Harm Reduction is known as an evidence-based, public health approach to working with people with addictions. Concepts from Harm Reduction have a broader application in figuring out how to show up in supportive ways in relationships, especially when significant and early trauma are present, as it is for Living Experts of child welfare.

How do we support those living with FASD to thrive and flourish? Our Living Expert panelists came together to discuss how FASD has impacted their lives and which support strategies have been the most helpful for them. Participants heard about addressing the stigma of FASD diagnosis, how to support success, navigating sibling relationships and real stories of challenges and celebrations from Living Experts and their family members. The panel was moderated by Sylvia Gibbons. 

One of our core values at Never Too Late (NTL) is to center the voices of Living Experience in everything we do. We connected with Kemesha to talk about her work creating educational materials for the Service Provider Pilot Training, the importance of permanency and what gives her hope for the future.

Winter days are upon us. These times can be quite triggering for us for a multitude of reasons. You are worthy, you are enough and you are valuable. Here are some tips to get through the winter days.

As part of the 2023 - 2024 Annual Report Living Expert, Wendy Hayes, reflected on the work of Never Too Late (NTL) as well as their own personal connection made to a Human during a difficult time in their life.

Image: Top-down view of Lego flowers made by Wendy, their Human, and their sibling.

A common question we receive at Never Too Late (NTL) is “What do you mean by unconditional commitment?”

Lived Expert Coordinator, Charlene April explores what unconditional commitment means and looks like from a Living Expert perspective.

Somatic therapist and author, Nadia George, explored what somatic healing truly is—and what it isn’t. Drawing from her professional expertise and lived experience, Nadia demystified the science behind somatic practices, shared real-life examples of what works (and what doesn’t) in the heat of the moment, and guided participants through practical tools they can start using right away.

Fight, flight, freeze or fawn? The nervous system is often thought of as the body’s control system. It’s responsible for processing information received about the world, triggering responses and regulating bodily functions. Understanding how it functions and the impacts that trauma has on the nervous system can help us select the appropriate tools and strategies for dysregulated moments. Lived Expert facilitator, Wendy, provided an overview of the nervous system in simple terms (and some science-y ones) as well as shared some of their personal tools for managing dysregulation for self and as a Kin Caregiver/Human.

We all have a “toolbox” of strategies that help us navigate difficult times. Wendy, a Lived Expert shares some of the tools in their toolbox for inspiration.

How can Humans build trust, support their Lived Experts to feel safe, and strengthen their relationships? This panel featured Lived Experts and was moderated by Lived Expert Coordinator Charlene April, to hear directly from Living Experts on what kinds of relationship building approaches would be helpful on permanency journeys.

The Lived Expert Library is a tribute to tenacity, yes—but more importantly, it’s a tribute to talent, to vision, and to the many layers of lived experts that are so often overlooked. It’s a reminder that we are more than what we've survived—we are what we’ve made from it.

In honour of Children and Youth in Care Day, please visit the Lived Expert Library and browse the submissions.

The words we use send value-based messages and inform the way we feel and think about the world. Lived Expert facilitator Wendy, who has worked in Communications for over 10 years, explored the subjectivity of language, identity-based language, and why Never Too Late (NTL) uses unique language such as the term "Human".

Making Space for Lived Experts brought together a panel of professionals with lived expertise in foster care, adoption, or kinship care. It focused on how to enhance the contributions of those with lived expertise to enhance their involvement in advancing organizational missions, extending beyond traditional keynote speaking roles to more integral, impactful positions.

At 32, I used my mom’s relapse as an opportunity to take my power back.