Written by Hailey Barr-King
As a systems change organization, we are focused on helping young people who are most at risk – particularly youth involved in foster care, developmental disability (I/DD) and juvenile justice systems. Mobilizing private investment and funding research are powerful drivers of innovation, but they work best alongside supportive policies and strong public investments. This is why Table Sense has been working hard in several states, and federally, to build relationships with key lawmakers and other policymakers.
As we approach a new legislative season, we are sharing a summary of our policy agenda. To succeed, we need all stakeholders to understand what policies are needed for a safer, more responsible system built with at-risk youth, not just for them. The research Table Sense invests directly guides the advocacy work we push forward, and it played a key role when we developed our public policy and advocacy agenda. Even if you aren’t a “policy organization,” you still play a critical role in making progress. Read on to see how.
Our Agenda:
Supporting Youth Aging Out: According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, more than 15,000 young people age out of the U.S. foster care system each year, and an estimated 22-30% of them experience homelessness during the transition to adulthood. Foster youth who are aging out of the foster care system deserve a stronger support system for education, workforce, and housing opportunities.
a) Maximize the use of unclaimed federal funds that are available for housing support
b) Administer foster youth state issued IDs without on-site bio documents and waive any associated fees
Cross-System Coordination: The Drexel Autism Institute found in 2023 that children in foster care are two to five times more likely to have autism or an intellectual disability than the general U.S. population. Youth involved in more than one system, like foster care, juvenile justice, IDD, or any combination, deserve coordinated care across systems rather than siloed case management.
a) Advocate for universal intellectual and developmental disability screening at key child welfare points
b) Encourage enhanced reimbursement and ongoing coaching for placements caring for youth with IDD
Transparency & Oversight: The U.S. Administration for Children and Families recently found the average monthly reimbursement amount states claimed for Title IV-E foster care eligibility determinations has increased by over 60 percent from FY11 to FY24, with fewer children being eligible for assistance. Youth-involved systems need better data sharing and a clearer accounting of federal reimbursement opportunities to responsibly fund youth care.
a) Ask the State to publish all allowable Title IV-E federal reimbursements in an annual review
b) Encourage the State to publish transparent child welfare outcomes data
Not every way of speaking up for youth looks the same. Much of it is simple advocacy and education: sharing research with decision makers, asking a state agency to publish its outcomes data, convening partners, and elevating the voices of young people who have lived this. Some of it is lobbying, which means urging lawmakers to support or oppose a specific bill. If you are a nonprofit and unsure to what degree you can participate in either activity, the National Council of Nonprofits explainer is a great resource.
Importantly, the activities that support these efforts aren’t limited to advocacy-focused organizations. Researchers supply the evidence. People with lived experience can tell decision makers what the system actually feels like. And funders – whether investors or philanthropic – can provide the fuel that sustains these activities.
Table Sense has plenty of room to do this kind of advocacy, and we'd love your help. Keep up with our monthly newsletter and engage with our policy team. Our virtual door is always open and ready to welcome strong advocates to join this effort. You can reach out to Senior Manager of Government Affairs Hailey Barr-King with any questions, comments, or opportunities to collaborate at hailey.barr@tablesensekids.org.