Making It Possible

Child welfare agencies increasingly are using a youth-development model as they actively include youth in permanency-related policymaking and systems reform. This approach builds on a young person's assets and potentia,l and demonstrates that he or she is viewed as a valued resource. The approach also acknowledges that service to others and the opportunity to develop research, public speaking and other skills can add to a young person's sense of competence as it enriches the policy-making process.

Tools

Tools listed below are part of a developing list; if you have a tool that works for you, share it with Connections Count.

Maine Youth Leadership Advisory Team's Influencing Public Policy in Your State: A Guide for Youth in Care provides practical suggestions for youth in advocating for stronger child welfare policies.

California State Library's Involving Youth in Policymaking and Coordination: State Level Structures in California and Other States describes a variety of ways states have involved youth in creating and implementing policy.

Common Action's The Guide to Social Change Led by and with Young People provides examples of youth-led social change and provides tools to support these efforts.

California Healthy Kids' Involving Youth in Policy slide presentation provides general guidelines for involving youth in policy development and implementation.

Youth Participation in Evaluation and Research as a Way of Lifting New Voices from the journal Children, Youth, and Environments.