202-269-9441 info@dcfapac.org

Systemic and Individual Advocacy

Individual Advocacy

We advocate for foster, kinship and adoptive parents as well as youth when they face challenges within the DC Child Welfare System. If you are having difficulty and would like FAPAC to review your case to ensure your rights are being respected, please contact us and we will advocate for you.

Systemic Advocacy

Our systemic advocacy agenda is framed by the real and current experiences of our families as well as our own expertise. Utilizing our model that links advocacy and partnership, our systemic work includes advocacy for policies, practices and legislation that will improve the lives of our children and families.  See our advocacy priorities below.

How You Can Support FAPAC’s Advocacy Agenda

  1. Let us know of issues you are experiencing.
  2. Join our Advocacy Committee.
  3. Testify at DC Council hearings.
Submit Advocacy Request

Current Systemic Advocacy Priorities

Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

Some youth who are exiting the DC Foster Care System are becoming homeless and as a result, are more likely to engage in harmful activities. FAPAC is committed to partnering with other organizations to help find a solution to end homelessness for youth who are aging out of care.

Enhanced Foster Parent Support and Inclusion

FAPAC is integrally involved with helping CFSA to increase and make consistent the support and resources offered to foster parents. Each year FAPAC conducts a needs assessment survey of resource parents and shares the report with CFSA for improvement. 

We aim for inclusion of foster parents as vital members of the child’s team. FAPAC continues to hear from many foster parents who feel that they are not included as members of the child’s team. This is a critical issue that we are working with CFSA to address.

Other Priorities

>Training, coaching and support to help with parenting children with more complex emotional needs, including adding a cadre of “professional foster parents.”

>Ensuring accurate information about resources and policies be given to parents by agency staff.

>Improved placement procedures and matching.

>Improving the alignment of messages and practices surrounding the “pre-adoptive” foster parent status.

Previous Legislation and Testimonies

10/22/2022 FAPAC Testimony POCKETT Bill

2/17/2022 – FAPAC Testimony – CFSA Oversight 2022

2/25/2021 – FAPAC Testimony – CFSA Oversight 2021

10/28/2019 – Child Safety and Well-Being Ombudsperson Establishment Act of 2019 before the Council of the District of Columbia Committee on Human Services

2/21/2018 – Child and Family Services Agency Oversight Hearing before the Council of the District of Columbia Committee on Human Services

3/1/2017 – Child and Family Services Agency Oversight Hearing before the District of Columbia Council Committee on Health and Human Services

7/14/2016 – Regarding Bill 21-603, Foster Parent Statements of Rights and Responsibilities Amendment Act of 2016 before the District of Columbia Council Committee on Health and Human Services

3/3/2016 – Child and Family Services Agency Oversight Hearing before the District of Columbia Council Committee on Health and Human Services

7/9/2015 – Confirmation of Ray Davidson before the District of Columbia Council Committee on Health and Human Services

4/28/2015 – Child and Family Services Agency FY ’16 Budget Oversight Hearing

2/18/2015 – Child and Family Services Agency Oversight Hearing before the District of Columbia Council Committee on Health and Human Services

2/12/2014 – Child and Family Services Agency Oversight Hearing before the District of Columbia Council Committee on Human Services

2/26/2013 – Child and Family Services Agency Oversight Hearing before the District of Columbia Council Committee on Human Services

4/2/2012 – Budget Oversight Hearing FY 2013 Child and Family Services Agency before the Council of the District of Columbia Committee on Human Services

3/16/2012 – Confirmation hearing of Brenda Donald as Director of Child and Family Services Agency before the Council of the District of Columbia Committee on Human Services

2/10/2012 – Child and Family Services Agency Oversight Hearing before the District of Columbia Council Committee on Human Services

7/12/2011 – Foster Youth Rights Amendment Act of 2012, Bill 19-803 before the District of Columbia Council Committee on Human Services

4/18/2011 – Child and Family Services Agency FY 2012 Budget Hearing before the District of Columbia Council Committee on Human Services

12/1/2010 – Adoption Reform Amendment Act of 2010

3/1/2010 – Performance Oversight Hearing for the Child and Family Services Agency before the District of Columbia Council Committee on Human Services

3/4/2010 – Regarding Bill 18-0547, The Adoption Reform Amendment Act of 2009 before the District of Columbia Council Committee on Human Services

5/13/2009 – Confirmation Hearing of Dr. Roque R. Gerald as Director of Child and Family Services Agency before The Committee on Human Services, District of Columbia City Council

2/25/2009 – Child and Family Services Agency Oversight Hearing Before the District Council Committee on Human Services

2/11/2009 – Regarding the Adoption and Safe Families Amendment Act of 2009

12/12/2008 – Regarding Extending Adoption and Guardianship Subsidies until age 21, Expanding Guardianship Subsidies to non-kin, and providing Increased Post-Adoption Supports and Verification Requirements

12/12/2008 – Marilyn Egerton regarding Extending Adoption and Guardianship Subsidies until age 21, Expanding Guardianship Subsidies to non-kin, and providing Increased Post-Adoption Supports and Verification Requirements

4/12/2008 – Council of the District of Columbia Committee on Human Services Child and Family Services Agency Budget Hearing

2/21/2008 – Before the Human Services Committee of the Council of the District of Columbia Oversight Hearing, Child and Family Services Agency

1/15/2008 – At the District of Columbia Council Committee on Human Services Public Oversight Roundtable Hearing The Adequacy of the District’s Response in the Tragedy of the Jacks Children

11/8/2007 – At the Confirmation Hearing of Dr. Sharlynn Bobo before the DC Committee on Human Services

4/18/2007 – At the Child and Family Services Agency FY 08 Budget Hearing before the DC Committee on Human Services

2/15/2007 – At the Child and Family Services Agency Performance Oversight Hearing Committee on Human Services, Council of the District of Columbia