In this episode Gracie talks with William who is a tireless believer and promoter of self advocacy. Sometimes you have to speak up for yourself and your needs and this episode is all about standing up and speaking out. 

William's positive nature comes through and can lift you up.  

In this part of the series Gracie talks with Dacota about the reforms she has seen in her time through care and now as a youth worker. They also talk about the reforms that are still left to be seen. One thing that Dacota continues to stress is the need to really listen to youth. Far too often youth are dismissed when decisions are being made and that can't be how the system continues to move forward.  

Dacota also shares her experiences and her motivation to become a youth worker and to make a positive difference in her life. For someone who has lived the experience Dacota is a walking, living, speaking positive example of how hard work can pay off. If you are thinking about changing for the positive this is the episode that you will want to listen to. 

This conversation about LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous Rights continues from Part 4. This time Gracie is talking with Kris and Kaygan about their experiences trying to express who they are and where they fit in. Understanding culture and having the freedom to express one's culture should not be as difficult as Kris and Kaygan speak about during their times in foster care. They both desperately were looking for support and guidance but seemingly there was none to be found. This needs to change. 

On this episode Gracie talks with Dominique and Bethany about being their genuine self while also being in the child welfare system. What is it like to grow up with a family who does not help you celebrate your heritage? What is it like to not be connected to your culture? Both Dominique and Bethany talk about brief moments in their life when they did find comfort in connecting with people who understood them and accepted who they truly are. Bethany and Dominique both speak to the need for more acceptance and more understanding in the system and how that could change many people's lives. They also speak about the need for more permanent workers, more permanent people in their lives, people that they can get to know and trust and that get to know them and trust them. 

In this 3rd part of the podcast Princess and Ashley are back talking about mental health and how it relates to those in care. The discussions lead everyone to agree on the necessity for more trauma informed therapists/nurses/care givers in the system. Many of the youth in care have experienced various events of trauma in their life that have indeed made them resilient but that also taxes on their mental health and mental well being. Both Princess and Ashley talk about times in their lives when they asked for help but were ignored. This needs to change for the system to improve. 

Ashley talked about one thing that really did help her which was very specific and very helpful. She learned first hand how helpful having targeted help dealing with indigenous people could be. Ashley speaks highly of her time spent accessing culturally responsive care at Anishnawbe Health Toronto. These are the kinds of services that are required to improve the way things are.   

Everyone also talks a lot about sharing with peers. To find those who can relate. To find those who are trying to navigate the system and help them. The more that everyone talks about this kind of stuff the more that things can change and the more that we can continue to support each other.

In this episode, the second of a ten part series on the road to permanency our host Gracie talks with special guest Ashley about what it's like being a youth in care when it comes to education? Who helps you navigate that bureaucratic and expensive system when you don't have permanency?  What kind of support is available both financially and emotionally when it is needed?  

In this episode Gracie speaks with Princess about what permanency means to her? Her journey to permanency. They also discuss how important permanency is to youth in care and to any human. It is not an easy route but it's so powerful to know that you have people in your life no matter what.