual advocacy cycle that drives the process through statewide youth engagement.

Identifying Challenges

Youth advocates brainstorm system gaps affecting youth and young adults experiencing foster care and/or homelessness. Activities include: (1) brainstorming ideas; (2) prioritizing issues; and (3) creating problem statements.

Refining Proposals

Mockingbird youth advocates build support for policy recommendations with community leaders and policymakers. Activities include: (1) Power of Voting training; (2) Storytelling for Advocacy training; and (3) endorsement of policy agenda.

Defining Solutions

Regional chapters develop solutions to address system gaps. They announce preliminary policy recommendations at the annual Youth Leadership Summit. Activities include: (1) Voice Development training; (2) collaboration with community experts; and (3) the Youth Leadership Summit.

Advocate for Change

Mockingbird raises awareness about its legislative agenda and mobilizes youth advocates. Activities include: (1) Youth Advocacy Day; (2) Legislative Advocacy training; and (3) legislative testimony and policy meetings.