When Children and Youth in Care Day arrives on May 14, it's a chance for Tikinagan Child & Family Services to celebrate its own clients, but the organization also hopes those from beyond the child welfare world will take note.
The day was proclaimed by the provincial government in 2012 as a chance to honour the contributions of children and youth in and from care, discuss the importance of supporting them, and raise awareness of the barriers they continue to face.
This year, it will also bring the launch of a new mental health tool for children and youth in care.
“As an agency, we recognize the importance of this day and honour the strength, bravery, and resilience shown by children and youth in the face of difficult times,” said Thelma Morris, Tikinagan’s executive director. “We hope this day will destigmatize views about children and youth in and from care by increasing public awareness and understanding.”
There are approximately 12,000 children and youth in care in Ontario. Each year 800 to 1,000 individuals “age out” and leave the care of the child welfare system.
Children and Youth in Care Day is an important reminder that children and youth in care face adversity, and require allies, advocacy, and collaboration to help them reach their full potential, said Morris.
“It’s important for children and youth in care to know they belong to and have the support of, their community,” she said. “They need to know they are not alone.”
It’s a philosophy she said is foundational at Tikinagan, which serves children, youth, and families from 30 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario.
The agency’s service model, Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin, means “everyone working together to raise our children.”
In practice, that means creating wide circles of care involving those who have an interest in the child's wellbeing, promoting connection with elders, and an emphasis on hiring staff from the communities they’re serving.
With some of those connections challenged by the pandemic, Tikanagan has often turned to technology to maintain them.
The agency will soon have another online tool available, with the launch of a new mental health platform Take5 to mark this year’s Children and Youth in Care Day.
Take5, which will go live May 14, is an interactive online space focused on reducing mental health risks and isolation for children and youth in care, created by the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS).
The project was developed with help from the group’s youth advisory committee, community organizations, experts, and first voice advocates (youth with first-hand experience in the system) and funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
It will include information, multimedia content, live workshops, and other events for caregivers, children, and youth of all ages.
The Take5 activities will provide positive outlets for children and youth to get help with mental health concerns, Tikinagan said, adding those in care have been hit even harder than average by feelings of loneliness and isolation during the pandemic.
“We know these online resources can’t replace in-person engagement, which is why our service model stresses the support of our communities to help raise our children,” said Morris. “But we are thankful for these tools that children and youth can access for support.”
Members of the public are encouraged to share stories and support Children and Youth in Care Day by using the hashtag #CARE4CARE.
To symbolize the day, a logo of a purple lion was chosen to represent the bravery and courage children and youth in care display to overcome obstacles and challenges.
Tikinagan will also celebrate its own annual Honouring Our Children Day on June 24, with family-friendly events in each of the First Nations it serves. In the past, the day has included community feasts, barbeques, games and activities, special guests, and even a jumpy castle.
