C2Y: Discussions on Child and Youth Care

Hiring Care is an audio drama inquiry created from one-on-one conversations with 10 child and youth care practitioners (CYCPs) “from care” (CYCPfC). Most of the script is verbatim, meaning the words spoken by the actors are (mostly) re-enactments of what CYCPfC said in the conversations. The conversations have been re-arranged and different CYCPfC have been put into relationships with each other, even though they never actually spoke with each other during the recorded conversations. Three of the characters (B, Ellisha, and Terri) are composites of two different people. Hiring Care is constructed as a conversation between a group of seven CYCPs “from care” (CYCPfC) who are meeting to talk about creating a way to support agencies who want to hire practitioners with child welfare experience. This frame for the structure came out of an idea mentioned by one of the conversationalists (Charlotte), who said she and some of her colleagues “wanted to create a booklet about how to support someone with lived experience in care in your organization, who works for you”. Hiring Carehas seven different episodes, each one introduced by a different character and addressing different themes, although there are some overlaps between the different episodes. While the script follows a chronological order, it is not necessary to listen to them in a particular order. You might find it more relevant to pick specific themes (identified with each episode) and listen to that particular conversation. To learn more about the project, please visit www.TuningIntoCYC.org Charlie challenges the group to think beyond their understandings regarding the benefits of being from care, and pushes the white CYCPfC to think of the cultural costs for Indigenous and other racialized young people incurred by going into child protection services.  

Hiring Care is an audio drama inquiry created from one-on-one conversations with 10 child and youth care practitioners (CYCPs) “from care” (CYCPfC). Most of the script is verbatim, meaning the words spoken by the actors are (mostly) re-enactments of what CYCPfC said in the conversations. The conversations have been re-arranged and different CYCPfC have been put into relationships with each other, even though they never actually spoke with each other during the recorded conversations. Three of the characters (B, Ellisha, and Terri) are composites of two different people. Hiring Care is constructed as a conversation between a group of seven CYCPs “from care” (CYCPfC) who are meeting to talk about creating a way to support agencies who want to hire practitioners with child welfare experience. This frame for the structure came out of an idea mentioned by one of the conversationalists (Charlotte), who said she and some of her colleagues “wanted to create a booklet about how to support someone with lived experience in care in your organization, who works for you”. Hiring Carehas seven different episodes, each one introduced by a different character and addressing different themes, although there are some overlaps between the different episodes. While the script follows a chronological order, it is not necessary to listen to them in a particular order. You might find it more relevant to pick specific themes (identified with each episode) and listen to that particular conversation. To learn more about the project, please visit www.TuningIntoCYC.org Leela and Terri have an uncomfortable conversation after Terri reaches out to Leela asking for help to “diversify” the group of CYCP from care.  

Hiring Care is an audio drama inquiry created from one-on-one conversations with 10 child and youth care practitioners (CYCPs) “from care” (CYCPfC). Most of the script is verbatim, meaning the words spoken by the actors are (mostly) re-enactments of what CYCPfC said in the conversations. The conversations have been re-arranged and different CYCPfC have been put into relationships with each other, even though they never actually spoke with each other during the recorded conversations. Three of the characters (B, Ellisha, and Terri) are composites of two different people. Hiring Care is constructed as a conversation between a group of seven CYCPs “from care” (CYCPfC) who are meeting to talk about creating a way to support agencies who want to hire practitioners with child welfare experience. This frame for the structure came out of an idea mentioned by one of the conversationalists (Charlotte), who said she and some of her colleagues “wanted to create a booklet about how to support someone with lived experience in care in your organization, who works for you”. Hiring Carehas seven different episodes, each one introduced by a different character and addressing different themes, although there are some overlaps between the different episodes. While the script follows a chronological order, it is not necessary to listen to them in a particular order. You might find it more relevant to pick specific themes (identified with each episode) and listen to that particular conversation. To learn more about the project, please visit www.TuningIntoCYC.org   The group finds common ground identifying the many ways they felt failed by their time in the child welfare system.    

Hiring Care is an audio drama inquiry created from one-on-one conversations with 10 child and youth care practitioners (CYCPs) “from care” (CYCPfC). Most of the script is verbatim, meaning the words spoken by the actors are (mostly) re-enactments of what CYCPfC said in the conversations. The conversations have been re-arranged and different CYCPfC have been put into relationships with each other, even though they never actually spoke with each other during the recorded conversations. Three of the characters (B, Ellisha, and Terri) are composites of two different people. Hiring Care is constructed as a conversation between a group of seven CYCPs “from care” (CYCPfC) who are meeting to talk about creating a way to support agencies who want to hire practitioners with child welfare experience. This frame for the structure came out of an idea mentioned by one of the conversationalists (Charlotte), who said she and some of her colleagues “wanted to create a booklet about how to support someone with lived experience in care in your organization, who works for you”. Hiring Carehas seven different episodes, each one introduced by a different character and addressing different themes, although there are some overlaps between the different episodes. While the script follows a chronological order, it is not necessary to listen to them in a particular order. You might find it more relevant to pick specific themes (identified with each episode) and listen to that particular conversation. To learn more about the project, please visit www.TuningIntoCYC.org   In their first conversation as a group, 5 child and youth care practitioners from care (CYCPfC) talk about trying to work in the same system that raised them. After some awkward moments, the group seeks common ground through identifying the challenges of being in care and the wisdom/benefits they take into their work.   Themes/Key words: Identity, Empathy, Compassion, Trauma  

In this episode Wolfgang Vachon says goodbye as host of CYC Podcast. He also talks about the new team taking over the podcast : Vivian Patruno, Salvatore D’Agatstino, and Christopher Cottle; and introduces a new audio drama inquiry called Hiring Care. What happens when you work in the same system that raised you? Charlotte, a new CYCP “from care”, struggles to understand what care means when your lived experience wasn’t always full of care. Hiring Care is an audio drama inquiry created from one-on-one conversations with 10 child and youth care practitioners (CYCPs) “from care” (CYCPfC). Most of the script is verbatim, meaning the words spoken by the actors are (mostly) re-enactments of what CYCPfC said in the conversations. The conversations have been re-arranged and different CYCPfC have been put into relationships with each other, even though they never actually spoke with each other during the recorded conversations. Three of the characters (B, Ellisha, and Terri) are composites of two different people. Hiring Care is constructed as a conversation between a group of seven CYCPs “from care” (CYCPfC) who are meeting to talk about creating a way to support agencies who want to hire practitioners with child welfare experience. This frame for the structure came out of an idea mentioned by one of the conversationalists (Charlotte), who said she and some of her colleagues “wanted to create a booklet about how to support someone with lived experience in care in your organization, who works for you”. Hiring Carehas seven different episodes, each one introduced by a different character and addressing different themes, although there are some overlaps between the different episodes. While the script follows a chronological order, it is not necessary to listen to them in a particular order. You might find it more relevant to pick specific themes (identified with each episode) and listen to that particular conversation. To learn more about the project, please visit www.TuningIntoCYC.org

On this episode, Salvatore, talks with #RisingYouth Alumni Mia Otokiak, who organized a a workshop series celebrating the ecology of the Arctic, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and youth leadership. We learn about the importance of plankton and marine mammals in the arctic maritime food chain.   This episode of the #RisingYouth Podcast was developed in partnership with the CYC Podcast. For more information on #RisingYouth Community Service Grants of up to $1,500 available to youth 15-30, visit https://www.risingyouth.ca // Dans cet épisode, Salvatore, l'animateur du podcast CYC, s'entretient avec Mia Otokiak, une Alumni de #JeunesEnAction, qui a organisé une série d'ateliers sur l'écologie de l'Arctique, l'Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit et le leadership des jeunes. Nous en apprenons sur l'importance du plancton et des mammifères marins dans la chaîne alimentaire maritime arctique. Cet épisode du podcast #JeunesEnAction a été développé en partenariat avec le CYC Podcast. Pour plus d'informations sur les subventions de service communautaire #JeunesEnAction, d'un montant maximal de 1 500 dollars, destinées aux jeunes de 15 à 30 ans, visitez le site https://www.jeunesenaction.com/

On this episode, Vivian Patruno, Host of the CYC Podcast, talks with #RisingYouth Alumni Rebecca Gibbons, who created The Neighbourhood Story Project, in which residents in Ottawa's Sandy Hill neighourhood, were invited to record a 2-5 minute audio story of their experiences living during the COVID-19 pandemic to promote community solidarity and connection during social distancing.  This episode of the #RisingYouth Podcast was developed in partnership with the CYC Podcast. For more information on #RisingYouth Community Service Grants of up to $1,500 available to youth 15-30, visit https://www.risingyouth.ca // Dans cet épisode, Vivian Patruno, animatrice du CYC Podcast, s'entretient avec Rebecca Gibbons, une Alumni de #JeunesEnAction, qui a créé le projet " Neighbourhood Story ", dans le cadre duquel les habitants du quartier Sandy Hill d'Ottawa ont été invités à enregistrer un récit audio de 2 à 5 minutes sur leurs expériences de vie pendant la pandémie de COVID-19, afin de promouvoir la solidarité et les liens communautaires dans un contexte de distanciation sociale.  Cet épisode du podcast #JeunesEnAction a été développé en partenariat avec le CYC Podcast. Pour plus d'informations sur les subventions de service communautaire #JeunesEnAction, d'un montant maximal de 1 500 dollars, destinées aux jeunes de 15 à 30 ans, visitez le site https://www.jeunesenaction.com/

This episode is a recording of a Child and Youth Care graduate school information panel that took place November 30, 2021. Graduate school programs were represented by Natasha Blanchet-Cohen from Concordia University’s Graduate Diploma in Youth Work; Graham McPheat from the University of Strathclyde’s MSc in Child and Youth Care Studies; Alison Gerlach from the University of Victoria’s Masters and PhD programs in Child, Youth, Family and Community Studies; and Julian Hasford from the University formally known as Ryerson’s MA in Child and Youth Care. We only recorded the faculty presentations. This was done to allow student presenters to speak freely about their educational experiences both good and not so great. Student presenters included Crystal Harrison, Caroline Moore, Emily Hellard, Wolfgang Vachon, and Juanita Stephen. If you would like to see a video of the presentation, you can go to CYC-Net.org. To learn more about the programs discussed please visit: Concordia University University of Strathclyde University of Victoria x-University  

In this episode A. Longoria talks about “identity-sustaining practices” in Child and Youth Care, education, and academia. They begin by asking how can/do queer, trans, IBPOC educators & CYCPs remain who they are within and across the spaces they work, so that practitioners and educators can help those they work with remain who they are. In response, A. Longoria discusses corporality, aesthetics, identity, and queering the norms of practice inside the classroom and out in the world. To read the article this conversation refers to visit: https://journals.uvic.ca/index.php/ijcyfs/article/view/20343 To purchase their newest book Creating a Home in Schools: Sustaining Identities for Black, Indigenous, and Teachers of Color please visit: https://www.tcpress.com/creating-a-home-in-schools-9780807765265 (USA)   https://www.utpguidancecentre.com/Creating-a-Home.html (Canada)  

Wolfgang speaks with Audrey Wolfe and Mattie Walker about the recently published special issue of the International Journal of Child, youth, and Family Studies titled Possibilities, Futures, and Queer World-Making in CYC. This is the first queer themed special issue in any CYC journal. Audrey and Mattie speak about how the issue came about, some of the pieces published, and why they think there is a need for such a focused issue. The journal can be found at https://journals.uvic.ca/index.php/ijcyfs/issue/view/1518  

This month we are showcasing episode 7 from ReFiled, a research-based fiction podcast created with Child and Youth Care practitioners who have residential placement experience. You can listen to the complete series at www.Refiled.ca, or on iTunes , Spotify, and Google Podcasts. 

David Lewis-Pert and Meagan Lindley talk about their work at the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) and the annual YouthCAN conference for young people in the child welfare system.  This year’s conference title is Beyond Survive: THRIVE! with a focus on topics related to health and wellbeing for young people in and from child protection services. Meagan and David discuss paths to thriving for those in care, ways peers can foster wellbeing, and suggestions for adults who support young people. Link to YouthCan: http://www.oacas.org/what-we-do/youthcan/ Our host Wolfgang Vachon's has his own research project/podcast titled  ReFiled, a drama inquiry with child and youth care practitioners with residential care experience.   

On this episode Chanice McAnuff of (founder of Project Outsoders) and Vivian Patruno (Producer and Editor) continue their discussion  regarding their experience growing up in foster care with social workers and staff. The two reflect on the system gaps in their experience and how social workers and housing staff have the power to impact youth in tremendous ways.    For more information on the programs we provide please visit https://www.risingyouth.caand https://www.tigweb.org 

Sean Elliott discusses his recently completed study with graduates of college or university programs and who have lived in residential placement. Sean, who identifies as a “foster care alumni” talks about why he used an asset-based approach by focusing on success factors, learnings from the study, and how educators and others can support students with residential care histories. This conversation is a follow-up to our discussion last month about ReFiled an audio drama inquiry with child and youth care practitioners with residential care experience, and the conversation series we hosted by Project Outsiders.  

On this episode Chanice McAnuff of (founder of Project Outsoders) and Vivian Patruno (Producer and Editor) discuss their experience growing up in foster care with social workers and staff. The two reflect on the system gaps in their experience and how social workers and housing staff have the power to impact youth in tremendous ways.    For more information on the programs we provide please visit https://www.risingyouth.caand https://www.tigweb.org   

In this episode, Wolfgang speaks with Krysten Bonikowsky and Shannon Cherry, about the research project Tuning into Child and Youth Care: An Audio-Drama Inquiry with Child and Youth Care practitioners who have lived in Residential Care. We begin by talking about the audio drama ReFiled (www.ReFiled.ca), which follows a CYCP from care working in a group home who finds herself in crises after putting a young person into restraint. The audio drama leads to discussions about the role of files in working with young people, what they do and don’t say about the young person, what they reveal about the writer, what it is like to be “from care” and working in the care system, and we end with thoughts about the benefits and limitations of such lived experiences. To learn more about Tuning into Child and Youth Care and hear the audio drama episodes please visit TuningIntoCYC.org  

Aaron Crhak talks about the use of video games within child and youth care practice. Exploring games as a way to build relationship, practice life skills, have therapeutic conversations, and develop mastery he elaborates on different games, how he utilizes them, and why he thinks they are effective tools for CYCPs to use with young people.    For more information on the programs we provide please visit https://www.risingyouth.ca and https://www.tigweb.org

In this episode Jeremiah Otis sits down with Salvatore to discuss music based programs in at risk areas. Jeremiah is a youth advocate, musician and producer; he has found peace and happiness in music. His goal is to spread this message to young people from all over. In this episode we find out how imperative youth led music programs can be with the right approach.  Jeremiah Otis on Instagram: @jotis16  For more information on the programs we provide please visit https://www.risingyouth.ca and https://www.tigweb.org   

For our season finale, we sat down and had a conversation with Samuel Ashirbekov. He is a transgender female to male and an aspiring advocate for youth in care. Samuel shares with us what it was like transitioning into his new identity while in the child welfare system. He shares the obstacles he faced before, during, and after encountering me (Chanice) in the group home we both lived in. Sam and I both lived in the same group home for a period of time and we reflect on our different experiences within the same space. In this conversation, we learn about what it is like having the system paint your identity and what are some of the current gaps when it comes to youth identifying as a part of the LGBTQ2S+ community. We hope you have enjoyed the first season and have taken something away from each conversation. We ask you to continue to support our movement and content by liking, sharing, and promoting it on your platforms. More is coming soon but until then, we hope you take care and stay safe.    If you want to partner with Samuel here is an email you can contact him by samuel.ashirbekov@gmail.com    Check out the full episode on the CYC podcast available on Spotify  Google play and many other platforms.  Follow our socials  https://linktr.ee/project.outsiders Instagram  Twitter  LinkedIn Facebook   Want to know how to get involved or support our mission? Subscribe to our patron to get exclusive content and discounts on our merchandise. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/projectoutsiders   Website – www.projectoutsiders.com Want to know what programs are available in your community? Check out our blog. We are constantly updating our page with new local programs, news, and policy changes. You can also learn about your rights and supports that are afforded to you by the government. Click here to find out more.   

  Welcome back to Project Outsiders. If you are returning, thank you so much for coming back and tuning into our podcast. We really appreciate all of  your support and joining us along on our journey to improving the foster care system. For those who are new here, Welcome to the Foster Care Experience Podcast. We are a youth lead social organization that is trying to bridge the gap between youth in care with decision makers. We are all youth from care who have been pushed by our experience to ensure we see changes to a disconnected system. We are all incredibly passionate advocates and activists and want to create paths and opportunities for youth in care.  Today we are talking about permanency within child welfare. Youth in care experience abandonment, neglect, and isolation -  this shapes their interaction in the world well after they leave care. The instability from moving around and the drastic feeling of abandonment youth feel once they turn 18 or 21 leave many youth feeling worthless. We want to learn how youth views the idea of permanency and its impact of attaining it even later in life. To help us with this discussion we have Vivian Patruno.  Vivian is undergoing permanency through the NeverTooLate program in partnership with PARC (Pape, Adolescent Resource Centre) She connected with her family when she was 23. What Vivian needs the world to know is that everyone deserves permanency and stability.