Youth Engagement

Engaging youth to build lasting family connections

At Northwest Adoption Exchange (NWAE), engagement is at the heart of what we do. We help build meaningful connections between youth in foster care and families by ensuring young people have a voice in decisions that shape their futures. When youth are truly engaged, they’re more likely to create lasting connections.

Through the NWAE Youth Narratives Project, Youth-Led Permanency Consultations, and In-Depth Profiles, young people take the lead in their own journeys.

Youth Narratives Project

Through the Youth Narratives Project, “In my own words,” youth create short videos that tell their stories, strengths, and hopes for the future. The Washington State DCYF placement team shares these videos with potential foster families to help them better understand each young person. Learn more about the Youth Narratives Project.

Youth-Led Permanency Consultations

Youth-Led Permanency Consultations help youth explore what they want in a family and take an active role in their permanency planning. Through this project, families create short, engaging videos that highlight who they are, which are shared with youth and caseworkers. Learn more about Youth-Led Permanency Consultations.

In-Depth Profiles

In-Depth Profiles® is an NWAE multimedia project that empowers youth to speak directly to potential families. Our youth engagement specialists support young people in creating profiles that elevate their voices. Learn more about In-Depth Profiles.