Real Solutions for Real People: The Value of Lived Experience in Child Welfare Reform or Abolition

“ there is a growing recognition that the people closest to the pain are also closest to the solution and are best positioned to be the architects.”

The term “lived experience” has been gaining popularity in recent years, particularly in the child welfare space. But make no mistake, the concept of lived experience is not new. It simply highlights the importance of understanding and valuing the perspectives and insights of those who have personally experienced the issues at hand.

Words are mere symbols that we use to express ideas and feelings. However, when it comes to understanding and addressing complex social issues like family policing and other tragedy of child welfare systems, the insights from lived experiences of those most affected by these issues are critical to finding effective solutions.

For too long, large institutions and foundations have been the ones driving the conversation and shaping solutions to our issues. They’ve relied on selective data, analysis, and their own ideas to try and solve problems that they have no personal experience with. But now, there is a growing recognition that the people closest to the pain are also closest to the solution and are best positioned to be the architects.

If you have experienced the trauma that family policing and separation causes in your own life, then you are a vital part of any effort to transform these conditions. Your lived experience gives you a unique perspective and insight that cannot be found in any other data sources or analysis. It is this perspective that is needed to create truly effective solutions.

This shift in thinking is a manifestation of an elevation in consciousness. It is a recognition that the people who have been marginalized and excluded in the past must be included and valued in order for us all to enjoy better conditions. It is an acknowledgement that the traditional ways of thinking and problem-solving have not worked and that a new approach is needed.

The good news is that change is just over the horizon. More and more organizations are beginning to realize the importance of lived experience and are actively seeking out the perspectives of those who have been affected by these issues. This is a positive step forward, but there is still much work to be done.

As a society, we must continue to work towards creating a world where the lived experiences of all individuals are valued and respected. We must continue to push for solutions that are inclusive, equitable, and truly effective. Only then can we hope to create a better future for all families and children.

In conclusion, the term “lived experience” is not just a buzzword, it is a call to action. It is a reminder that the people closest to the pain hold the key to the solution. By valuing and including the lived experiences of all individuals, we can create a more just and equitable world for all.