A Sense of Belonging

Having a sense of belonging is important in life and is considered a protective factor that can help in navigating life’s challenges. When a person feels like they belong they feel included, accepted, and supported. Connecting with one’s community is one way to find this sense of belonging.

Youth that are in foster care may experience challenges engaging with their community. Youth may have lost connection to their community upon entering care and may find themselves in a community unfamiliar to them. It is important for supportive adults to encourage and explore opportunities for activities and groups that will expand a youth’s connections as well as teach youth how to explore and find community resources no matter where they reside.

In the Professional Development Program (PDP) training “Permanency Options for Youth in Care” participants explore the “Connectedness Map”. The “Connectedness Map” is a tool that youth can use to identify the connections they have to the people in their lives. This tool not only reveals the people youth are currently connected to but can also reveal opportunities to grow a youth’s connections to other supportive adults. Participants are asked to brainstorm ways  to support youth in increasing their connections.  Here are a few ideas from the “Permanency Options for Youth in Care”:

• Involve the youth in exploring mentoring, youth leadership (Youth In Progress participation), and community service opportunities
• Explore family and community connections to promote positive cultural identity and self-esteem, and expose the youth to positive cultural experiences
• Help the youth uncover “hidden” talents and self-expression through art, music, theater, poetry, sports, and extra-curricular activities at school and in the community
• Create opportunities for youth call or have video chats with their connections.
  • If unable to call or video chat, provide opportunities for the youth to write to their connections and provide supplies
  • If the youth has access to a cell phone, allowing them to connect to friends or family through apps at prearranged times to do an activity or watch a TV show
• Take youth to places where they used to spend time (community parks, playgrounds, favorite restaurants, etc.)
• Create opportunities for youth to talk about their favorite memories or activities with their connections
• Provide opportunities for youth to visit with family and friends on a regular basis at places that are fun or meaningful to the youth, not just a quiet space at DSS or congregate care facility

For more information and support, reach out to the Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) in your region and check out the PDP training “Permanency Options for Youth in Care”.