Why does CAFETY use the term “alumni/survivor” to describe folks with residential care experience as youth?
CAFETY chooses to use the term ‘survivor’, because we understand that we have survived victimization and feel it is important to honor our trauma experience, strength and resiliance by naming our truth. We want to send a strong message to the public that an urgent need exists for change to prevent re-victimization of other youth. We understand that some young people may have not experience severe dehumnaization, but relate to the need for change and have effectively graduated from a residential treatment setting. As such, some preferance exists to identify as alumi. Both terms are ended to honor our experiences and accurately reflect the experience of our members.
