KidSpeak® is a signature event of Michigan’s Children. Since 1993, Michigan’s Children has served as a statewide independent and nonpartisan voice working to ensure that public policies are made in the best interest of children and youth from cradle to career. 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 higher education and employment.
KidSpeak®, hosted by TIP and Michigan’s Children is an annual legislative forum that provides foster care youth the opportunity to testify before legislators, policy makers, and community leaders about their experiences in the child welfare system. Through their testimony, youth identify challenges in the system and offer possible solutions that aim to generate systemic change, benefiting the lives of young people within the foster care system. This event empowers youth to speak directly to the individuals who impact child welfare policy and practice.