Please describe youth engagement in the LCT process and whether that involvement is beneficial to the outcome of cases. 

FY24 MYR: The Partnership involves youth in much of our programming design and strategic planning but youth participation in the LCT is different, and necessarily so. Youth participation in the LCT process is very dependent on several variables: core issue of the youth or family participating in the LCT, youth's age, other family issues or dynamics, youth's availability. When possible and appropriate, youth are invited to sit in and participate in the meeting with their families. Hearing their perspective on what is happening at home and how it is impacting them can be very useful in ensuring the Action Plan incorporates elements that address family needs in a more holistic manner. However, if the primary issue that brings a family to the LCT is related to behaviors/incidents/issues with a particular child or child dynamics within the family (criminal actions, mental health crises, abuse, etc.) then having the youth participate directly can be counterproductive, and even potentially damaging to the youth. The other consideration is timing. Sometimes meetings need to be held while the child is in school. It is rarely more beneficial to the youth to participate in the meeting rather than attend school and so their school attendance takes precedence.