What is True Up?

True Up is an innovative initiative dedicated to empowering young people in foster care with the essential life skills needed for a successful transition to self-sufficiency and independence.

Founded in 2011, True Up represents a significant collaboration among foster care agencies in Kentucky, all working together to support youth as they move from structured environments into independent living.

Our network comprises foster care alumni who have navigated the challenges of securing employment, pursuing education, and managing mental health. Having successfully overcome these hurdles, they now provide invaluable peer support to guide and inspire the next generation.

Featured News

  • Bridging the Gap: Foster Youth & Legislators

    By: Crystal Willis, Youth Engagement Coordinator On May 15th, youth advocates and policymakers came together for an inspiring evening dedicated to strengthening advocacy skills and building bridges between residential leadership teams and state legislators. The [...]

  • Racial Disparities in Foster Care: A Continuing Crisis

    By: Tatum Abel, Peer Engagement Coordinator The foster care system is designed to protect children in vulnerable situations, offering them a haven when their biological families cannot safely provide care. However, data compiled by Kentucky [...]

  • Movement, Empowerment and Change: Reflections on Children’s Advocacy Week 2025

    By: Tatum Heath, Peer Engagement Coordinator As an advocate for youth’s rights and peer support for lived experts, I had the privilege of attending Children’s Advocacy Day in Frankfort, Kentucky, for the second time. Each [...]

Our Vision

Inspiring all Kentucky foster care alumni to achieve success.

Our Mission

We connect, support, and empower foster care teens and young adults to excel in life.

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Kentucky Youth Advocates serves as the backbone organization of True Up.