Youth Participation in Court Hearings

In recent years, courts and child welfare systems around the country have recognized the importance of permanency for all foster children, including older youth, and of youth participation in decisions that affect their lives. Juvenile court officials and experts have consistently recommended that youth be present in court for permanency planning and other hearings; actively involving youth in court hearings can improve permanency planning and the likelihood that those plans will be carried out. This paper list six recommendations that hone in on youth participation in court hearings, preparation and support for youth attending hearings, and how courts can help to assure that each youth attains permanency in as timely a manner possible.