TORONTO, May 14, 2013 /CNW/ - Children and youth in and from care will be gathering across the Province today to recognize Children and Youth in Care Day. While the day has not been officially declared by the Province of Ontario, Bill 53, an Act to proclaim May 14th Children and Youth in Care Day, has significant support from all political parties, stakeholders and youth.
The idea to create a province-wide Children and Youth in Care Day came out of the recommendations in the Youth Leaving Care Hearings report, My REAL Life Book. Once declared, the day will provide an opportunity each year to raise awareness of the issues children and youth face, reduce stigma and recognize children and youth in the care of the province. Currently, the Province of Ontario is the legal guardian of more than 8,300 children and youth who are connected to the child welfare system. These young people are Crown wards who have been permanently removed from their families and homes. They live in foster homes, group homes, transitional housing programs or are in judicial custody.
On May 14, 2012 the Minister of Children and Youth Services accepted the My REAL Life Book report on behalf of the government of Ontario and made a commitment to work towards fundamental change. The youth involved in leading the Youth Leaving Care Hearings and the report thought it would be important to make May 14th THEIR day, going forward.
| What: | Children and Youth in Care Day Event |
| When: | Tuesday, May 14th 2013 |
| Time: | 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. |
| Where: | Queen's Park, Committee Rooms 228 and 230 (West entrance) |
| Speakers: |
Anna Ho, Youth Lead, Our Voice, Our Turn; Irwin Elman, Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth; Hon. Teresa Piruzza, Minister Children and Youth Services; Jane McKenna, MPP, PC Critic, Children and Youth Services and Monique Taylor, MPP, NDP Critic, Children and Youth Services |
For more information about Our Voice Our Turn: www.provincialadvocate.on.ca/main/en/hearings/pages/home.html; or connect with us through social media: www.facebook.com/ourvoiceourturn; www.twitter.com/ourvoiceourturn and www.youtube.com/provincialadvocate.
About the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
The Office of the Provincial Advocate reports directly to the Legislature and provides an independent voice for children and youth, including children with special needs and First Nations children. The Provincial Advocate receives and responds to concerns from children, youth and families who are seeking or receiving services under the Child and Family Services Act and the Education Act (Provincial and Demonstration Schools). The Provincial Advocate identifies systemic problems involving children, conducts reviews and provides education and advice on the issue of advocacy and the rights of children. The Office is guided by the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and has a strong commitment to youth involvement.
SOURCE: Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
Media contact: Fiona Taylor, 416-420-7728, [email protected]
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