Youth Experiences and Voices

Topics

• "The Day We Came Home" (2 discussions)
  A place for reunified families to share their turning point—the moment, the support, and what made it real.
• Youth on Councils, Boards, and Panels (3 discussions)
  Talk about real youth engagement in leadership—what works, what feels tokenizing, and how to push for real power.
• Youth Stories: In Our Own Words (3 discussions)
  A space for current and former youth in care to share lived experiences—good, bad, and everything in between.
• Youth-Led Accountability (3 discussions)
  Hold systems and agencies to their promises—what youth were told, what actually happened, and what needs fixing.
• Youth-Led Ideas for Change (3 discussions)
  Propose, debate, and build solutions driven by youth perspectives—because system reform starts with those who live it.
• “You Asked. We Answered.” (2 discussions)
  A reverse forum—where youth respond to questions from caregivers, social workers, or policymakers, on their terms.
• Safe Spaces to Speak Up (2 discussions)
  Discuss how to create environments where youth can be honest, vulnerable, and heard without judgment or fear.
• Peer Support and Mentorship (2 discussions)
  Connect youth with others who’ve been there—offering guidance, friendship, and strength through shared experience.
• Creating with Purpose: Art, Writing, and Media (3 discussions)
  Share music, poetry, visual art, podcasts, and projects that give voice to your journey and inspire others.
• LGBTQ+, Racialized, and Indigenous Youth Voices (2 discussions)
  Center the experiences of youth facing intersectional barriers—discuss identity, belonging, and justice in care.
• Transitioning Out of Care: What We Needed (2 discussions)
  A space to reflect on aging out, what supports helped or were missing, and how to help others prepare.