YAB LogoPennsylvania Youth Advisory Board
Photo of Summit

The Youth Summit is a two-day event that provides youth ages 16 until their 23rd birthday with a platform to develop their professional leadership skills through networking and workshops facilitated by the YAB leadership and staff
DAY 1

 

Registration begins at 9:00 am
(Continental Breakfast Available)

  • Welcome & Presentation by the Office of Children, Youth, & Families

  • Keynote Presentation: Jim Donovan
    • Jim's mission is to share the restorative power of music through education and performance. He's an Assistant Professor and Director of Music and Wellness at Saint Francis University and his TEDx Talk "How to Trick Your Brain Into Falling Asleep" has been viewed over 6 million times to date. Over the past 20 years, Jim has developed a specialized collection of techniques that use rhythm and sound to support better health. He writes regularly about the intersecting world of music and sound-based healing, including the latest research on how these techniques can address anxiety, depression, chronic pain, sleep, and brain health. https://www.donovanhealth.com/booking

  • Professional Development Sessions
    • Engagement / Collaboration
      • This session introduces key concepts and skills for individuals working within the child welfare system, emphasizing how to communicate effectively, collaborate with teams, act professionally, and apply trauma-informed principles.
    • Child Welfare 101
      • This session is a training presentation that explains how the child welfare system works in Pennsylvania. It introduces the structure of the system at the federal, state, and county levels, outlines the full casework process (from screening and intake through case closure), and describes the roles and decision-making power of system partners.

  • Sacred Circle
    • A Safe Space – Sacred Circle is an opportunity for youth to share, reflect, and discuss relevant issues with other youth from across the state. These conversations are youth-facilitated and are an opportunity for youth not only to feel supported, but also to support others who may reflect similar challenges.

  • Evening Activity: Escape Room & Bowling at ABC Bowling
    • 5 – 8 PM: Bowling and Escape Rooms. Dinner will be provided.

     
DAY 2

 

Registration begins at 9:00 am
(Continental Breakfast Available)

  • Welcome
  • Professional Development Sessions
    • Engagement / Collaboration
      • This session introduces key concepts and skills for individuals working within the child welfare system, emphasizing how to communicate effectively, collaborate with teams, act professionally, and apply trauma-informed principles.
    • Child Welfare 101
      • This session is a training presentation that explains how the child welfare system works in Pennsylvania. It introduces the structure of the system at the federal, state, and county levels, outlines the full casework process (from screening and intake through case closure), and describes the roles and decision-making power of system partners.
    • Staff Networking/Free Time
  • Citizen Review Panel (CRP) Project – Regional Report Outs
  • Advocacy Exercise
    • This exercise provides youth with a staged courtroom debate designed to explore the strengths, limitations, and user experiences of Android and iPhone technologies. Participants take on roles such as attorneys, expert witnesses, judges, and jurors to advocate for their assigned platform. Each side presents persuasive arguments on issues like device customization, security, user friendliness, app ecosystems, privacy, innovation, and overall value.