Systems to Stories: Youth Help Shape Oregon’s System of Care January 13, 2026 From health care and education to juvenile justice and child welfare, Oregon has multiple systems in place to support local youth and families. To help coordinate efforts across these institutions, the state has relied on a System of Care model led by Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs), which bring community partners together to break down barriers and keep kids out of trouble. But one critical voice was lacking — the youth themselves. That gap led to the creation of a Youth Advisory Council for Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties last year through InterCommunity Health Network CCO’s System of Care network. The Council ensures young people have a seat at the table, sharing their lived experiences navigating complex systems and offering ideas for improvement. “We can at least elevate those experiences to try and better the system going forward,” said Nate Lattanzio, Youth Advisory Council coordinator for Youth Era, a peer-led youth empowerment organization. Empowering Youth Lattanzio, 28, grew up in Arizona before coming to Oregon. He graduated from West Albany High School in 2015 and now lives in Lebanon. After graduating, Lattanzio said he knew he wanted to work with young people he felt nobody else wanted to work with, including those experiencing instability at home or lacking the resources they need to succeed in school. “It’s kind of tough to learn about math when you haven’t eaten, or when you’re experiencing childhood trauma at home,” he explained. Before joining Youth Era two years ago, Lattanzio worked as a behavior coach in several local school districts. Youth Era serves young people ages 14-25 through peer support specialists who offer guidance, as well as drop-in centers where youth can relax and access essentials such as food and clothing. Without having their basic needs met, youth are placed at a disadvantage, Lattanzio said. Systems must be responsive to prevent young people from falling through the cracks. “There are a lot of systemic barriers that are causing unnecessary harm,” Lattanzio said. “Young people need to be able to advocate for themselves. If they are not being empowered, then it’s really hard to do that.” Raising Their Voices The Youth Advisory Council plays a key role in that empowerment, Lattanzio said. Since last April, the Council has met virtually on a monthly basis, with participants given $50 Visa gift cards for their time. In addition, youth outside of Council meetings are compensated $25 for sharing their stories through one-on-one conversations, extending the platform to even more voices. Personal information is redacted before it is shared with IHN-CCO’s System of Care Advisory Committee, which uses the feedback to inform potential policy and system changes. Some of the most common themes raised by youth include: A desire to be more meaningfully involved in plans designed to support them. Concerns that help and resources often arrive only after harm has already occurred. Interest in learning more relevant life skills in school. Lattanzio said nearly every conversation has also included youth who feel providers aren’t always authentic or genuinely invested in their well-being. While progress can take time, he said the council looks forward to exploring these issues more deeply as it enters its second year of outreach. “We have to start asking for feedback,” he said. “It just requires folks to be intentional about that.” The Youth Advisory Council page has a ton of stuff, from information on how and why to join to community resources for teens and young adults. If you or a young person you know is interested in learning more or participating on the Council, contact Lattanzio at (971) 275-5450 or email.
