Children and Youth in Care Day, held every year on May 14, is a time to recognize the experiences and contributions of young people who are or have been involved with child welfare. At the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST), it is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of keeping youth voices at the centre of our work.
One way we do this is through our Youth Council. Made up of current and former youth in care between the ages of 16 and 25, the Council offers space for young people to share feedback, provide input on programs and initiatives, and build connections with peers and staff. “I joined the Youth Council in September 2022 after hearing about it from an Adolescent Center Worker, so I’ve been involved for nearly three years.”
For this member, joining the Council was a way to stay connected and participate in conversations that affect other young people with similar experiences. “I wanted to give back to the community because Children’s Aid has supported me in many ways but I also see areas where things can improve. Joining the Youth Council felt like a great opportunity to contribute while also learning and building skills in team collaboration, advocacy, and public speaking.”
“There are many things in life that feel beyond our control, especially when it comes to politics or systemic issues. That can be frustrating. But instead of staying stuck in a place of cynicism, I’ve found it healthier to focus on what I can control — like taking part in the Youth Council and having real conversations about the barriers to success that young people in care face.”
As part of the Council, they’ve contributed to projects like providing feedback on the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services’ Child Welfare Redesign and testing the JOYPOP app, a tool designed to support youth mental health. They’ve also participated in the Ontario Supreme Court Conference and attended wellness workshops delivered by the Canadian Red Cross.
“We regularly meet to provide input on the Society’s strategic plan and to give feedback to Board members, the Pape Adolescent Resource Centre (PARC), and other key initiatives. One important discussion we spent time on was around the ideal transition out of care, taking into factors of employment, housing and financial support.”
What they value most is the opportunity to connect with other youth who are engaged in similar work. “What I enjoy most is connecting with other youth who are so passionate about making change and trying to make it better for other youth. It’s been incredibly inspiring to collaborate with people who are passionate and like-minded. I really value how the Youth Council fosters a trauma-informed space — it feels safe, supportive, and open, which allows us to have honest conversations about difficult topics.”
The Youth Council is one of several ways CAST works to ensure that programs and services reflect the lived experiences of young people. As we recognize Children and Youth in Care Day, we appreciate the time, insight and participation of all our Youth Council members.
