SaySo

Substitute care is more than just fostering youth!

Did you know the term “foster care” speaks to only one type of care that takes place within the child welfare system? Others include, kinship care, group homes, and therapeutic placements, just to name a few. Knowing this, SaySo encourages people to use the term “substitute care” when appropriate. The term substitute care acknowledges the range of care situations in which youth live. One of the first steps to authentic youth engagement is to acknowledge that each of them has a unique experience. No two stories are the same!

When was SaySo Founded?

Founded in 1998 by a stakeholder group of older youth in care, adult caregivers, and adult professionals, SaySo has been recognized with respect in North Carolina and nationally as a youth-driven advocacy organization. The founding members felt youth needed to be more involved in advocating and policy development for young people in substitute care.

Awareness of Community Needs and Youth Support

SaySo values providing support and making sure youth feel seen and heard. As a program, SaySo understands that strong relationships and support systems are an essential part of youth’s transition into adulthood. SaySo helps youth build a foundation for these support systems by providing opportunities for youth to speak with community partners, future social workers, and other adults in the field. In order for youth to navigate the community around them, there must be an awareness and understanding of their experiences.

What is SaySo’s goal for North Carolina’s youth in care?

SaySo is one of several programs within CHS that works to prevent youth in care from becoming a just another statistic. SaySo’s goal is to prepare them for independence and a brighter future.

Creating Change with Advocacy and Legislation Education

Well-intentioned adults often want to improve the lives of young people in substitute care, but without hearing directly from youth, it can be difficult for them to make decisions that truly have impact. SaySo ensures that the voices of youth in care are included in conversations that shape policy and practice.

Through SaySo, young people have participated in legislative sessions, served as government pages, spoken with Guardian ad Litems, and joined state-level workgroups to advocate for meaningful change in the child welfare system.

Recognizing that public speaking can be intimidating, SaySo provides support every step of the way. Youth are guided through preparation for each engagement—learning about the event, clarifying their message, and practicing effective delivery. Afterward, they have an opportunity to reflect on the experience with staff support.

SaySo is committed to empowering youth and ensuring they are supported from beginning to end in every advocacy opportunity.

Who are the youth currently served by SaySo?

Comprised of youth ages 14 to 26 in North Carolina who are or have been in the substitute care system, SaySo empowers youth to find their voices, discover their resiliencies, and advocate for the rights of youth in care. SaySo currently serves more than 800 youth statewide.

What opportunities are offered to youth in care through SaySo?

The purpose of SaySo is to provide opportunities for youth to develop essential life skills, build positive peer relationships, and connect with supportive adults. These experiences are designed to prepare youth for self-sufficiency and long-term success.

What are some ways to get involved and support SaySo?

There are many ways to support youth in care and alumni of care, and every effort helps create lasting change.

• Learn and Share: Explore SaySo’s mission, vision, and values, and then spread the word to build awareness and inspire others to get involved.

• Volunteer and Participate: Register to volunteer and take part in SaySo events and initiatives across North Carolina.

• Give and Advocate: Donate to strengthen programs for youth in care and join advocacy efforts to improve foster care legislation statewide.

Strong Able Youth Speaking Out, (SaySo), a program of Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, in partnership with both public and private stakeholders, has been involved in the Jim Casey Initiative since January 2020. Members of the initiative have worked to develop strategies that would benefit our overarching goal of increasing permanency for our adolescent population. Our workgroup was specifically focused on reducing time spent in care and placement stability while maintaining a racial equity lens.

The Jim Casey Initiative pilot consists of several tiers that assist with getting closer to our goal. The first two tiers of our pilot addressed building knowledge for caregivers and professionals that are working with this population. The last tier was the development of this LINKS toolkit. Our stakeholders felt it was important to develop a toolkit to assist our LINKS coordinators as they engage youth, young adults, caregivers and other professionals.

The toolkit was developed in collaboration with caregivers, LINKS coordinators, foster care alumni and child welfare professionals. Our hope is that this toolkit will be a guide to LINKS staff as they develop and implement their programs in  their counties.

• Download the LINKS toolkit here.

This next comprehensive toolkit is designed to empower youth and young adults who are currently in the foster care system or have recently transitioned out. Navigating independent living presents unique challenges, but with the right resources and support, you can build a stable, fulfilling future. The following sections cover essential life skills areas including financial management, housing stability, education and career development, building support networks, decision-making, healthy relationships, parenting preparation, health management, self-advocacy, and connecting with additional resources. Each section provides practical guidance, encouraging advice, and actionable steps to help you succeed in your journey toward independence. We anticipate that you will use this toolkit in various stages of your life to help guide you. This toolkit was developed in partnership with lived experts that have experienced foster care at some point in North Carolina.

• Download the Youth and Young Adult Toolkit Navigating Life During and After Foster Care in North Carolina Toolkit here.