Emerging Practice

Youth Advisory Council

State/Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Setting: Community School Workplace
Population: Adolescents & Young Adults CYSHCN
Topic Area: Access to Quality Healthcare Safe and Connected Communities Family & Youth Engagement Care Coordination
NPMs: NPM 12: Transition

The Youth Advisory Council is comprised of youth and young adults who have demonstrated leadership through their involvement with Dare to Dream or other statewide youth initiatives and have an interest in helping their peers who want to improve their school and communities. The Council provides feedback and collaborates with the Office of Special Needs on a variety of activities, programs, policies, and resources that affect the health, wellness, and transitional needs of youth in the State. The Council meets from September to June at the Department of Health. The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) pursued improved health outcomes for the target MCH population of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (ages 14-24) through leadership development delivered through participation in the YAC. The YAC brought together youth and young adults who advised and collaborated with the RI Department of Health (RIDOH), Health Equity Institute (HEI), on activities and resources which affected the health, wellness and transition of youth in our state. The transition age members benefited by learning advocacy skills, health equity concepts, and prevention topics. The members also experienced the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a prosocial group. The council welcomed youth of all abilities and was truly a diverse and inclusive council.


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Implementation Handout



CONTACT INFORMATION
Rhode Island Department of Health
Deborah Garneau, Health Equity Institute Director
Deborah.Garneau@health.ri.gov
401-222-5929
Practice Website