Study 2 Arts-Based Storytelling: Aging out of Child Welfare

Gathering stories and sharing knowledge through the creative arts

The purpose of this project was to learn about the specific challenges, resources, and successes that young people have experienced transitioning out of government care. People who have aged out of government care within the last 15 years will be asked to share their stories of this experience using art: drawing, painting, storyboards, collage, traditional crafts, or even creative writing like spoken word or songwriting. We want to know what works, what doesn’t, and how things should change. What people share will be used to create awareness, change legislation and policies, and improve child welfare practices so that future youth can benefit. Blackfoot Elders will provide guidance but people from all cultures are welcome.

We held a single workshop on September 2 & 3, 2023. Through their art and during interviews, participants shared their experiences of being in child welfare and aging out of it. Participants’ art is shown here. Additional results are currently being analyzed and will be posted when available.