Entrepreneur Russell Simmons, actress Gabrielle Union and other celebrities joined policy makers on Capitol Hill to push for more federal support of youth programs.

Simmons' Hip Hop Action Network and the California-based nonprofit, Children Uniting Nations, co-sponsored the event.

The conference addressed several issues affecting youth such as drug trafficking, physical fitness and the need for mentors to help foster youth.

Union pays close attention to the plight of foster children. Two years ago, her mother became a foster parent to two young girls.

"(The girls) became a part of my family," Union said. "But I quickly realized how the foster care system is lacking terribly."

There are an estimated 500,000 children in foster care, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Advocates say there is not enough national attention on foster children, who often lack consistent guidance.