Youth Engagement - Voices of Lived Experience - Center for States - Child Welfare Capacity Building Collaborative Skip to main content

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Capacity Building

CENTER FOR STATES

Youth Engagement

Discover stories about authentic youth engagement at the practice, peer support, and system-change levels. Hear youth and young adults describe how their voices were heard while in foster care and the supportive role of caseworkers, leaders, attorneys, and peer mentors. Youth explain how engagement and trusting relationships gave them the support and empowerment they needed during this critical developmental period.

Find youth engagement stories that best meet your needs by selecting filters on the left and use them with activities from the discussion guide to build understanding and connections between people as you advocate, inspire, support, recruit, train, and coach individuals and teams.

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Email: info@childwelfare.gov 
Phone: 1.800.394.3366

Visit the Center for States' Contact Us webpage for more information.

Showing 1 - 5 of 14 Voices of Lived Experience Stories
Video

Cole’s Story

Hear a foster and adoptive father of African American boys talk about fighting cultural biases to support his sons’ well-being.

Video

Jamall and Jennifer's Story - National Reunification Month 2022

Learn about how Jamall reunified with family members and enjoyed family cookouts and holidays with the help of Jennifer and the Family Finder program through Kinnect Ohio.

Video

Melvin's Story

Addresses the importance of agency resources, such as caregiver support groups and specialized training, to equip caregivers to work successfully with children and youth who have severe therapeutic needs.

Video

Teresa's Story (2017)

Highlights motivating factors for caregivers serving children with therapeutic needs, including the value of caregiver support networks, continuous training, and a commitment to strengthen families within the caregiver’s community.

Video

Debra, Kaylah, and Brittany’s Story

Highlights the advocacy work of state and regional youth leadership councils.