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

An official website of the United States government

Voices of Lived Experience Logo inside Speech Bubble

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.

Connect With Us

Learn how we can help your agency build the capacity to thrive.

Email: capacityinfo@icfi.com 
Phone: 1.844.222.0272

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

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 Voices of Lived Experience Stories
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

Josh's Story

Relays the highs and lows of Josh, a young adult with a passion to help children in foster care. While poised for success as he graduates college, Josh meets challenges later in life after the loss of critical supports.

Video

Young Adult, Formerly in Congregate Care: Treat Me Like a Normal Child

Brandon is a 21-year-old alumnus of the foster care system. He was in the foster care system for about 10 years and serves as a foster care advocate, working in State government for the last 3 years.