To mark the first official Children and Youth in Care Day in Ontario on May 14, the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies (OACAS), YouthCAN and Children's Aid Societies across the province are celebrating the strength and determination that children and youth in and from care demonstrate in the face of adversity, and recommitting to support them.
The initial focus of child welfare work is on ensuring child safety while keeping kids with their families whenever possible. If it is unsafe for children and youth to remain at home due to physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect , these young people come into the care of Ontario's Children's Aid Societies. When a child comes into care, Children's Aid provides support so that the child can be reunited with their family, if and when possible.
Children who come into the permanent care of Children's Aid find homes with either extended family, members of their community, through adoption or in foster or group homes. These young people come into care having experienced the trauma of abuse and neglect, and demonstrate remarkable resilience in light of a unique set of challenges.
In November 2011, youth in and from care shared their experiences and stories growing up as Crown wards of the province during the Youth Leaving Care Hearings at Queen's Park. The final report of the Hearings, 'My REAL Life Book' identified the difficulties these young people experience growing up in care, including vulnerability, isolation, unpredictability and aging out of care before they are ready. Issues with mental health, completing high school, homelessness and involvement with the justice system were also identified.
The creation of the Children and Youth in Care Day was one of the key recommendations provided in 'My REAL Life Book'. In response, a private member's bill was introduced in the legislature by Soo Wong (MPP for Scarborough- Agincourt) to designate May 14 each year as Children and Youth in Care Day. In late March, 2014, the bill was granted royal assent.
Recognizing the strength, bravery and resilience of children and youth in foster care - Ontario Canada
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