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Yeladim - Fair Chance for Children Education Program

Youth Leadership in Residential Care

“When they suggested we create a new house charter, I said it wasn’t for me. Who am I, anyway? But when the group said, ‘We want you,’ it was the first time I felt like I truly belonged.”
S., 15

Many children and teens in residential care have grown up with very little control over their lives – sudden separations, constant moves, and adults who weren’t always there when they needed them.
That’s exactly why it’s so important to give them a voice.
Student Councils create that opportunity.
More than an extracurricular activity, this is a meaningful educational process that teaches leadership, responsibility, and partnership. It’s a space where young people learn that their voice matters and that it can lead to real change.

How it works

1. Forming the Council

After a structured election process, a leadership group is formed.
Every residential home has its own council.
Each is guided by a trained staff member who acts as a facilitator and supports the group as a whole and each individual participant – helping every young person find their strengths, express their ideas, and grow.

2. Weekly Leadership Meetings

Each meeting includes learning, discussion, decision-making, and planning real initiatives that improve daily life.
At first, the projects are small and practical. As their confidence grows, so does the scope of their initiatives.
It might be updating the weekly menu, organizing a social event or holiday ceremonies, launching a volunteer project, or influencing residential policies.
The key is – the young people take the lead.

3. Creating a Shared Charter

Council members work together to develop a house charter that reflects both the culture of the home and their own values.
They talk openly about boundaries, responsibility, and mutual respect – and take ownership of the standards they set.

Benefits for the Youth

• A stronger sense of confidence and self-worth

• Real experience in leadership

• Practice in making thoughtful choices

• The ability to express opinions – even when they disagree

• Responsibility for their shared space

• A deep sense of belonging

• A healthy experience of participatory democracy

Leadership isn’t something these young people were given the chance to practice. Here, they have that chance.

The Role of the Adult

The adult facilitator doesn’t lead for the youth - they create the framework that allows youth to lead. They help them clarify ideas, make decisions, navigate disagreements, and see projects through. Yeladim supports staff with:

Ready-to-use meeting guides

Training in youth leadership facilitation

Ongoing professional support and peer forums

Access to SEL materials that strengthen the process

Tools to adapt the program to each residential community

Other Program Areas

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