Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Youth Journal
The CFE Youth Journal: My Journey, My Journal is a creative, youth-centered tool designed for young people in foster care to express themselves freely and authentically. Through art, reflection and guided writing prompts, youth can explore their emotions, heritage, relationships and goals in a space that belongs entirely to them. The concept of the youth journal was created with input and artwork from young people who have experienced foster care themselves, making it a deeply personal and empowering resource.
If you are a CASA volunteer who wants one of these journals for the youth you serve, reach out to your local CASA office to get a copy in English or Spanish.
Texas CASA’s Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Coach, Maria McCord, shares her insights below about the CFE Youth Journal. Maria was born and raised in El Paso, Texas and has more than 20 years of experience working with children in foster care and nonprofit organizations. She has her bachelor’s degree in human services as well as her master’s degree in business administration. You can learn more about her background in a previous post here.
When was the creation of the CFE Youth Journal and what inspired it?
The CFE Youth Journal was created Summer-Fall of 2024 and officially announced in January 2025 by Texas CASA’s Collaborative Family Engagement team. It was inspired directly by my lived experience and by youth in foster care, who were invited to contribute artwork and creative expressions. The journal was designed as a youth-centered, creative tool to allow young people to reflect on their experiences, share their stories, and express their feelings through art. Its broader purpose is to empower youth, strengthen their voices, and foster deeper connections with CASA volunteers, caseworkers and support networks, aligning with CFE’s mission to build community and lifelong support for children in foster care.
How many journals were released?
We’ve ordered 6,000 Journals over the past 15 months to be distributed to CASA, CPS, and the SSCCs for youth. 1,250 in Spanish and 4,750 in English.
How do you hope this journal continues to help youth process or express their foster care experiences?
I hope this journal continues to provide a safe and creative space for youth to explore and express their thoughts and emotions about their foster care experiences. By encouraging self-expression through art, writing and personal reflection, it can help them process difficult feelings, celebrate their resilience and feel heard and validated. Ultimately, I hope it empowers youth to see their experiences as part of their story while building confidence, connection, and a sense of community with others who understand their journey.
How have young people responded to the journal so far?
Young people have responded to the journal with enthusiasm and creativity, sharing their thoughts, stories, and artwork in ways that are both meaningful and inspiring. The CFE team has also received amazing feedback from the broader network, highlighting how the journal is making a positive impact by giving youth a voice and helping them feel seen, heard, and supported.
What have caregivers, caseworkers or advocates said about using the journal with youth?
The team has received very positive feedback from CASA advocates, caseworkers and other professionals, about using the journal with youth. They’ve noted that it serves as a valuable tool for opening conversations, helping young people express emotions they might not otherwise share, and deepening connections between youth and their support networks. Many have said it’s empowering to see youth use the journal to reflect on their experiences and express themselves creatively, making it a meaningful resource in supporting their growth and well-being. Child Protective Services in Houston, Reg 6a, recently requested six cases for their workers! One program is also using the journals as a guided Trust-Based Relational Intervention® activity with youth!
What’s your hope for how this journal might influence the foster care system or youth voice overall?
My hope is that this journal not only gives youth a platform to share their experiences but also helps the foster care system truly listen to and value their voices. By showcasing their perspectives, creativity, and resilience, it can influence policies, practices, and support systems to be more responsive to the real needs of youth. More broadly, I hope it inspires a culture where young people in foster care are empowered, seen and recognized as active participants in shaping their own stories and the system that serves them!
