Toronto, ON – Each year, on May 14, the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST), alongside the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) and other children’s aid societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies across the province recognize Children and Youth in Care Day.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Children and Youth in Care Day which was proclaimed into law in the province of Ontario in 2014. Children and Youth in Care Day was created because of the stories, experiences and recommendations youth in and from care shared. The purpose of the day is to recognize the valuable contributions of current and former youth in care, reduce stigma about young people involved with child welfare and acknowledge the strength and resilience shown by these young people in the face of adversity.
At CAST, we’re committed to working alongside youth transitioning out of care to help build their foundation of support as they enter adulthood. We are focused on forging partnerships and establishing programming that connect young people to resources and community networks which help enable them to pursue their educational, professional, and personal aspirations.
This year, OACAS and the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada are continuing the #ForgetMeNot campaign by reminding communities, organizations, service providers, and communities, as well as the government, that these young people continue to need critical supports. This campaign shares the stories of six young people with experience in the Ontario child welfare system, as well as the influential people in their lives who contributed to their well-being and success. Troy, a former CAST youth in care and his caregiver are profiled as part of the campaign.
Learn more about Children and Youth in Care Day and how you can support young people’s success.
