This activity helps you see care experienced individuals as whole people by exploring their strengths and identifying how systems may either support or overlook these strengths. The goal is to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth, focusing on what works well and how you can build on it. This activity can be completed individually for personal reflection, or in a group to encourage discussion and exchange of ideas.

Part 1: Strength Mapping Through Scenarios

In this part, you will read through different scenarios and identify the strengths, system gaps, and support for each individual. This will help you think about how systems can be more empowering and supportive of care experienced individuals.

• Scenario 1: James, now 19, has spent most of his childhood in foster care and recently moved into aftercare. He's learned to live independently, managing his own finances and securing a job. James takes on a lot of responsibility and is always looking for ways to improve himself. However, despite his independence, he struggles with emotional support since leaving care. The systems that supported him during his childhood are no longer in place, and he finds it difficult to connect with people who can offer guidance.

• Scenario 2: Amina is a 16-year-old who has been living in kinship care for several years. She’s always been a natural leader, often taking charge in group situations. Amina excels in teamwork, and her dedication to helping others is evident in everything she does. However, the Children’s Hearings System often overlooks her voice in important decisions about her future, leaving her feeling disconnected from the process. 

• Scenario 3: Callum is a 12-year-old boy who is incredibly intelligent and creative. He has a great love for problem-solving and often comes up with innovative ideas when faced with challenges. However, Callum has trouble building trust with adults, which affects his ability to engage in the programs offered to him. The system hasn’t yet created an environment where he feels safe enough to open up and build meaningful relationships. 

Part 2: Commit to Action

Reflect on the scenarios and answer these questions to identify how you can actively support care experienced individuals:

• What stood out about their strengths?
  Think about the positive traits each person brings and how these could be used to empower them.

• How can systems build on strengths instead of focusing on problems?
  Consider ways to highlight the individual’s strengths in the system, rather than only addressing their challenges.

• What’s one change you can make to better support care experienced people?
  Identify a concrete action or shift in perspective you can take to improve your approach.