Embedding Lived Experience
Young people with lived experience of care are the experts in their own lives.
Having personally experienced the care system, care-experienced young people have unique insights and first-hand knowledge of how the system’s policies and practices work. They also understand what it is they need to build towards a thriving adulthood.
Better Futures Community of Practice
The Community of Practice (CoP) provides a platform for young people to discuss challenges and opportunities within the care system, leveraging the participation and expertise of lived-experience professionals to shape service and practice dialogues.
This way of working integrates the perspectives and experiences of young people by incorporating lived experience into CoP events, Better Futures practice resources, and policy developments.
Collaboration Across Systems
Both BSL and the DFFH Transitions from Care team collaborate with the Youth Expert Advisory Group. This collective works to identify gaps in knowledge, policy and practice, and to co-design and develop resources that integrate lived experience and best practice with the Advantaged Thinking approach.
Youth involvement is prioritised across all levels of the Better Futures system including:
- At the state level and in local advisory groups
- In the co-delivery and design of sector-wide training and workforce development
- Through participation at all levels of governance, in continuous learning and feedback mechanisms, and in paid positions.
Transitions from Care Youth Expert Advisory Group
The Youth Expert Advisory Group (YEAG) ensures the voice and expertise of young people with lived experience inform the service design, implementation, and evaluation of the Better Futures and Home Stretch initiatives.
Visit the Transitions from Care Youth Expert Advisory Group webpage
CREATE Foundation coordinates and facilitates the Transitions from Care Youth Expert Advisory Group. This Group ensures that the voices and expertise of young people with lived experience inform the service design, implementation, and evaluation of the Better Futures and Home Stretch initiatives.
Together, they have developed a series of Better Futures and Home Stretch fact sheets, brochures and animations to support young people, carers and practitioners.
