Tiffany Boyd
While searching for a candidate for the appointment, Hahn prioritized finding a candidate with first-hand experience in the foster-care system, according to Hahn’s office.
“Tiffany spent much of her childhood in foster care, so she understands the challenges facing our foster youth,” Hahn said. “Her lived experience allows her to see things advocates and allies would miss. She is going to be an incredible advocate for children across the county and an asset on the Commission for Children and Families.”
Boyd is a Long Beach resident and “a fierce advocate for foster youth,” according to Hahn’s office. In addition to being a member of the National Foster Youth Institute’s Leadership Corps, Boyd is starting her own nonprofit with the goal of forming a mentorship network composed of current and former foster youth. She is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public administration at California State University Dominguez Hills.
“My first-hand experience gives me an understanding of how the decisions that are made affect those they are created to help and allows me to have compassion and empathy for those who I am advocating on behalf of,” Boyd said. “I plan to contribute my professional and personal experiences to the discussions and efforts within the group and serve as a representative for other current and emancipated foster youth as their member on the Commission.”
The Commission for Children and Families advises the Board of Supervisors on strengthening service delivery systems and enhancing partnerships to create safer and more secure futures for Los Angeles County’s at-risk children and their families. There are currently 35,000 children and youth in LA County that receive child welfare services from the Department of Children and families, according to Hahn’s office. Just over 17,000 of them live outside their homes in a foster care or group home setting.
“Although we can’t definitively say, we’re fairly certain that Tiffany’s appointment represents a historic ‘first’ for LA County,” said Bobby Cagle, director of DCFS. “Having a former foster youth as dedicated as Tiffany is an important step for the County, DCFS and the Commission for Children and Families. Needless to say, we’re thrilled to have her and we are looking forward to hearing her voice at the table. “
Tamara N. Hunter, executive director of the Commission for Children and Families, said she has had the opportunity to work closely with Boyd as part of the LA County Foster Youth Bill of Rights and Services project and has witnessed her passion for and commitment to improving the child welfare system.
“I am looking forward to partnering with Ms. Boyd in her new role and enthusiastic about the ways in which she will contribute to the Commission and our mission,” Hunter said. “Speaking more broadly, as someone who has been in the foster-care system, Ms. Boyd represents one of the most important stakeholder groups and lends a vital perspective that should inform decision making regarding at-risk and systems-involved children, youth and families.”
Source: Hahn’s office
