Launched in October 2021 and funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau, the Quality Improvement Center on Engaging Youth in Finding Permanency (QIC-EY) is charged with advancing child welfare programs and practice to ensure they are authentically engaging and empowering children and youth in child welfare throughout the United States, especially concerning permanency decisions.
To share fundamental insights, QIC-EY created a series of Lessons Learned, which bring to life the knowledge gained as the project progresses with practical applications for advancing the authentic engagement of children and youth.
Lesson #1: Defining Authentic Engagement
The journey had to begin with a clear definition of authentic engagement. QIC-EY found significant variance in how youth engagement is defined across different child welfare systems and developed a comprehensive definition that emphasizes actively and intentionally partnering with children and youth in ways that resonate with them. This involves commitment, flexibility, strong communication skills, knowledge of development and trauma-informed care, a strengths-based approach, and cultural humility. We encourage agencies to review QIC-EY’s definition and reflect on their definitions of youth engagement.
Lesson #2: Leadership’s Role in Engagement
Senior-level leaders play a crucial role in fostering an environment that prioritizes relationship building. Although they may not engage directly with clients, their commitment to valuing and modeling authentic engagement creates a supportive culture. This leads to better decision-making processes where children and youth are central, ultimately benefiting the entire system.