2ND ANNUAL CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN CARE DAY RECOGNIZES STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE OF ONTARIO’S YOUNG PEOPLE
On May 14th, Ontario will celebrate Children and Youth in Care Day, an annual day proclaimed in 2014 intended to recognize the strength, bravery and resilience shown by young people who have faced challenges and adversity in their lives.
The initial focus of child welfare work is on ensuring child safety while keeping children and youth with their families, whenever possible. If a young person comes into the care of the Society it is often after experiencing the trauma of abuse or neglect yet many demonstrate remarkable resilience in light of having to face a unique set of challenges.
The declaration of this important day is one of a number of actions currently happening within the Province that are designed to support these young people in reaching their full potential. Other recent initiatives include implementation of Aftercare Benefits to provide those leaving care with access to health, dental, vision and extended health services, and increased financial supports to assist with post-secondary education.
On May 13th, a celebration of Children and Youth in Care Day will take place at the Peterborough office of the Kawartha-Haliburton CAS. The event will include a BBQ, music and prizes for children and youth in the care of the Society. As part of the celebration, the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation will present several educational awards to graduates from Grades 8 and 12 as well as from College and University. On May 14th, several youth and staff from the KHCAS will travel to Queen’s Park to participate in a number of activities to mark Children and Youth in Care Day including a tour of the Legislature, a visit to the Legislative Chamber and participation in a mock debate/group discussion.
Commenting on the importance of May 14th, Jennifer Wilson, Executive Director of KHCAS said, “We welcome the opportunity to celebrate this special day each year and honour these children and youth who rise above the many challenges they face. They, like all young people, need to know they are supported and appreciated.”
On May 21st, the Quinte Children’s Foundation and Highland Shores Children’s Aid will celebrate the many amazing achievements of young people in care at the 15th Annual Reach for Success Youth Awards.
Mark Kartusch, Executive Director of Highland Shores Children’s Aid emphasized, “As a community we always want to be mindful about the well-being of children and youth, but it is wonderful to be able to celebrate these young people with a very special day each year that recognizes their particular strength and resilience.”
