FY27 TLS Statewide Youth Advisory Board

FY27 TLS Statewide Youth Advisory Board

This grant award will have an initial period of performance starting in FY27 (07/01/2026 (or upon execution of the agreement) through 06/30/2029). A budget should be submitted for FY27 only.
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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Provider will support the convening and maintenance of a Statewide Youth Advisory Board and regional youth advisory boards in the Cook, Central, Southern and Northern regions of the state, as well as the Statewide Youth Advisory Affinity Groups.

Provider will convene monthly regional youth advisory board meetings that provide valuable insight and feedback to the Department on how to best provide services to current and former youth in care living within each of the regions. Provider will support youth in implementing all aspects of the meetings (programmatic and logistical) and provide transportation to ensure attendance.

Clients: defined as youth for whom the Department is legally responsible and for whom the Department has determined, in consultation with the Provider, the youth’s need for rehabilitative, social, and other services may best be met by the program and services provided under this agreement. Considerations will be made with prior approval of DCFS for clients that fall under the category of Adopted or Subsidized Guardianship to also receive services.

Statewide Youth Advisory Board (SYAB): Convening of the executive members of the four regional boards plus two guests from the hosting region.

Youth Advisory Board Registered Member: Any youth or young adult in the state of Illinois who is a DCFS youth in care, former youth in care in subsidized guardianship, or adopted and:

The age of 14 – 20 years old.

Completed member application and signed the code of conduct.

Have attended at least 3 RYAB meetings.

Youth Advisory Board Membership
1. Active Registered Members: Youth or young adults who have completed the requirements for registered membership and who regularly attend RYAB meetings, Individual Leadership Meetings (ILM), teleconferences, or any in-person RYAB sponsored event. Officer: Youth who are elected to serve in a leadership capacity.
2. Inactive Registered Members: Youth or young adults who meet the Active Registered Member criteria but have not participated in any YAB activities in 3 months.
3. Guests: Any youth or young adult that has attended one or more RYAB meetings that has not completed the registered member requirements listed above.

Youth Advisory Affinity Group Membership:

Any youth or young adult who is a current DCFS youth in care, former youth in care, in subsidized guardianship or adopted age of 14 – 20 years old.

Identifies as an ally or member of one of the affinity groups (currently BIPOC, LGBTQIA+).

Completes a member application and agrees to code of conduct.

Has the ability to attend virtual and in-person meetings when applicable.

1. Active Member: Any youth or young adult who has attended at least three YAAG meetings (LGBTQI+ or BIPOC)
2. Ambassador: Representatives who are selected through an application process to serve as youth leaders for a one-year term.
3. Guest: Any youth or young adult who has attended a meeting that has not completed a membership application.

The Provider must ensure compliance with the Youth Advisory Board Act (20 ILCS 527/) by:

Supporting the convening and maintenance of regional youth advisory boards in the Cook, Central, Southern, and Northern regions of the state and a Statewide Youth Advisory Board

Supporting each regional youth advisory board in working with the Department or its designee to determine how to best provide services to current and former youth in foster care living within their regions.

Supporting the Statewide Youth Advisory Board in advising the Department and the General Assembly with respect to all matters involving or affecting current and former youth in care.

RYAB/SYAB:
Provider will partner directly with the Statewide Youth Advisory Board members and DCFS to ensure the board meets the responsibilities of the Youth Advisory Board Act by:
1. Providing the Department and the General Assembly with the perspective of youth under the care of the Department;
2. Identifying, analyzing, and recommending solutions to any concerns regarding adoption and guardianship and youth in foster care;
3. Reviewing and advising the Department on proposed or pending legislation, primarily as it concerns current and former youth in foster care; and
4. Reviewing and making recommendations on department foster care and child welfare service delivery policies, guidelines, procedures, and training.

Provider will offer a stipend / incentive program that is designed to compensate RYAB and SYAB officers for their time and effort on the board in addition to an incentive program for guests, registered and active members of the RYAB with the goal of diversifying the board’s composition and encouraging consistent participation.

Provider will be responsible for:

Securing meeting locations, food, transportation (for eligible youth), activities, and presenters for each meeting (quarterly meetings plus one annual retreat)

Convening and coordinating planning meetings with Executive Committee, DCFS staff and partner agencies to develop SYAB agenda and structure for each meeting.

Coordinating youth and leadership development workshops for board meetings

Coordinating logistics with outside training and workshop providers

Communicating with the Executive Committee about the agenda

content and the weekend structure.

Maintaining program records and files of SYAB participants.

Communicating with youth placement or clinical providers to determine the appropriateness of members participating in weekend overnight Statewide Youth Advisory Board meetings.

At each SYAB Meeting:

Supporting SYAB officers in facilitating agendas and implementing systems that ensure minutes are taken and reviewed.

Maintaining documentation of attendance at each meeting.

Encouraging positive interaction among board members

Promoting and supporting youth involvement in regional activities—examples might Include Youth Summits, Youth Advisory Affinity Group special events

Ensuring there is agenda time is established to address youth issues and concerns

Convening SYAB sub-committees

Coordinating at least one recreational activity during SYAB weekends and an inspirational speaker.

Communicating information on invited guests and special events pertaining to the SYAB staff.

Providing Supervision of youth during weekend trips.

Convene Regional Youth Advisory Boards in Cook, Central, Southern and Northern Regions: Regional boards' primary responsibility is to work with regional youth in care and staff about how to best provide services to youth living within their regions.

Provider is responsible for:

Securing meeting locations, food, transportation (for eligible youth), activities, and presenters for each meeting (12 in each region)

Coordinating youth development / life skills workshops for board meetings

Coordinating with outside partners to support the training and workshops

Convening Individual Leadership Meetings (ILM) to debrief RYAB meetings and finalize RYAB meeting agendas.

Supporting each RYAB in ensuring they have a full officer slate.

Communicating and working with caseworkers to complete membership packets

Maintaining program records and files of RYAB members.

Providing outreach and communication services in order to recruit members of the Regional Youth Advisory Boards.

YAAG/BIPOC

The Youth Advisory Affinity Group (YAAG) is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiative. Provider will ensure the convening of the agreed upon Affinity Groups. These are youth-driven DEI groups that meet 10 months out of the year (excluding July and December).

All YAAG groups consist of ambassadors who are selected through an application process to serve as youth leaders. Applications are reviewed by the Department of Children and Family Services DEI team and Provider. Youth are notified in writing of their appointment. This notification will include a description of responsibilities, projects, length of appointment and application process. Youth must be at least 15 years old. The ambassadors are required to complete a project based on their experience as a member of their community as well as their lived experience as a youth in care. The projects will build on knowledge-based foundation of best practices and with a DEI lens to impact policy with their recommendations and highlight specific supports and/ or resources needed. The project will be presented first to the DCFS DEI team and later presented to the Director of DCFS.

1. Take place once a month for 90 minutes, for ten months out of the year (excluding July and December) for a total of 20 meeting (10-BIPOC & 10-LGBTQI+)
2. Provide a safe, welcoming forum for marginalized youth in the child welfare system to speak openly, feel empowered, learn how to advocate for themselves/others, and learn about the community they are in
3. Embrace differences (how each group's experience may vary) and explore commonalities.
4. Explore Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion issues related to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ youth in care and explore how such issues impact youth in care.
5. Build community and collaboration amongst all groups to better inform direction of ambassador projects.
6. Build skills and understanding through ongoing partnerships with subject matter experts.
7. Provide the Department with the perspective of LGBTQI+ youth
8. Provide an opportunity for youth to participate in DEI training and/or presentations.
9. Attendees will discuss how training can inform their opportunities to advocate for change. Provide opportunities for attendees to participate in breakout groups based on their affinity group (i.e., African American, Latino, and Asian American/Native American) to brainstorm opportunities to advocate for change.

Learning Objectives for YAAG Meeting Participation

1. To provide a forum for marginalized youth in the child welfare system to speak openly, feel empowered, learn how to advocate for themselves/others, and learn about the community they are in.
2. To gain knowledge and skills about issues, concerns and leading equity, diversity, and inclusion practices for marginalized communities.
3. To identify the greatest issues and challenges for youth in care related to racial and gender bias, disparity, and equity.
4. To give YAAG ambassadors (YAAG members in leadership positions) feedback on their collaborative projects and to offer recommendations to them and to the Department for child welfare systems change in general.
5. Each meeting of YAAG builds on the previous meeting’s learning and creates positive momentum for change while ensuring that each meeting is also welcoming and accessible for new participants.

In Person Regional Youth Advisory Affinity Group Meetings:

Four Regional YAAG in-person cultural events will be held per year to provide opportunities for team building, leadership development and DEI related knowledge and skills.
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STAFFING QUALIFICATIONS

Direct Service:
All staff serving in a direct service position must have a minimum of a High School diploma/GED, unless otherwise specified in the job descriptions (A degree in the human service field is preferred). Must have at least 1 to 2 years of experience working with youth or in youth development programming.

Upon request of DCFS the Provider will submit job titles and descriptions for all direct service staff working under the program plan and listed in the approved GATA budget.

Supervisory:
All supervisory staff must have a bachelor’s degree in social science, social work, psychology, or related field from an accredited university and have at least 4 years of experience working with youth and young adults, unless otherwise specified by job description Master’s degree preferred.

Minimum Staffing Expectations: Provider will have a minimum of 1 staff for every 5 clients for all Statewide Youth Advisory Board meetings.
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TARGET POPULATION

Inclusions:
Youth in care, ages 14-20 who demonstrate an interest in youth leadership and are available to attend monthly regional meetings. Youth who have not reached age 21 and have closed case due reunification, subsidized guardianship, or adoption are eligible upon approval of the assigned DCFS program monitor.

Exclusions:
Former youth in care who are 21 or older whose case has closed are excluded. Additionally, DCFS and the Provider will determine any exclusions that are related to confidential concerns and issues (i.e., severe emotional and mental impairments, high flight risk etc.)

Client Capacity Under DCFS Agreement: 320
Capacity at Any Given Time: 160
YAB Target: 280
YAAG Target: 50

Client Capacity Under Program: 320
Capacity at Any Given Time: 160

Average Length of Services: The length of services could be 24 months or more (Clients are eligible to participate in the program beginning at age 14 and up to 21 years of age.) Active members are eligible to be elected to a two-year officer position.

The provider must obtain prior authorization from DCFS to serve clients outside of the program plan parameters.
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PROGRAM OUTCOMES AND METRICS

YAB Program Metrics:
1. Provider will convene 48 Regional Youth Advisory Board meetings.
2. Each Regional Youth Advisory Board meeting will serve a minimum of 10 youth in care (members and guests.)
3. There will be 10-20 officers in place by the first quarter Statewide Youth Advisory Board meeting and the board will maintain or exceed this number for the rest of the program year.
4. Provider will convene 4 Statewide Youth Advisory Board Meetings and one weekend SYAB Retreat.
5. Statewide Youth Advisory Board meetings will have between 12 – 24 participants.
6. Provider will prepare SYAB officers for a quarterly meeting with the DCFS Director.
7. There will be at least three interns in place for the program year.

YAB Program Outcomes:
100% of youth issues and concerns identified during Cook, Southern, Central, and Northern regional meetings and SYAB meetings will be submitted to DCFS Advocacy staff within 24 business hours of the meetings adjournment.

100% of active DCFS policy transmittals that directly impact youth from the Office of Child and Family Policy and are shared with Provider staff by the program monitor will be reviewed at SYAB meetings and SYAB will suggest revisions or make recommendations when pertinent.

The Statewide and Regional Youth Advisory Boards demonstrate capacity to advocate for the needs of youth in care measured by reports, testimony, representation at meetings and events.

The Statewide and Regional Youth Advisory Boards will have substantial links to divisions of DCFS and advisory councils associated with DCFS and advocates for youth in care as measured through a report on representation, meetings, reports, communications, and workshops that occur. Examples include: IL Children and Family Services Advisory Council, Statewide Foster Parent Advisory Council, IL Adoption Advisory Council, Child Welfare Advisory Council (CWAC) and CWAC Emerging Adults Subcommittee.

Provider will prepare evaluation summary reports on Leadership Development workshops at RYAB meetings and submit them as part of the year-end report.

SYAB Youth trained in public speaking will demonstrate an increase in public speaking skills and confidence presenting in front of an audience as measured by retrospective analysis.

Provider will prepare a year-end report on the FY27 Active Membership stipend / incentive program.

YAAG Program Metrics:
1. Convene 1 monthly virtual Youth Advisory Affinity Group for each group as agreed upon with the department – 10 months of the year with a minimum of 10 youth participants. (
2. Convene 4 in-person EDI Focused Regional Youth Advisory Affinity Group events, 1 (per quarter as agreed upon with the department) with 10-80 youth in care (members and guests).
3. Convene a minimum of 1 Ambassador Meeting for each Affinity Group and one collaborative Ambassador Meeting per with 75% of the Ambassadors in attendance.

YAAG Program Outcomes:

The Youth Advisory Affinity Group demonstrates capacity to advocate for the needs of youth in care measured by reports, testimony, representation at meetings and events as measured by YAB Staff observation.

The Youth Advisory Affinity group will have substantial links to divisions of DCFS to advocate for youth in care as measured through a report on representation, meetings, reports, communications, and workshops that occur.

YAAG ambassadors will demonstrate an increase in DEI understanding and awareness measured by a retrospective analysis.

Details

• Awarding Agency: Department Of Children And Family Services
• CSFA Number: 418-00-3600
• CSFA Popular Name: Statewide Youth Advisory Board
• Funding Opportunity Number: 418 - Statewide Youth Advisory Board
• Assistance Listings Number: State
• Announcement Type: Initial Announcement
• Award Type: Competitive
• Total Funding Available: $763,344.00
• Expected Number of Awards: 1
• Funding Sources: State
• Indirect Costs Allowed: Yes
• Posted Date: 2026-04-24
• Award Period: 2026-07-01 – 2027-06-30

Funding Restrictions

Grant awards will be subject to state statutory requirements that limit the administrative costs to 20%. Fringe benefits cannot exceed 25% of total salaries.

Indirect Cost Description

Indirect Costs are allowed. To charge indirect costs to a grant, the applicant organization must have an annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA).

There are three types of NICRAs:

1. Federally Negotiated Rate. Organizations that receive direct federal funding, may have an indirect cost rate that was negotiated with the Federal Cognizant Agency. Illinois will accept the federally negotiated rate. The organization must provide a copy of the federal NICRA.

2. State Negotiated Rate. The organization may negotiate an indirect cost rate with the State of Illinois if they do not have a Federally Negotiated Rate. If an organization has not previously established an indirect cost rate, an indirect cost rate proposal may be submitted to the State of Illinois through the indirect cost rate system no later than three months after the effective date of the award. If an organization previously established an indirect cost rate, the organization must continue to use that rate until its expiration. Upon expiration, the organization may re-submit a new indirect cost proposal through the system annually, within six months after the close of the grantee’s fiscal year, OR an organization may elect to use the de minimis rate instead of their State Negotiated Rate.

3. De Minimis Rate. An organization may elect a de minimis rate of 15% of modified total direct cost (MTDC). Once established, the de minimis rate may be used indefinitely. The State of Illinois must verify the calculation of the MTDC annually in order to accept the de minimis rate.
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NOTE
• All grantees must complete an indirect cost rate negotiation or elect the De Minimis Rate in the indirect cost rate system to claim indirect costs. Indirect costs claimed without an established negotiated rate or a De Minimis Rate election in the system may be subject to disallowance.
• Grantees have discretion not to claim payment for indirect costs. Grantees that elect not to claim indirect costs cannot be reimbursed for indirect costs.
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Restrictions on Indirect Costs

Yes

Citation Governing Indirect Cost Restriction

2 CFR 200.414(c)

State Award Notices

REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS
All applications must be submitted by the posted deadline. IDCFS staff conducts an initial review of all applications received for eligibility and GATA compliance. Reviewers may consist of DCFS GATA staff, division leadership, and other internal DCFS staff. Each proposal will be reviewed by a minimum of three reviewers. The review and selection of grant award recipients is conducted in a fair and equitable manner that evaluates and selects grantees most likely to be successful in delivering results based on program objectives, and with limited disruption to the continuity of services. Proposals will be approved based on funding available.

While recommendations from the review team will be a key factor in funding decisions, the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the scores of the review team to be non-binding recommendations. The Department reserves the right to evaluate applications in the larger context of the overall portfolio by considering geographic distribution of awards (e.g., ensuring coverage of certain counties or service areas), client needs, and overall programmatic/ financial risk assessments in its pre-award decisions. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.

Final award decisions will be made by the Director (or their designee). The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, locations, etc. Funds are disbursed based on the schedule agreed upon and included within the Uniform Grant Agreement. The release of this Notice of Funding Opportunity does not obligate the Department to make an award.
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AWARD NOTIFICATIONS
An award status notification (approval or denial) will be delivered via an automated email from Euna Grants. This email will serve as notification that an award has been made. However, this email is not an authorization to begin performance or incur costs.
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APPEALS
Competitive grant (and in some cases non-competitive) appeals are limited to an appeal related to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested.

An appeal must be submitted in writing in accordance with the grant application document. An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days of Award denial.
The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
i. the name and address of the appealing party
ii. identification of the grant for which you are appealing the evaluation/review process
iii. a statement of reasons for the appeal

Response to Appeal
a. DCFS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.
b. DCFS will respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is required.
c. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by DCFS within the time period set in the request.

Reporting

Grantees will be expected to submit both (monthly or quarterly) periodic performance reports and monthly financial reports. The exact reporting requirements of this award will be defined in the program plan of the Uniform Grant Agreement.