Notice. Listen. Respect. Stand with B.C. children and youth in care. These are powerful words, and they hold a personal meaning for thousands of children and youth in government care across the province.
To help acknowledge and celebrate children and youth in government care and to help combat negative stereotypes and social stigmas, the B.C. government is proclaiming May 23 to 29 as the first-ever B.C. Child and Youth in Care Week.
It was a youth-driven idea to create the week, and it's a first for B.C.
Several key partners have been integral in development and planning for the week - the Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks, the Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents and the BC Federation of Foster Parent Associations - as well as the children and youth themselves.
A provincial celebration event will be held on May 24 in Vancouver, highlighting the remarkable achievements and artistic talents of children and youth in care. To respect the privacy of children and youth in care, this will be a private function, with no media invited. Several regional celebration events such as barbecues, picnics and youth awards will also be held throughout the week.
"Children and youth in care - like all children and youth - are unique individuals, with their own dreams, experiences, talents and challenges," said Mary McNeil, Minister of Children and Family Development in a news release. "All children and youth benefit from understanding, acceptance and support, and we want young people in care across B.C. to know that we are standing in support with them."
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