Lived expertise
Lived expertise
No one understands the intricacies of the child welfare system better than those directly impacted by it. Individuals with direct experience of the child welfare system — parents, kinship caregivers, foster caregivers, and alumni of foster care — are well positioned to offer unique insights into what works, based on their personal experiences and expertise. Their perspectives, recommendations, and collaboration are integral to designing a child welfare system that keeps children safely at home whenever possible, and a child and family well-being system that ensures all families have access to equitable supports in the communities where they live.
Those who have been impacted most by the system — youth, families, and resource caregivers — should be involved at all levels of the system as: the experts of what they or their family need at the individual case level; peer mentors who offer support and guidance to others navigating the system; and expert consultants and partners in co-design, leadership, and decision-making that advance system improvement and transformation.
FEATURED RESOURCES
![Happy kids in the park Happy kids in the park](https://www.casey.org/media/iStock-882830614.jpg)
How can agencies and organizations prepare for authentic youth engagement?
![Let's learn something new today Portrait of a group of young children standing in a line in the hallway of a school](https://www.casey.org/media/iStock-1170717275-2.jpg)
Why should child protection agencies engage and involve all fathers?
![Let's learn something new today Portrait of a group of young children standing in a line in the hallway of a school](https://www.casey.org/media/Topical-page-images-01.jpg)
How can parents and caregivers be supported in developing a positive co-parenting relationship?
Please explore the related resources below and at Questions from the Field to learn more about lived expertise.