Have you considered the critical role of early and meaningful engagement when building relationships with at-risk youth?

Developing genuine bonds with youth calls for compassion and consistency. Implementing supportive approaches and creating a safe space for expression are vital for building lasting relationships.

In this informative session, expert panelists shared leading strategies for driving authentic connections and creating positive outcomes for vulnerable youth.

Peter Smyth, MSW, RSW, MSM Social Worker, Organization for the Prevention of Violence

Peter has been a social worker with the Organization for the Prevention of Violence since February 2021. Previously, Peter was the overseer of the High Risk Youth Initiative with Alberta Children’s Services, Edmonton Region, where he worked for 32 years. He developed a practice framework and philosophy incorporating non-traditional intervention methods to better meet the needs of complex, troubled and street-involved youth population. Peter has written a book, book chapters and articles about issues confronting youth. He provides consultation, training and workshops on engaging and working with youth. Peter is a sessional instructor at MacEwan University Social Work Program proving a course on engaging troubled and complex youth. The second edition of his book High Risk Youth: A Relationship-Based Practice Framework, was released in 2024. Peter received the Governor General Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division) for his work with youth.

Heather Peddle, High Risk Youth Practice Specialist, Government of Alberta

Heather Peddle is the High Risk Youth Practice Specialist and Supervises the Protection of Sexually Exploited Childrens Unit for: Children and Family Services-Edmonton Region – Government of Alberta. Heather has been working with youth who engage in activities that compromise their safety for over 23 years. She believes in an approaches that utilizes connection and understanding of how trauma and adverse life events can impact young people. Through theses understanding, her focus is on supporting youth to develop pathways to safety and health through both formal and natural networks.

LeAnn McKoy, Foster Care 18-21 Program Coordinator, State of North Carolina

LeAnn has over 20 years of experience in child welfare and mental health service delivery in local, nonprofit and state level organizations. Her experiences are primarily centered in direct practice, policy and system implementation, while removing barriers to help youth and young adults transition into adulthood the best versions of themselves. Her beliefs center on the importance as a direct practitioner in learning the policy and laws to know how creative you can be to improve outcomes for those most proximate to the problems. LeAnn’s current work includes system evaluation and program planning with an emphasis on equitable access and service delivery. She has a Masters Degree in Public Administration.

Sarah Phillips, MSW, LCSW-A, Foster Care 18-21 State Coordinator, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

Sarah Phillips has been working as a child welfare professional for nine years. She earned her BSW from Methodist University and her MSW from UNC-Chapel Hill. She worked directly with teenagers and young adults for eight years before moving into policy work. Sarah is passionate about supporting young people as they grow into the adults they choose to become. She enjoys supporting not only young people but also colleagues who are sometimes the singular voice of guidance in a young person’s life.

Marcella Middleton, Advocate, Strong Able Youth Speaking Out (SaySo) Inc.

Marcella Middleton is a leader, motivator, and survivor. Marcella dedicated her life to traditional ideas of success such as school and a career. It is through personal and professional experiences that Marcella has gained the confidence and knowledge to challenge society’s ideals of success. Her evolution through consistent adversities has shifted her values which empowers greater self-awareness and awareness of the world around her. Marcella is fighting every day for freedom, equity, and protection for herself and those just like her. She has advocated for 16 years for youth in foster care and other nontraditional living arrangements. Marcella’s advocacy started in 2005 at an organization called SaySo where she advocates, mentors, and works on behalf of youth that are or have been in substitute care. Her work empowered her to center her lived experiences to help guide the transformation of the youth-serving systems.

Cheryl Hartshorne (Moderator), Child Welfare Executive, RedMane Technology LLC

Cheryl Hartshorne is a national child welfare expert who has a proven track record in delivering large child welfare technology transformations to state governments. With a focus on child protection and well-being, Cheryl has served for over 12 years as a child welfare executive with RedMane Technology to solve complex child welfare technology, process, and operational challenges.