3rd ANNUAL CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN CARE DAY RECOGNIZES STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE OF ONTARIO’S YOUNG PEOPLE
May 14th is the third anniversary of Children and Youth in Care Day in Ontario, an annual day which is 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 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 10th, several youth and staff from Kawartha-Haliburton CAS and Highland Shores Children’s Aid will travel to Queen’s Park for Youth Civics Day hosted by the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies and YouthCAN. This day offers youth in care a chance to learn about government and the Ontario Legislature. A number of activities have been planned including attending Question Period and having an opportunity to meet and talk with their local MPPs.
On May 12th, 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. Commenting on the importance of May 14th, Jennifer Wilson, Executive Director of KHCAS said, “Through no fault of their own, young people in the care of our Society face an uphill battle. We celebrate this day as an opportunity to show them our support and recognize their strength and resilience.”
On June 15th, the Children’s Foundation and Highland Shores Children’s Aid will celebrate the many amazing achievements of young people in the care of the Society at the 16th Annual Reach for Success Youth Awards.
Mark Kartusch, Executive Director of Highland Shores Children’s Aid emphasized, “We recognize the importance of this special day both as a reminder of our responsibility to the well-being of children and youth in care but also as a way to honour their tenacity and accomplishments.”
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For additional information contact: Lynn Clark, Kawartha-Haliburton CAS, 705-743 9751, ext. 1298 or Colleen Thompson, Highland Shores Children’s Aid, 800-267-0570, ext. 2336.
