Foster youth perceptions of the system's impact on themselves and their families: A California photovoice project

Youth in foster care face unique challenges that can significantly impact their personal development and well-being. However, most research does not include them. Understanding their perceptions of their experiences is crucial for improving child welfare systems. To explore the perspectives of young adults regarding their experiences with the child welfare system and its impact on their lives. Young adults with lived experience in the foster care system participated in a collaborative research project conducted over eight weeks in July and August 2023. A participatory action research approach using photovoice methodology was employed. Participants engaged in weekly group meetings, photography assignments, and guided discussions. They also learned how to engage in policy advocacy. Participants reported challenges in forming cohesive identities, maintaining privacy, and navigating complex family relationships. Several experienced stigma and felt dehumanized by the system. However, most discussed hope and demonstrated post-traumatic growth, expressing a desire to use their experiences to help others. The study highlights the profound impact of foster care placement on youth identity, relationships, autonomy, and personal agency. Findings suggest a need for more personalized, youth-centered approaches in child welfare that respect individuality and privacy while providing necessary support. Most importantly, the research emphasizes the importance of listening to and learning from youth for system reform efforts. • Youth voices are consistently left out of child welfare research and practice. • Photovoice allowed youth voices and views about the system's impact to be centered. • Youth reported fractures to their identities, families, privacy, and agency. • More personalized, youth-centered approaches are necessary in child welfare. • Researchers and practitioners should prioritize meaningful youth engagement.