CJJA is thrilled to announce our partnership with the Forum for Youth Investment in launching the Building Ecosystems Statewide for Thriving (BEST) Youth this summer. The Building Ecosystems Statewide for Thriving (BEST) Youth Initiative is a cross-system, cross-sector opportunity for states to create enabling environments for true system alignment that comprehensively and equitably meets the needs of youth and their families. Please consider applying for this unique opportunity to help create supportive environments at the state level that comprehensively meet the needs of our youth and families, allowing them to thrive.
What is the BEST Youth Initiative?
BEST Youth Initiative is a three-year, state-based cross-sector effort to facilitate cross-system collaboration to improve youth outcomes and build a more effective and nimble youth development ecosystem that provides opportunities for youth to thrive.
How will the BEST Youth Initiative Benefit your State?
- A dedicated team of expert Forum staff and consultants will deliver tailored consultation, strategic solutions, and guidance in the development and implementation of vision and strategy across multiple systems, valued at $250K-500k.
- Participation in State Action Laboratories (Action Labs)
- Utilizing a youth and family-centered approach engaging and amplifying the voices of people with lived experience navigating multiple siloed systems.
- Involving a three-stage process both that is both structured and flexible – employing data driven, proven approaches to actionable strategy development.
- Networking opportunities with peers engaged in similar cross-systems change efforts nationwide.
- The chance to showcase your innovations and systems change at the national level, influencing federal decision makers in Washington, D.C.
- Compensation and childcare for youth and family members/caregivers with lived experience to participate in state teams and national events.
Interested states must build a team that includes at least three agencies within the youth-serving ecosystem (education, workforce development, human services, behavioral health, child welfare, and/or juvenile justice) and at a minimum, include one person with lived experience from each system. Together we will integrate and leverage youth serving systems to provide cohesive opportunities for improving outcomes that no one system can achieve alone.
To learn more about the BEST Youth Initiative and the Invitation to Apply – click here.