Strategies for Engaging Youth and Families with Lived Experiences

Juvenile and family court professionals should work to positively impact the children and families involved in the justice system. Engaging people who have past involvement in the juvenile and family justice system can positively impact future children and families by ensuring that policies include a person-centered approach. People with lived experiences are those who have gone/are going through certain circumstances, such as being involved in foster care, the juvenile justice system, substance use, etc. These individuals have valuable firsthand experience that can inform policy decisions in a positive way. In addition, it is important to bring diversity to representation and deepen engagement of those with lived experiences.