The Power of Lived Expertise in Child Welfare: Bridging Policy and Practice

Turning My Lived Experience into Lived Expertise

The first time I stepped onto a pageant stage was in 2007 at the Miss Pierce County Scholarship Program. Each contestant was required to audition and select a service platform. When the board asked me about mine, I didn’t hesitate. “I am going to help other foster kids,” I told Michelle, my friend’s mom. In that moment, my mission became crystal clear.

For nearly 20 years, that platform has been my guiding star. What began as volunteering evolved into public speaking at events and eventually led to meetings with policymakers. Sharing my story has given decision-makers a window into the realities of foster care and helped them understand what youth and families truly need to thrive.

One constant throughout my foster care journey was the unwavering support of social workers. They didn’t always have the answers, but they listened. They were honest. And that honesty and care made all the difference. As I continue my work, I’ve come to see just how complex and nuanced the child welfare system is—especially for the professionals striving to support children and families.

This article is my way of helping child welfare professionals understand how integrating lived expertise can make a tangible difference for youth and families.

Understanding the Realities of Foster Care

Firsthand Experience Matters

Growing up in foster care gave me an insider’s perspective on the emotional, social, and systemic hurdles youth face. It’s not just about adjusting to new homes—it’s about grappling with feelings of loss, uncertainty, and, at times, invisibility. These challenges don’t just affect daily life; they can shape how foster youth see the world and their place in it.

While I was able to navigate these barriers and carve out my own path, the impact of those experiences left a lasting mark. They shaped who I am but also revealed the gaps in the system that need addressing.

Bridging the Gap

When child welfare professionals actively listen to those with lived experience, they build a bridge between policy and practice. Listening isn’t just a passive act; it’s a tool for fostering understanding and connection. For a child who feels unseen, that connection can change everything.

Engagement with Youth

Building Trust

Trust is the foundation of any relationship, but for youth in care—who often experience instability—it’s even more critical. Incorporating insights from foster alumni allows caseworkers to demonstrate genuine empathy and understanding, helping to build that essential foundation of trust.

Tailored Support

Every foster child’s journey is unique. By learning from foster alumni, child welfare professionals can craft personalized plans that address each child’s strengths and challenges.

In my motivational talks, I share practical ways child welfare organizations can enhance their support. This might include simplifying visitations for children and families or ensuring that youth have culturally appropriate hair care tools and products. Tailored approaches can turn a foster child’s experience from one of survival to one of thriving.

Addressing Common Challenges

Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

Burnout is a significant challenge for child welfare professionals. Engaging with foster alumni can reignite their sense of purpose by reminding them of the profound impact their work can have. Success stories—or even lessons learned from past challenges—can renew passion and motivation.

Communication Barriers

Effective communication is one of the greatest hurdles in child welfare. Lived expertise offers practical strategies for improving how professionals interact with youth and families. Clearer communication fosters stronger connections, and those connections lead to better outcomes.

Practical Steps for Child Welfare Professionals

1. Host Listening Sessions
   Create spaces where foster alumni can share their stories and insights with your team. These sessions can spark new ideas and lead to meaningful changes in practice.

2. Foster Peer Learning
   Establish mentorship or peer-learning programs that allow caseworkers to learn directly from those with lived experience. These exchanges can inspire innovative strategies and solutions.

3. Commit to Continued Learning
   Make alumni perspectives a core part of training programs. Ongoing engagement ensures that empathy and effectiveness remain central to your work.

Conclusion

When child welfare professionals embrace lived expertise, they create a system that is not only more empathetic but also more effective. Together, we can build a system that supports foster youth and empowers them to thrive.

The future of so many young lives depends on our collective efforts. By listening to foster alumni, learning from their experiences, and working alongside them, we can create meaningful change and brighter futures for youth and families.

From left to right: Highlights of 2024—Speaking at the Geminus Annual Conference (credit: Matt Scott) , legacy photo of current and past Ms. Queens at the USA Ambassador Pageant (credit: FELS Photo),  attending the NABJ Convention, taking a break during a work meeting in Washington, D.C. 

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