WHAT:
Youth aging out of Michigan's foster care system will gather at the Wayne State University Law School to give testimony to state policymakers eager to hear suggestions for reform.

The KidSpeak forum gives young people ages 16-24 an opportunity to have a voice in the public policy debate by speaking directly to federal, state and local decision makers about barriers that impede their successful transition from high school to college and employment. They also will highlight what assisted them in their educational success. 

WHEN:
Monday, August 10
10 a.m. to noon. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Wayne State University Law School's Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium, 471 West Palmer Street, Detroit

MORE INFO:
KidSpeak, a Michigan's Children initiative, is being held in partnership with the Wayne State University Law School's Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights, School of Social Work, and Transition to Independence Program; Rep. Jim Runestad; the Michigan Youth Opportunity Initiative; and the Foster Care Alumni Association of America-Michigan Chapter.

Wayne State is one of several Michigan universities considered foster youth friendly, due largely to its Transition to Independence Program (TIP). Funded through a contract from the DHS and administered by the School of Social Work, TIP partners with Metro Detroit-area organizations to provide Wayne State students aging out of the foster care system with a range of free support, including professional mentoring, legal representation, financial literacy training and counseling.