Youth Advisory Committee
The Youth Advisory Committee is made up of youth volunteers with current or past involvement with CASDSM, alongside designated CASDSM staff. Committee members share their experiences, ideas, and perspectives to help shape programs, services, policies, and practices that affect children, youth, and families.
The committee provides young people with an opportunity to have their voices heard and contribute to conversations about the services and supports that impact them. By working directly with CASDSM staff, Youth Advisory Committee members help ensure that youth perspectives are considered in decisions that affect children and youth involved with child welfare services.
What the Committee Does
The Youth Advisory Committee provides feedback and insight on a variety of topics, including:
- Programs and services
- Policies and procedures
- Service delivery practices
- Youth engagement initiatives
- Opportunities to improve the experiences of children and youth involved with CASDSM
Committee members share their perspectives, discuss ideas, identify opportunities for improvement, and help ensure youth voices remain part of important conversations across the organization.
The Importance of the Youth Advisory Committee
Young people have unique perspectives on the services and supports designed for them.
The Youth Advisory Committee creates a space where youth can share their experiences, contribute ideas, and help influence positive change. Their feedback provides valuable insight into what is working well and where improvements can be made to better meet the needs of children and youth.
By listening to youth and learning from their experiences, CASDSM can continue to strengthen services, remove barriers, and create more meaningful opportunities for youth engagement.
Youth Voices Making a Difference
At CASDSM, we believe young people should have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
The Youth Advisory Committee provides more than an opportunity to share feedback. It creates a space where youth can connect with others who have similar experiences, build supportive relationships, and learn from one another. Committee members work together, share ideas, and encourage each other while contributing to meaningful conversations about programs, services, and supports.
Through participation in the committee, youth have opportunities to develop confidence, strengthen leadership and life skills, and gain experience working collaboratively with peers and CASDSM staff. The relationships formed through the committee help create a sense of connection, belonging, and shared purpose while supporting positive change for children and youth.
