Youth andFamily Advisory Council
Overview
The Youth and Family Advisory Council advises CASA on creating programs and policies that put those we serve at the centre of decisions and services. The council includes:
- youth ages 14 to 22 with lived experience in accessing mental health services; and
- caregivers and family members of children and youth who have accessed mental health services.
The council and its subcommittees are not therapy groups and cannot offer mental health advice.
Subcommittees
Youth Subcommittee
The Youth Subcommittee uses lived experience, skills and knowledge to uplift the voices of youth with mental illness within CASA and within the broader community. They work to challenge bias in professionals, internalized stigma in CASA clients, and stigma against youth with mental illness. Initiatives revolve around sharing youth voice with the community and CASA staff.
Family Subcommittee
The Family Subcommittee uses lived experience, skills and knowledge to advocate for the voices of families affected by child and youth mental illness. They work to challenge bias in professionals, internalized stigma in caregivers accessing CASA services, and stigma around children with mental illness. Initiatives revolve around sharing caregivers’ perspectives and experiences with the community and CASA staff.
Unseen: Youth Mental Wellness Magazine
Please note: The views and opinions expressed in Unseen: Youth Mental Wellness Magazine are those of the members of the Youth and Family Advisory Council and do not necessarily reflect the official position of CASA Mental Health.
Unseen: Youth Mental Wellness Magazine is a publication created by the members of the CASA Youth Subcommittee. Unseen provides a youth lens on various aspects of mental health. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our spirit with you, and hope you take away new knowledge from our words.
You can download editions here:
We’re Currently Recruiting Members
The council and subcommittees are currently recruiting! If you are a youth or family member with lived experience in children and youth mental health services, living in Edmonton or nearby areas, please fill out the application form. You may also contact Madeleine Lowe, Youth and Family Advisory Liaison, at yfac@casaservices.org. for more information.
