A Youth Leadership and Development Program for youth in care. This program provides opportunities for youth and young adults between the ages of 14-21 to advocate and provide information on various programs and services within the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

The Statewide Youth Advisory Board (SYAB) is an innovative program within the Department of Community Development and Organizing (DCDO).  This program is exclusively provided for Youth in Care of the State of Illinois.  The SYAB is a program that provides services and opportunities for youth and young adults between the ages of 14-21.  The program is a safe place to voice individual as well as community issues and concerns relating to programming, services, and policies provided by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

Statewide Youth Advisory Board is youth led program that provides opportunities for youth and young adults in care to meet and discuss various issues affecting their ability to successfully emancipate from the child welfare system. Chicago Area Project staff train participants on meeting facilitation, advocacy, community organizing, and service delivery. Program participants engage in planning outreach events, graduations, and community service across the state of Illinois.