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| "It's not
enough to simply care; we must ACT!" |
TNOYS promotes local,
statewide and national advocacy among its members on a range of policy and
funding issues concerning youth. The emphasis is on grass-roots advocacy:
informing and empowering members to activate grass-roots advocacy on behalf
of youth in at-risk situations. TNOYS seeks also to empower young people to
advocate on their own behalf.
The TNOYS Executive Director or other staff
represent the organization through a variety of hearings, meetings, and policy communications. TNOYS coordinates with
and supports activities with other statewide
organizations, such as Texans Care for Children, Texas Homeless Network,
Texas Homeless Education Office Texas Alliance of Child and Family
Services, Texas Coalition Advocating Justice for Juveniles, and other
organizations. The network advocates for and monitors programs and
services within the Texas
Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
related to the Services to At Risk Youth Program and other prevention
services; and foster care services, especially emergency shelter services.
Concerning federal advocacy issues, TNOYS coordinates closely with the
National Network for Youth, and the Southwest Network of Youth Services;
notifying members of legislative news on a wide range of issues directly
impacting youth services. In addition, TNOYS staff communicate regularly with
federal and regional staff of the Administration for Children and Families
and the Health and Human Services Department, on issues relating to the
Runaway and Homeless Youth, Transitional Living Services, and the Street
Outreach Program.
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