Advocating for Change: Giving Young People the Power to Shape Their Future

Opening: A Shared Mission of Transformation

Welcome back, and thank you for continuing this journey with us. I apologise for the delay in getting back to my blog, but here I am, I’m back.

In our last post, we explored the importance of connection—how trust, relationships, and collaboration help create a foundation of care for young people. Today, we shift our focus to empowerment, exploring how we work to ensure that young people in care are not just supported but are also given the tools and opportunities to influence the systems that affect their lives.

At Indicare, we believe that advocacy isn’t just about speaking up on behalf of others; it’s about amplifying the voices of young people, equipping them with the confidence, skills, and platforms they need to advocate for themselves. Because no one understands their experiences, hopes, and challenges better than they do.

Let’s take a look at how we’re helping young people move from being cared for to taking an active role in shaping their own futures.

From Passive to Proactive: Encouraging Participation

For many young people in care, decisions about their lives are often made without their input. This can leave them feeling powerless and disconnected, as if their opinions don’t matter. At Indicare, we’re committed to flipping this narrative.

We actively encourage young people to participate in decisions about their care, from everyday routines to larger life choices. During Regulation 44 visits, for example, we don’t just ask young people how they’re doing; we involve them in conversations about what could be improved in their homes, routines, or care plans.

By giving young people a voice in these matters, we help them see that their perspectives hold weight—and that they have the ability to shape their own paths.

Listening With Intention: Acting on Feedback

Listening is one thing, but acting on what we hear is what truly matters. That’s why, when young people share their thoughts, ideas, or concerns, we make it a priority to follow through.

Whether it’s addressing a specific issue raised during a visit or bringing broader concerns to the attention of decision-makers, we treat their input as valuable insight. When young people see their feedback leading to real change—whether in their homes or in the care system as a whole—it reinforces the belief that their voices have power.

This cycle of listening and acting builds confidence, trust, and a sense of ownership over their experiences.

Building Skills for Self-Advocacy

Advocating for change isn’t always easy. It takes courage, communication skills, and a sense of self-worth—qualities that some young people in care may struggle to develop due to their circumstances. That’s where we come in.

At Indicare, we provide guidance and support to help young people build these skills, whether through one-on-one conversations, workshops, or practical exercises. We teach them how to articulate their needs, set boundaries, and communicate effectively with adults and professionals.

These skills aren’t just useful within the care system—they’re tools that young people can carry with them into adulthood, empowering them to stand up for themselves in all areas of life.

Creating Platforms for Collective Change

While individual self-advocacy is vital, there’s also incredible power in collective voices. That’s why we work to create platforms where young people can come together to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and advocate for broader change within the care system.

From participating in youth panels to contributing to policy discussions, these opportunities allow young people to influence the systems that shape their lives. Their insights often reveal gaps or challenges that professionals may overlook, offering invaluable perspectives on what truly works—and what doesn’t.

By involving young people in these larger conversations, we help ensure that the care system evolves to better meet their needs, both now and in the future.

The Ripple Effect of Empowerment

When young people are empowered to speak up, take action, and advocate for themselves, the impact goes far beyond their individual lives. It creates a ripple effect, inspiring others in care to do the same and challenging the wider system to listen, adapt, and improve.

We’ve seen firsthand how one young person’s courage can spark a chain reaction of change—whether it’s inspiring their peers to share their stories or prompting professionals to rethink how they approach care. These moments remind us why our mission is so important: because every empowered voice has the potential to transform not just a life, but an entire system.

Looking Forward: Empowerment as the Goal

As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering young people. We’ll continue to create spaces for their voices to be heard, provide the tools they need to advocate for themselves, and work tirelessly to ensure that their insights shape the care system for generations to come.

Because when young people feel empowered, they don’t just survive—they thrive. And that’s what care should ultimately be about.

Your Voice Matters

Whether you’re a young person in care, a professional working in the system, or someone passionate about making a difference, we want to hear from you. Your voice, your ideas, and your experiences are vital to creating a better future for young people everywhere.

If you have a story to share, a suggestion to make, or a question to ask, please reach out via the email address below. Together, we can continue this journey of transformation—one empowered voice at a time.

Until next time, thank you for being here and for believing in the power of change.

Let’s keep empowering.