BYS is collecting submissions on an ongoing basis. When BYS selects a submission, it will be used in BYS's Newsletter, which reaches a wide range of stakeholders within and beyond state agencies! BYS does not guarantee that all submissions will be selected.
BYS staff will notify a youth by email if their art or a highlight about them will be featured. If applicable, BYS will also notify the adult supporter/professional who submitted information about the youth.
If a youth's artwork is selected for the newsletter, BYS will comprensate the youth $50 for their hard work! Kudos, rather than compensation, will be given for youth highlights.
Submission Criteria:
- Young adults ages 14-23
- Young adults impacted by Child Welfare (including Youth Justice), Independent Living, Anti-Human Trafficking, Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs, and/or Brighter Futures prevention and diversion programming
- A highlight can be any positive shout-out you have for a youth who has done well and deserves recognition. It can be praise; recognizing academic performance; applauding effort, personal growth, or perserverance; celebrating positive behavior, contributions, participation, or cooperation; or even saying thank you!
- Artwork submissions must be an original creation by the young person, high resolution, workplace-friendly, and youth-friendly
- Any adult supporters submitting artwork must have permission from the youth to do so, and any highlights need to be shared with the youth prior to submission as well
- If an adult supporter submits a picture of identified youth with their highlight or artwork, a photo release must be signed prior to DCF publishing the image in the BYS Newsletter. DCF staff will reach out to make sure that is completed
BYS reserves the right to decline submissions, whether due to the nature of the submission, misalignment with required criteria, number of submissions received, or other considerations.
If you would like to submit information on behalf of a young person you know, or you are a young person submitting on your own behalf, please complete the form below. A separate submission form is required for each individual youth.