Be a supportive connection for youth and an advocate for the care community!
How To Be An Adult Ally?
Being an adult ally is about showing up for young people, investing in the relationship, and connecting them to the resources and opportunities they need. Help youth in and from care have a consistent, caring adult in their life! Adult allies make a tremendous difference in the lives of youth! Check out our tips below.
Want to learn more about how to be an effective support person?
Book an Adult Ally Presentation!
Promising Practices
Listen
Youth are the experts of their experience. Ask young people what they need and how they would like to be supported. By listening to youth voices, we can take action that is informed by their insights.
Respect
Show young people respect. Listen, be kind, and follow through on your commitments. Young people have the right to be treated with dignity and make empowered decisions that they feel are right for them.
Connect
Everyone needs a network of supportive people and resources in their lives. Young people tell us that having connections to other youth in and from care makes them feel less alone. Help young people connect to community resources and opportunities.
Encourage
Be young people’s personal cheerleader for both their successes and their challenges. Focus on their strengths, acknowledge their determination and efforts, and encourage them to work towards their dreams.
Celebrate
Celebrate youth in and from care! Host special events; attend graduations and milestone events; show them they are seen and cared for! Celebrate BC Child and Youth in Care Week by hosting an event or nominating a young person for an award!
Advocate
Help youth understand their rights and develop their self-advocacy skills. If needed, be an advocate with or for them. Join the Youth in Care Movement and help create postive change in the care system.
“What the Fed means to me is a family. A place where I can feel safe, not judged or feel left out in the cold with my unhappy feelings. The Fed makes me feel good about myself and others around me. It gives me a ray of support to pick up, move on, and make being in care a better place for everyone. That’s what it means to me—a home and a family I can trust and love.”
— Youth Member