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As a former foster youth, Tuan Giai Giang’s first impression of DHS’s Independent Living Program (ILP) website was that it was traditional, content heavy, and conservatively designed – in other words, it was “definitely a government website.”  While the website was communicating important information, it came across as intimidating and overwhelming with its references to laws and an overabundance of facts.

Since then Tuan, the website designer of the new updated ILP site, has worked hard to make the site more appealing and fun for foster youth.  His goal: make the information accessible, but not confusing or overwhelming.  Instead of wordiness he uses graphics, videos, twitter feeds, and links to Facebook messenger and other apps to make the site more inviting and less intimidating.  Bottom line, he wants the website to meet the youth in the language and visuals of their world.

Tuan hopes the website will encourage and empower youth to reach out and use the help that’s available. (And to expand their supporters’ knowledge and understanding too.)  When he was in foster care no such site existed, and he often found it difficult to ask for support because he didn’t know where to turn. 

Now, as an adult, he sees the value of speaking up and asking for assistance.  Though, he says, pride can often be a barrier to doing so, he hopes the videos and testimonials of current and former foster youth will give the website users a greater sense of possibility and internal permission to reach out and use resources that are available. More importantly, he hopes it will inspire youth to believe in themselves and know that they’re worthy of support.  

Thank you, Tuan!