Media Advisory - Ontario's Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth available to comment on first Children and Youth in Care Day

TORONTO, May 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Tomorrow marks the first Children and Youth in Care Day in Ontario and another major milestone for Our Voice Our Turn, an initiative supported by the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth to examine the challenges youth face when they age out of the care system.

Irwin Elman, Ontario's Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth will be available to media to talk about the first Children and Youth in Care Day and the issues that affect young people in the care of the province.

On May 14, 2012, Our Voice Our Turn released My REAL Life Book, a report on the Youth Leaving Care Hearings that called for fundamental change to the existing child welfare system. The report also included a recommendation to declare a Children and Youth in Care Day to raise awareness of the issues children and youth face, reduce stigma and recognize children and youth in the care of the province so that they are no longer invisible.

For more information about The Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, Our Voice Our Turn or to read My REAL Life Book, please visit our website or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

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 and youth 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

To arrange an interview, please contact: 
Fiona Taylor
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]