Becoming Youth-Centered

Our current approach with youth and young adults entangled in the foster care system is not working. I know this because the research clearly shows that youth aging out of foster care are not faring well across all life domains. I know this because we are serving higher-needs youth who are now actively refusing placements. Most of all, I know this because of the years I have spent listening to young people with lived experience.

Despite numerous studies and resources pointing the way, we have neglected youth well-being due to overstretched child welfare budgets, high case management turnover, and a lack of foster homes. As youth advocates, child welfare leaders, and policymakers, we must revolutionize the system to genuinely address the socio-emotional needs of youth in care. We must intentionally adopt a youth-centered approach.

Becoming youth-centered means prioritizing the needs, perspectives, and participation of young people. It empowers youth by actively involving them in the decision-making processes that affect their lives, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.

By shifting our focus to their perspectives, we can create an environment where they feel empowered and respected. We can transform our structures to support youth participation in meetings, provide training to engage and elevate youth voices, and equip young people to advocate for themselves effectively.

Most importantly, we must slow down, ensure placement stability, and give youth a safe space to build authentic relationships, ensuring that our interactions are not transactional but transformative.

This youth engagement approach is highlighted in the recently published report by the Quality Improvement Center on Engaging Youth in Finding Permanency. The "Lessons Learned: Fundamental Insights to Engage Children and Youth" report emphasizes the crucial role of senior leaders in fostering relationship building and their commitment to authentic engagement. It adds that child welfare workers who demonstrate commitment, self-awareness, and flexibility are more likely to build deeper connections with the youth they serve.

Together with young people, we can make the child welfare system better for youth and young adults.

If you're ready to make this shift, consider our Elevating Youth Voices Training program. It equips staff and caregivers with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively support and empower young people, ensuring their voices are not only heard but integrated into every decision that impacts their lives. Let's work together to build a truly youth-centered system.

#YouthCentered #YouthEmpowerment #FosterCare #ChildWelfare #ElevateYouthVoices #AuthenticEngagement #YouthAdvocacy #TransformativeChange #YouthWellbeing

******************************************************************************

Dr. Elizabeth Wynter is an extraordinary visionary deeply committed to transforming the lives of young people in the child welfare system. With unwavering dedication and boundless energy, she fearlessly challenges norms, reshaping the future for the better.

For over two decades, Dr. Elizabeth Wynter, an award-winning advocate and author of “Follow the Love: Permanent Connections Scaffolding” has driven reform in child welfare policies, tirelessly working to make a difference. Her resolute determination inspires others to fight for a more inclusive and supportive child welfare system. The spark that ignited the National Foster Youth Voice Month and the Foster Youth Champion Blog came from Dr. Wynter's indomitable spirit, refusing anything less than a complete transformation in society's perception of young people in care.

Completing her doctoral studies in Organizational Leadership with a dissertation on transitioning youth was more than an academic achievement for Dr. Wynter; it symbolized a journey of self-discovery and dedication to empowering others. Armed with research and a deep understanding of the voices of those with lived experiences, she systematically dismantles barriers hindering a brighter future for transitioning youth.

As a captivating keynote speaker, Dr. Wynter enthralls audiences at conferences, symposiums, and workshops. Drawing from her extensive expertise and personal experiences, she delivers powerful speeches that inspire action and drive positive change.

Beyond her speeches, Dr. Wynter's role as a child welfare consultant is equally transformative. Armed with strategic thinking and a profound understanding of the complexities faced by transitioning youth, she collaborates with organizations and agencies to design innovative solutions.

Dr. Elizabeth Wynter stands as a force of nature—a visionary leader with an untamed heart. Her relentless advocacy and dedication to a cause greater than herself continue to inspire change-makers. Dr. Wynter's work is a testament to the power of collective impact for transitioning youth, and her unwavering commitment serves as a beacon of hope for vulnerable young individuals, reshaping the world for the better.