Problems and solutions

The Youth Engagement Toolkit helps you find solutions

Many caseworkers report experiencing challenges when engaging youth in permanency efforts. While no solution is one size fits all, here are some ideas to help with common problems:

I want to engage my youth, but I don't know where to start.

• Start with a conversation that gets off on the right foot.
• Be intentional with the words you are using.

I have a youth who doesn’t want any involvement.

• Try and learn the underlying reasons for their resistance.
• Commit to returning to the conversation consistently, even if they keep saying no.
• Involve other connected adults to engage them more.

A youth’s placement recently fell through. Now what?

• Be intentional and cautious while approaching them about restarting their involvement.
• Remind them that they deserve permanency and you're there to help them find it.

My youth says they don’t want to be adopted. Now what?

• Try exploring the reasons behind their "no" to adoption.
• Validate what they are currently feeling.
• Help youth understand the permanency paths that may be available to them.

I'm having a hard time building trust with an older youth.

• Show them you're committed to honesty and transparency.
• Remind them that their involvement is their choice.
• Offer them a larger role in their permanency planning.

What are some creative ideas to involve youth?

• Check out these strategies to give youth a greater role.

How do I learn what a youth is looking for in a family?

• Mix up the questions you're asking them.
• Offer them a chance to check out real examples of families.