Youth and family engagement
Youth and families are experts in their own lives. Integrated Youth Services (IYS) places them at the centre of our planning and decision making, ensuring their voices lead the way.
What does meaningful engagement look like?
True partnerships: Build real, two-way relationships with youth and families with lived experience, where everyone benefits and contributes.
Lifting voices: Actively listen to and amplify what youth and families say.
Empowering change-makers: Invite youth and families to shape how we plan and provide care.
Leaders in the making: Encourage youth and families to lead and make a difference in our communities across Canada.
Valuing contributions: Show gratitude for their time and insights with learning opportunities, honoraria, gifts and mentorship.
You're on the right track when youth and families experience a deep sense of community, feel they truly belong, take ownership and feel valued and appreciated.
Stories of engagement from Kickstand
Four young people in Alberta share their stories about being involved with Kickstand. This video highlights the importance of youth engagement in IYS and its lasting, positive impacts.
Youth and Family Ambassador Program
Youth and family engagement is core to IYS. This Ambassador Program is an example of that. Learn how their input drives the success of this program.
The Youth and Family Ambassador Program (YFAP) was started to help young people strengthen their leadership skills to advocate for IYS in their communities. Funded by Health Canada and led by Foundry, YFAP brought together young people and families from across Canada. They work together to spread the word about IYS and share their experiences through projects they created.
The first group of YFAP ambassadors worked together from 2021 to 2022. The ambassadors developed projects to help more people learn about and support IYS across Canada.
Another round of the program began in 2023 with a new group of ambassadors from different parts of Canada. They worked on new projects related to IYS and had the opportunity to gather in-person to celebrate their collaborations.
Learn more about engaging youth and families
