Youth Participation in Planning Meetings?
In their own words and with stories from their own lives, youth describe what it feels like not to have any say in the plans that are made for their treatment, care, education and future. These young people, all of whom have been the focus of numerous multi-system plans, also describe the rare occasions when they were encouraged to participate meaningfully in the planning process, and how those experiences left them feeling hopeful and motivated. Caregivers and providers contribute provide their perspectives as well, speaking about how positive experiences with youth participation in planning helped them overcome their prior fears and skepticism about including youth voice in the planning process. This video was conceived and created by AMP project advisors--youth, caregivers, and providers--in collaboration with RTC staff.
This month, we ask you to watch our new video and share your thoughts and opinions about the video and about youth participation in planning meetings. Watch the video here (page will open in a new window) and then return to this page and leave your feedback.
Here are a few questions to consider:
- What is your opinion about youth participation in their planning process?
- What potential challenges do you forsee arising (eg. in the system, in your organization, for youth, for parents) if youth participation increases?
- What benefits can you imagine for youth, parents, or organizations if youth participation is increased?
- Does your organization support youth participation? Does your organization have any plans to increase the amount of youth participation it currently incorporates?
- Do you think this video is useful? How might you (or your organization) use this video?
Your thoughts…
Comments:
 I think it is good, but what I think is bad is that usually the case is the service providers take over, if they do not agree they do what they want to do and if the parent and child disagree with the plan the providers are heard first. I am all for it, most kids can tell people what is wrong, what they need to be made different or want to have stay the same, how that can work for them or why, and what they will agree or not agree to do if given the opportunity. I also do not agree that just because a child comes of legal age the parent no longer has a right or a need to be there, especially if it is something that started when they were younger and the parent has been consistently involved. The parent doesn't need to be left out, the only thing is that the child then needs to learn how to speak for themself, or at least more. Yes, I think it would be great, but still I think a child that doesn't want to speak doesn't need to be made to have to speak. That is when it would be a good thing for a trusted adult/parent to be there to be an advocate for them, but only if they don't want to speak for themself. Also that would be a nice time sometime for a friend to be there with that parent and child if that were possible and they wanted that, not to take over or speak for them, but to take notes for them maybe and give a general sense of support. Posted Wednesday, May 7, 2008 by Janie at 08:50 AM
If anything works to change the typical treatment conference where the youth sits silently in a room full of adults while things are being done "to them" or "for them" instead of "with them", I'm all in favor! Helping youth to engage in their treatment plan should be the highest priority. Thank you for this poignant reminder of what our job is supposed to accomplish. Posted Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 07:46 AM
I have experience youth participation in their treatment plan> sometime they know more than counselor, mom or dad and others. Paper work is the biggest problem with no time to view> Children cases being shifted like cash in a cash register distribute for change each day> ( smile)
I am glad my state gives children, the advantage to participate in their treatment plan> I am involve with organization in my state,my own family member participating in their treatment plan> Self Advocacy is really important for youth to learn the outcome> It takes time> Some youth participate and some don't like the paper work> more speaking for their point or groups help some to participate> remember they are youth> some parents don't want all this paperwork> the professional has no choice>
The challenge is ? more self advocacy and no paid workers maybe> (smile) They are underpaid too!!! (smile) It is a challenge to be seen>
The benefits is more youth stay in their community, parents keep their family in state, and in community to save money and more problems in the system arising
The video is useful for youth to see his challenge being involve with self and increasing other youths to participate. Words are powerful, but action speaks for you. Posted Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 06:34 AM
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