Media Advisory - UK expert to address child welfare and government leaders on transforming Ontario's child welfare system and achieving better outcomes for youth in and from care

TORONTO, May 12, 2015 /CNW/ - In celebration of Ontario's second Children and Youth in Care Day on May 14^th, Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Irwin Elman will be hosting a breakfast event to hear from a leading expert who is transforming England's child welfare system.

The theme for this year's Children and Youth in Care Day is "Taking Control of Our Lives."

As the Director of Children's Services in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in south-east England and a former youth in care, Alison Alexander offers a dual perspective on what fundamental changes are needed to help young people "take control of their lives."

These changes will enable youth to reach their full potential and achieve better outcomes (e.g. higher graduation rates, lower rates of incarceration) after they transition out of care.

When:	Thursday, May 14, 2015 from 8:30 am to 9:30 am
What:	Keynote speech by Alison Alexander at the five14 Talks to Inspire Change event, organized by the Children's Aid Foundation in honour of Children and Youth in Care Day in Ontario on May 14^th
Who:	Irwin Elman, Ontario's Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
	Alison Alexander, Director of Children's Services, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, United Kingdom
	The Honourable Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Children and Youth Services
	MPP Jim McDonell, Critic for Children and Youth Services, PC Party
	MPP Monique Taylor, Critic for Children and Youth Services, NDP Party
Where:	Arcadian Loft, 8^th Floor   401 Bay Street Toronto, ON  M4H 2Y4

SOURCE Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth

Media Contact: Eva Lannon & Associates, 416.300.9721 or [email protected]