Youth Narratives Project

Amplifying youth voices for foster care placements

“In my own words” is NWAE’s newest youth storytelling project that adds context to what’s written in a young person’s file. The project is offered in partnership with the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

Youth create a video sharing their hopes, interests, and personal growth. This offers youth a meaningful way to share who they are, in their own voice, ensuring their perspective is at the heart of every conversation about their future.

Youth narratives add depth that Washington state case file notes alone can’t capture. Potential foster parents receive both the CIPR (Child Information and Placement Referral) and the youth’s narrative video which brings forward the youth’s personality, strengths, and experiences.

Together, these resources help families understand the child beyond what their case file provides and connect with them as a whole person when considering a placement.

Preview image shows a sample of NWAE’s “In my own words” Youth Narratives PDF that accompanies each video.

How it works

1. First, our staff and a DCYF caseworker will have a call to refer youth and review the process.
2. We meet with the youth to collaborate on creating their video.
3. We edit the video, review it with the young person, and get their approval. Once approved, the video is sent to their caseworker for a final review.
4. DCYF receives a one-page PDF explaining the project and the password-protected video link for prospective placements.
5. When the youth is ready to move placements, the caseworker shares the PDF (with the embedded video link) and updated CIPR with the placement desk.
6. The placement team provides the “In my own words” PDF and CIPR to potential foster care placements.

Learn more

To learn more about "In my own words” or to register a youth, reach out to Kailee Haong Ellis, project manager, at khaong@nwresource.org or call 206-812-1947.

Read more about how NWAE is tapping into youth engagement to build connections between young people and families.