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Podcast

Beyond the System: Empowered by Experience

Beyond the System is a bilingual podcast by the Canadian Consortium on Child and Youth Trauma that raises awareness about trauma, particularly for (former) youth in care, and advocates for systemic change. Led by a collective of individuals with lived experience and professionals, it shares stories, educational content, and policy discussions while centering the voices of those directly concerned.

Episodes

Introduction

#1

In this introductory episode, we’ll outline the podcast’s mission and preview the content of upcoming episodes. We’ll also highlight the various reasons to listen, ranging from gaining knowledge to simple curiosity. Enjoy!

This episode is in French.

Wellness During and After Leaving Care

#2

This first episode will focus on well-being during and after the transition to adulthood following placement in the child welfare system. The discussion will highlight nuanced perspectives on this key issue.

This episode is in English.

Finding Balance

#3

In this episode, Annie and Janis discuss finding balance in adult life and the challenges that come with it. Throughout the episode, Annie and Janis draw a clear connection between the challenges they faced as children, the lessons they learned, the coping mechanisms they developed, and how they adapted to adversity at a young age.

This episode is in French.

Parenting After Leaving Care

#4

In this episode, Marie and Amanda share their perspectives as professionals and as parents, drawing on their own experiences as former foster children, regarding parenting after the transition to adulthood.

This episode is in English, and a verbatim transcript is available.

Conceptualising Family After Being in Care

#5

In this episode, Annie and Janis discuss their understanding of family and how their relationship with family has been shaped by growing up without the regular presence of their biological parents. Since Annie and Janis had very different experiences in foster care, their perspectives offer a glimpse into different possible visions of family.

This episode is in French.

Restoring Rest: Sleep, Safety and Healing Across the Foster Care Journey

#6

Amanda Keller and Dr. Jelena Komanchuk present the results of their research on sleep quality among youth and adults who grew up in foster care. They combine scientific data with personal experiences to illustrate the impact of trauma on sleep. The discussion also highlights strategies for improving sleep, focusing on the perspectives of those who have been in foster care.

This episode is in English, and a verbatim transcript is available.

Making Our Own Map: Navigating Mixed Identity and Care Experience Through the Social Work Training Journey

#7

Elijah Olise and Raymond Jordan Johnson-Brown, both social work students with personal experience in the child welfare system, discuss their journeys and their friendship. They explore issues related to multiple identities and labels, sharing their personal reflections. Their discussion encourages listeners to embrace the complexity of identity and to define themselves beyond imposed categories.

This episode is in English.

Leaving Care, Housing Insecurity and Community Building: A Discussion With Elijah Olise and Patrick Pouponneau

#8

In this episode our committee member Elijah Olise meets with long time community organiser Patrick Pouponneau to discuss housing and housing insecurity with a focus on the particular experiences and needs of Care leavers in terms of accessing stable and nuturing housing.

This episode is in English.