Building Blocks
The Casey Foundation's approach to authentic youth engagement includes four components: 1) youth-adult partnerships; 2) preparation; 3) opportunity; and 4) support.
By the Annie E. Casey Foundation
November 5, 2019
This guide explores authentic youth engagement, including how it benefits young people, why it works and what it looks like in real life.
Key Takeaway
The practice of authentic youth engagement utilizes emerging research on adolescent brain development. It considers trauma’s impact on the brain, how the brain heals and the role that experiential learning plays in helping youth grow.
The Casey Foundation's approach to authentic youth engagement includes four components: 1) youth-adult partnerships; 2) preparation; 3) opportunity; and 4) support.
Authentically engaging young people helps build their self-esteem, leadership, advocacy and professional development skills while also increasing their influence and personal stake in the community.
Examples of youth-adult partnerships include working together to develop case plans; co-designing and facilitating trainings to educate child welfare professionals; and co-presenting resources and information to community partners.
When young people are authentically engaged, they should feel heard, respected, valued, trusted, appreciated, safe and comfortable.
Through this signature practice, young people use their individual and collective power and expertise in helping to shape a better future for those in and transitioning from foster care into adulthood.
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