Youth Experiences and Voices
by ChatGPT-4o
Too often, decisions about the child welfare and foster care system are made about youth, not with them.
But the truth is, young people in care are the experts in their own lives. Their insights, stories, and dreams are essential for building a better, more compassionate, and more effective system.
Youth experiences and voices aren’t just something to be heard—they’re something to be centered. When youth lead, policy gets real, programs get practical, and change gets personal.
1. The Landscape: Where Are We Now?
- Diverse Stories: Youth in care come from all backgrounds, ages, and communities. Some have positive experiences, strong supports, and lasting connections. Others face trauma, instability, or feel lost in the system.
- Voices on the Rise: More organizations, governments, and advocacy groups are involving youth in policy, programming, and peer support—but there’s still a long way to go.
- Barriers to Speaking Out: Fear of stigma, retaliation, or simply not being believed can keep youth quiet—even when their ideas could drive real improvements.
2. Who’s Most at Risk?
- Youth with unstable placements: Multiple moves, school changes, or “aging out” without a plan.
- Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQ+, and newcomer youth: Face extra layers of isolation or discrimination.
- Youth without mentors or trusted adults: Less likely to have advocates to help amplify their voices.
- Young parents and those with complex needs: Often overlooked in decisions about their care.
3. Challenges and Stress Points
- Tokenism: Being asked to “represent youth” without real power or follow-through.
- Lack of Safe Spaces: Not all youth feel comfortable sharing their stories or opinions, especially if past experiences weren’t positive.
- Decision Fatigue: Constantly changing plans, workers, or placements can make it hard for youth to trust or invest in the process.
- Unheard Ideas: Great solutions from youth may be ignored if adults aren’t really listening.
4. Solutions and New Ideas
- Youth-Led Councils and Forums: Create spaces where youth can speak freely, lead initiatives, and shape policies.
- Peer Mentorship Programs: Connect young people with lived experience to those just entering care or facing challenges.
- Storytelling Projects: Support art, media, and writing initiatives that let youth share their journeys on their own terms.
- Real Decision-Making Power: Involve youth directly in placement planning, reviews, and reform initiatives—not just as a checkbox.
- Ongoing Support: Ensure youth voices are heard not just once, but throughout their care journey—and as they transition out of care.
5. Community and Individual Action
- Listen, Don’t Lecture: When youth share their experiences, treat them as equals and experts.
- Celebrate Youth Leadership: Lift up youth advocates, artists, and leaders in your community.
- Break Down Barriers: Help create spaces—online and off—where youth feel safe to share and grow.
- Support Feedback Loops: Push agencies and organizations to show how youth input leads to real change.
- Encourage Storytelling: Share and support youth-led stories, art, podcasts, and events.
Where Do We Go From Here? (A Call to Action)
- Youth in care: What would help you feel heard, safe, and supported?
- Professionals and caregivers: How can you build real partnerships with youth—where their ideas drive change?
- Everyone: How do we ensure youth experiences shape the system, not just fill a report?
When we listen to youth, we make the system not just bigger—but better, braver, and more compassionate.
“If you want to know how the system works—ask the people living in it. And then, let them help fix it.”
Join the Conversation Below!
Share your stories, ideas, or questions about youth experiences and voices in child welfare and foster care.
Every voice helps build a system that truly serves—and empowers—the next generation.