CELEBRATING THE CONGRESSIONAL FOSTER YOUTH SHADOW DAY AND THE FOSTER YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

On 2026-06-29, Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL-7) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE CONGRESSIONAL FOSTER YOUTH SHADOW DAY AND THE FOSTER YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM" in the House.

CELEBRATING THE CONGRESSIONAL FOSTER YOUTH SHADOW DAY AND THE FOSTER YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E626-E627] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE CONGRESSIONAL FOSTER YOUTH SHADOW DAY AND THE FOSTER YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Monday, June 29, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate two important efforts that connect current and former foster youth with federal policymakers--Foster Youth Shadow Day hosted by the National Foster Youth Institute in collaboration with the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, and the Foster Youth Internship Program hosted by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in collaboration with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Caucus. These groundbreaking programs provide foster youth the opportunity to bring their lived experiences to Capitol Hill by shadowing Members of Congress and advocating for federal child welfare policy. One of the greatest honors and the greatest challenges of my service in Congress has been listening to [[Page E627]] youth who experienced foster care, learning from them, and trying to make sure we do better in the future. Foster Youth Shadow Day is the culmination of a week-long program designed for young people with lived experience to advocate for federal child welfare policy. The youth receive training about how to share their experiences with policymakers to make child welfare laws better. The program concludes with the annual Foster Youth Shadow Day when the youth meet with and follow legislators. The 2026 program marked the 16th Foster Youth Shadow Day. I have appreciated the opportunity to listen to the ideas and concerns of the many young professionals connected with me during Foster Youth Shadow Day. This year, 41 delegates from across the Nation participated in this important initiative. I am very proud to serve as one of the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Caucus--often known as the Adoption Caucus--that has consistently saved as the voice for the needs of children who require safe, nurturing, and permanent families both in the United States and around the world for 40 years. The Caucus collaborates with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute to host the Foster Youth Internship Program. This competitive and rigorous program places youth in Congressional offices, educates them on federal policy and advocacy, requires interns to produce a published Congressional policy report that includes their recommendations, and culminates in a Congressional briefing on their work. I have had the privilege of hosting many FYI interns in my office over the years. I know first-hand that their ideas have translated into important legislation and laws to make life better for youth. Now in its 23rd year, this internship continues to provide young people with lived experience meaningful opportunities to share their stories, engage in federal policy advocacy, and contribute substantive policy research. According to federal Administration on Children and Families, there were 331,747 children in foster care in the U.S. during 2025. Although family reunification remains the primary goal of the child welfare system, many children spend years in care due to a range of complex circumstances. This issue is deeply important to me, and I have dedicated much of my work to advancing significant change. I have served as the senior Democrat on the Subcommittee with jurisdiction over child welfare within the Committee on Ways and Means for almost 10 years. Some of my proudest accomplishments during my 30-year tenure in Congress include helping children and families by strengthening them so that they do not enter care, helping them get the support and services needed to home safely or to join a new loving family, and to help older youth who age out of care obtain the resources need to transition successfully into independence. I am proud to work alongside organizations such as the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, the National Youth Institute, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Caucus, and the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth to elevate lived experience voices and advance federal child welfare policy. As the youth say, ``Nothing about us without us.'' ____________________