Trauma-Informed Photovoice for Adolescents and Young Adults with Child Welfare Involvement – Next100
Building A Better Policy Sector

Trauma-Informed Photovoice for Adolescents and Young Adults with Child Welfare Involvement

Photovoice for Change (P4C) is a trauma-informed, youth-led storytelling program created in partnership with young people who have experienced foster care. Designed as part of a youth participatory action research (yPAR) initiative, the project empowers youth to document and share the “places and spaces” that have shaped their lives through photography. The three-part program—orientation, storytelling prep, and a community share-back—culminated in a public gallery showcasing the powerful images and voices of participants. P4C offers a replicable, healing-centered model for child welfare programs to strengthen peer connection and elevate youth perspectives in a supportive, dignified way.

Photovoice for Change (P4C) is a trauma-informed, youth-led storytelling program created in partnership with young people who have experienced foster care. Designed as part of a youth participatory action research (yPAR) initiative, the project empowers youth to document and share the “places and spaces” that have shaped their lives through photography. The three-part program—orientation, storytelling prep, and a community share-back—culminated in a public gallery showcasing the powerful images and voices of participants. P4C offers a replicable, healing-centered model for child welfare programs to strengthen peer connection and elevate youth perspectives in a supportive, dignified way.

“This project didn’t just ask for our feedback—it gave us real power. From shaping the theme to building the program, we weren’t just participants, we were partners. Photovoice for Change gave us the chance to lead with our experiences and create something that speaks to the realities—and the resilience—of youth in foster care.”

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About the Author

Cheyanne Deopersaud Housing + Design

Cheyanne is a fierce advocate for young people with child welfare involvement. At Next100, Cheyanne is developing innovative, sustainable solutions that address the root causes of housing instability among youth in, and transitioning out of, the foster care system. Her advocacy is fueled by her personal journey in foster care in New York, which has given her a profound understanding of the challenges and systemic barriers faced by youth in similar situations.

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