Media Release: TNOYS Mobilizes Support for Cross-Systems, Youth-Focused Policy Priorities During the 88th Texas Legislative Session

February 16, 2023 — Austin – The Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS), a statewide organization that strengthens services and supports for Texas youth and families, is mobilizing its member network, youth and young adults (YYA), and state agencies in support of TNOYS’ Policy Agenda for the 88th Texas Legislative Session. On Monday, March 6, stakeholders will come together for TNOYS Day of Action for Youth (D.A.Y), a day-long event to educate legislators and promote positive change across seven systems that impact YYA: child welfare, housing and homelessness services, justice, survivor services, health and behavioral health, education, and workforce/ higher education.

D.A.Y. will kick off with a training on TNOYS’ 15 policy priorities this session. Following lunch, TNOYS will host an energetic rally at the Texas Capitol featuring speeches from legislators, TNOYS members, and young people who have lived experience in systems. Participants will then have the chance to meet with policymakers to provide a critical, often unheard perspective about their experiences on the ground.

“Since its founding in 1980, TNOYS has secured numerous policy advancements thanks in part to the powerful advocacy of members and young people with lived experience in systems,” explained Fedora Galasso, TNOYS CEO, “TNOYS’ Day of Action for Youth will uplift the most pressing issues Texas young people involved in systems face today and ensure that legislators hear directly from the people who their policy decisions will impact.”

TNOYS’ priorities this session focus on prevention and early intervention, better support for those who do become systems-involved, and stronger resources for young people transitioning out of systems and into adulthood. With an estimated additional $32 billion available for the legislature to spend next biennium, this session is a unique opportunity for long-overdue investments in Texas’ youth-serving systems and the critical priorities outlined by TNOYS.

“Years of underfunding and workforce shortages have left many providers struggling to meet the needs of the youth and young adults they serve every day,” explained Lauren Rose, TNOYS Director of Public Policy, “Given this year’s historic budget surplus, the time is now to fund programs and enact policies that will help young people overcome challenges, achieve healthy development, and thrive into adulthood.”

TNOYS Day of Action for Youth takes place Monday, March 6, from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Texas Capitol. It is open to TNOYS members and youth and young adults with lived experience. To RSVP for D.A.Y., please email policy@tnoys.org. If you are a member of the press who wishes to cover D.A.Y or has additional questions, please email mbergeron@tnoys.org.

About TNOYS

For over 40 years, Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) has worked tirelessly to build better outcomes for Texas’ most vulnerable yet resilient youth, young adults, and families. TNOYS represents and partners with a diverse network of over 80 Texas organizations across seven system areas: housing and homelessness services, child welfare, justice, survivor services, health and behavioral health, education, and workforce. Together with their partners, TNOYS has shaped numerous policies and initiatives to prevent systems involvement, strengthen and improve systems that serve youth, and ensure that young people are best equipped to make the transition out of systems and into adulthood. 

TNOYS’ work is guided by a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; youth-adult partnership; and cross-systems collaborations. In every aspect of our work, TNOYS engages a diverse range of youth and youth adults with lived experience in systems. We provide young people with opportunities to amplify their voices, shape systems-change, and grow as leaders.