VOC-Voices of the Commonwealth

The VOC is comprised of Kentucky foster care youth and alumni aged 16 - 22  and is instrumental in communicating to foster/adoptive parents, out of home care staff and community partners the issues and needs of youth in care and those who have aged out of the system.

Voices of the Commonwealth Youth Leadership Council

What is the VOC?    

The VOC is a diverse group of young people who come together to advocate for positive change for youth that are in state’s care. Members of the VOC work closely with various people including DCBS staff, judges, CASA staff, state officials, private childcare agencies, educators and many more. The VOC also works with current and former foster youth to develop strategies for a brighter future as well as to educate them about their rights, responsibilities, available resources and the policies that effect their life.

Former VOC Member Glenda Wright, was interviewed by Spectrum News 1 in Louisville, KY about Kentucky's Foster Care System

What does the VOC do?

• Travels the state sharing their stories and advocating for positive changes to the foster care system
• Works to recruit quality foster parents for older foster youth
• Helps to train foster parents on how to best support older foster youth
• Works with the Department for Community Based Services to develop policies and practices that are in the best interest of foster youth
• Educates current and former foster youth about their rights, benefits and available resources.
• Helps to coordinate events for youth across the state including the Annual Independent Living Conference

Voices of the Commonwealth Youth Leadership Council

Benefits of Joining the VOC  

• Earn extra money – VOC members can work up to 15 hours per week and are paid $15 per hour for their time plus the cost of travel and meals
• The opportunity to travel across the state and the country
• The opportunity to have fun and experience new things
• The opportunity to meet and develop friendships with other foster youth
• The opportunity to network with state officials and community leaders
• The opportunity to develop your public speaking and other skills that you will need in your future endeavors
• The opportunity to effect positive changes on the foster care system

Interested in joining the VOC?

Member Cameron Calloway with DCBS Commissioner Clark at the Kentucky State Capitol

VOC members with First Lady Glenna Bevin at Kentucky State Capitol

VOC members at the Kentucky State Capitol

VOC Member Cameron Calloway speaking before legislatures at the Kentucky State Capitol

VOC Member Athenia Brown with DCBS Commissioner Clark

Members of the VOC with First Lady Glenna Bevin