Speakers: Elizabeth Wynter
Hi, I am Doctor Elizabeth Wynter and welcome to Becoming Youth Centered. I'm so excited to have you in this interactive training. In part one, we will talk about authentic youth engagement. We'll dive into the various youth participation models and we'll talk about how we can promote youth well-being that focuses on social emotional needs. In part two, we'll talk about the intricacies involved in adolescent brain development. We will dive into the components of positive youth development. And lastly, we'll talk about the importance of scaffolding permanent connections for young people who are aging out of the foster care system. So the first question we're going to tackle is how can we enhance authentic youth engagement and promote well-being in the context of child welfare? Well, I want to start by looking back and then we'll look forward. So in looking back, child welfare, the first case was 150 years ago and at that time, the case manager had to seek help from the ASPCA. That's right, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals because we did not have child protection laws 150 years ago. So just think about that, we had animal rights in our country before we had rights for children. As we continue to sort of move up in history, we might look at the orphan trains where 200,000 children were shipped from eastern cities to the midwest to help on farms. And they were put up on stage to be selected by prospective parents really based on their age and gender and, and what how they could help. You know, we now look back at that and, and really see that practice is barbaric against our current standards. But I do wonder as we have been struggling to integrate youth and family voices in our system. and to have them feel like they have some control over their lives, We've been talking about that for 20 years. And so I wonder, you know, as, as we move forward, will people look back at us 150 years ago and wonder if, you know, look at our practices of not engaging young people in decisions that impact their lives, may they see that as inhumane? So, things we have to look forward to as we try and transform and transformation is never easy. And so, you know, as we, you know, we look at right now in this training, you know, what can you as an individual, what can your agency, your county, your state, your system of care, do to shift their perspective and practices towards a more youth centered approach in their decision making? And so, you know, as we reflect, I think it's important that we go from a lens to mirror, right? In changing our perspective, it's important that we self reflect on how we've interacted with young people and ask ourselves the question of, you know, how might my actions have hindered or are hindering young people from being at the table and using their voice in decisions that impact their lives? You know, in what ways might my privilege and power influence the level of youth engagement and empowerment in decision making? And lastly, let's ask ourselves the question, what concrete steps can I take that will support youth becoming actively involved in these decision making processes around permanency and placement and transition planning? So as we go forward, let's commit to fostering a more youth centered approach in our practices. Let's reflect on our actions. And together we can transform this child welfare system to truly value and uplift the voices and the experiences of youth and young people. Thank you for your dedication to this vital work.
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