OLYMPIA -- A new video, created by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), is helping youth understand the laws that govern the child welfare system. It helps them understand their rights and the resources available to them while they live in foster homes or in the care of family friends and relatives.

Each youth in care, 13 or older, will receive a copy of the video no later than January 30, 2007. The videos will be available to all youth who enter foster care after that or who turn 13 while in their out-of-home placements.

The film is narrated by several foster youth, many of whom are recipients of the Governor's Scholarship program and are attending colleges and universities in Washington. They have used humor to let foster youth know about their legal rights and the opportunities available to them.

"This was a very rewarding experience because I know that at least one person will benefit from this video. That’s all that really matters to me," said Jennifer Chung, one of the film’s narrators.

"This video is designed to empower youth in care with information about the legal process, services available to youth, and scholarship opportunities," said Carolyn Jones, a DSHS program manager, who helped produce the video. "It encourages youth to be involved in making decisions affecting their lives, and explains how they can make their voices heard."

Social workers and their supervisors have been asked to view the video, in advance of giving it out to youth on their caseloads, so they are prepared to respond to questions that youth may have.

The following groups and individuals provided suggestions on the content of the video: Office of the Family and Children’s Ombudsman, Office of the Public Defender, Mockingbird Society, "Passion to Action" Youth Advisory Board, Attorneys General Office, Washington Education Foundation, Children’s Administration staff, foster parents, kinship caregivers, Casey Family Programs, and the Honorable Chris Wickham, Thurston Superior Court.