The Missing Link in Youth Advocacy? Trauma-Informed Engagement

Engaging youth and young adults (Y/YAs) in care planning and advocacy is crucial for fostering their growth and ensuring their voices are heard. However, many professionals encounter challenges such as:

• Motivating youth to actively participate in their care planning

• Maintaining consistent interest and attendance

• Providing support without unintentionally causing harm​

These challenges are common, and addressing them requires a thoughtful, trauma-informed approach.​

Introducing Trauma-Informed Youth Engagement

Recognizing these challenges, Silver Linings International developed the Trauma-Informed Youth Engagement series. This program equips youth workers, advocates, and adult allies with tools to:​

• Engage youth in ways that build lasting confidence

• Safeguard against unintended harm during advocacy work

• Achieve greater youth participation with less stress for everyone involved​

The series consists of six stand-alone, two-hour virtual workshops, each focusing on different aspects of trauma-informed engagement. These workshops integrate SAMHSA’s six trauma-informed principles with Appreciative Inquiry techniques, providing practical strategies for effective youth engagement .

Why Trauma-Informed Engagement Matters

Over the past 30 years, professionals have shared both successful and traumatic experiences related to youth advocacy work. Even well-trained advocates can inadvertently cause re-experiencing of trauma, leading to feelings of fear, hopelessness, or even relapse .​

Applying trauma-informed principles is critical when youth share their lived experiences in public settings or care plans. This approach ensures that youth are supported in a way that acknowledges their past experiences and promotes healing.

Any staff responsible for engaging, preparing, and supporting youth and young adults in their care planning, advocacy events, or related activities will benefit from this series.

Positive Outcomes from Past Participants

Participants of the Trauma-Informed Youth Engagement™ series have reported:​

• Decreased negative experiences

• Less tokenism

• Higher levels of youth/young adult participation

• Reduced stress

• More effective strategies that truly support youth​

  
  

Communities have continued the learning through group consultations following the training, further enhancing their engagement practices.

Upcoming Training Dates

The next Trauma-Informed Youth Engagement series begins on: May 22nd

Each session is conducted virtually, allowing participants to join from the comfort of their home or office. If you're ready to overcome the challenges of youth engagement and make a lasting impact, consider enrolling in the Trauma-Informed Youth Engagement™ series. Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to support youth effectively and compassionately.​

Learn More and Register Here