Be there for kids in care!

The journey for current and former children and youth in care requires strength, bravery, and resilience in the face of adversity. Children and Youth in Care Day is an opportunity to show our children in care that our community is here for them, we hear them and that we are a part of their Circle of Care.

Tikinagan shares the sacred responsibility held by parents, extended family and community members to care for children. When a child comes into care, it is important for each child to be part of a network of caring people. Every person who has an interest in the care of a child is asked to become a member of the child’s Circle of Care.

The Circle of Care may include the child’s parents and siblings, extended family members, the First Nation Chief and Council, Elders, the school principal and teachers, workers from other community resources, Foster Parents and other caregivers, and Tikinagan workers and supervisors. Although each has a different role in the Circle, the success of a child’s emotional security depends on teamwork. By working together in mutual cooperation and respect, a circle of healing will surround the child.

Children and Youth in Care Day was created because of the tireless efforts of young people in and from care and the stories and experiences they shared through the My Real Life Book report.

Children and Youth in Care Day is an opportunity to acknowledge children and youth in and from care for their strengths and unique identities. This day allows agencies like Tikinagan to build better networks of support by increasing participation of community members and partners so that children and youth in and from care feel supported and thrive. It also helps to destigmatize views about children and youth in and from care by increasing awareness and understanding with the public.

Although the day is acknowledged on May 14, Tikinagan is encouraging its 30 First Nation communities it serves to honour children and youth through the entire month of May.

 

Goals for Children and Youth In Care Day

Goal #1 of Children and Youth in Care Day is to acknowledge children and youth in and from care for their strengths and unique identities.

Goal #2 of Children and Youth in Care Day is to build better networks of support by increasing participation of community members and partners so that children and youth in and from care feel supported and thrive.

Goal #3 of Children and Youth in Care Day is to destigmatize views about children and youth in and from care by increasing awareness and understanding with the public.

 

Resources For Educators

This year, we put together an education package for educators in our communities. This package contains:

  • History of Children and Youth in Care Day
  • About Tikinagan Child & Family Services and Children’s Aid Society
  • Duty to Report
  • What is Abuse?
  • Contest Posters
  • Lessons provided by Tikinagan Child & Family Services
  • Activities
  • Other Resources
  • And more

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Resources for Youth in Care

Take5 – Take5 is an online space for children and youth in foster care, in group homes, or living away from their parents in Ontario. It was made with young people who have been in care. On Take5 you can find information for your age on things like: coping with stress, stuff about your identity and culture, relationships, and who to ask for help. You can also find activities, podcasts, videos and online events. Take5 is for children 6 to 12 and youth 13 and above.

YouthCan – YouthCAN (Communication, Advocacy and Networking) is a multi-component program for youth in care of Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario, and Children’s Aid staff who work with them. The functions of YouthCAN are facilitated by the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies.

OACAS – OACAS has been enhancing and promoting the welfare and well-being of children, youth and families in Ontario. OACAS works to create a highly effective system of services for children which has the confidence of Ontario families and communities.

Youth Space – Youthspace.ca is an online crisis & emotional support chat service.

Youth Line – Youth Line offers confidential and non-judgmental peer support through our telephone, text and chat services. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4:00PM to 9:30 PM.

Kids Help Phone – Kids Help Phone’s e-mental health services are available 24/7 across Canada. This means that we’re here for kids, teens and young adults from coast to coast to coast.

Be Safe App – Be Safe by mindyourmind is an evidence-informed safety planning and service navigation app developed in partnership with youth. The app is the product of a multi-sectoral network of stakeholders created to improve access to and coordination of mental health and addiction services for youth and families, consisting of the dedicated youth team, the London Service Collaborative, the CAMH Regional Implementation Team, and mindyourmind.

Supports for Youth Exiting Care – OACAS provides resources for youth specifically exiting care.

 

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