YouthCAN distributes a quarterly newsletter across the provinces to all member Children’s Aid Societies so that youth can share with their peers by submitting their own materials that are of interest to them or an art piece that they made on their own. The newsletter also serves to provide youth in care about information of upcoming events, scholarships and bursaries that are of interest to them. It is a place where youth can relate to another through their ideas, stories, questions and poetry.
Read more.The unified voice of youth in care in Ontario
Advocacy
YouthCAN coordinates a Youth Policy Advisory and Advocacy Group (YPAAG). Consisting of youth in care from accross the province, this group is involved in quarterly meetings, presentations at conferences, submissions on related legislation, progress reports for CASs, letter writing, meeting with decision makers (such as Executive Directors, MPPs, and the Minister of Child and Youth Services) and ongoing leadership development training. Other training such as governmental relations and media relations is offered as well. Currently, YPAAG is focused on 4 main areas: Emotional support, Financial support, Educational support and Extending the age of eligibility (16 to 18 for protection and from 21-25 for ongoing supports from CAS) YouthCAN Program Coordinators also conduct advocacy work on behalf of youth in care through involvement on different OACAS board committees, writing letters to the government and advising on policy creation.
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Networking
Ontario YouthCAN supports 6 regional youth groups. These groups consist of Youth Leaders (youth reps) and Youth Champions (staff) from CASs in the respective zones. Throughout the year, each zone group plans meetings, outings and retreats. The activities must consist of a learning component but are also meant to encourage relationship development, a sense of belonging and empowerment for youth growing up in care. Some groups meet once every month while others meet 2-3 times per year and hold larger events.
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What people are saying
– Patricia, youth in careOMG the past conference was a blast! Can’t wait til the one in August!!!
– Former youth in careFirst Annual Conference!!!! Best times ever, show everyone that you are proud to be a youth in care!!! Be proud of who you are!!! This conference was so much fun, so many bonds were made, and so many memories were created!!!!
– Ashley, former youth in careIt was my first conference except for my zone events but I had so much fun and met so many new people! And i can’t forget all the new things I learned!!!! Wow I’m really sad that it’s over but I can now look forward to doing it again for sure next year!
– Mandy, youth in careI think my favourite things were…..the talent show and the dance. Definitely.
– youth in careYouthCAN is my family. You guys are my family!
– Brian, youth in careyouthCAN means acceptance because there is no judgment. There we all have been in the same boat. If anything it is a huge family where we can turn to whenever we need help.
The advocacy that I have been involved with mean a new beginning. I love being able to make a difference and YPAAG and YouthCAN have given me that chance to speak out and be heard.
