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Legislative
Assembly
of Ontario
Office of the Provincial Advocate
for Children and Youth
Assemblée
législative
de l’Ontario
Bureau de l’intervenant provincial
en faveur des enfants et des jeunes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth calls for fundamental changes to the child
welfare system to allow young people take control of their lives
Toronto (May 14, 2015) – Ontario’s Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Irwin Elman is
urging government and child welfare leaders to work together to remove systemic and cultural
barriers within the child welfare system. Elman was speaking at an event in Toronto in
recognition of Children and Youth in Care Day.
“At every turn, many young people in care said they feel invisible, with life-changing decisions
made without their knowledge, involvement or even consent,” said Elman. “If we are truly
committed to helping youth reach their full potential and live successful, independent lives
after they leave care, then we need to stop setting low expectations for them and remove
barriers that deny them the opportunities and tools to shape their future,” said Elman. “These
changes don’t require money, but they do require a shift in the way we view young people by
caring about them, rather than caring for them.”
Shanna Allen was taken into care at the age of eight after her mother suffered from a serious
illness. She was never told by child welfare authorities where she was going to live; with whom;
if this was a temporary or permanent arrangement; and if she would ever see her mother again.
She was later made a crown ward and placed in various foster homes. Not once was Shanna
asked if she wanted to be considered for adoption or given an opportunity to have a say about
what was happening in her life.
“When you have no control over your life, it takes a huge mental and physical toll. You don’t
feel loved, valued or accepted by others. You simply feel helpless as others determine your
future,” said Allen.
Currently, many young people are struggling after they transition out of care and are left
without earlier supports provided by the province:
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Less than 44 per cent of youth in care graduate from high school, compared to an 81 per
cent graduation rate for the general population.
An estimated 43 per cent of homeless youth have previous child welfare involvement
and 68 per cent have come from foster homes, group homes and/or a youth center.
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An estimated 82 per cent of children in care have diagnosed special needs.
Numerous reports going back to the mid-1980s recognize that youth leaving care are
over-represented in the youth justice, mental health and shelter systems.
82 per cent of children in care are diagnosed with special needs and while in care, they
receive health, dental, education and treatment supports.
Ontario is not the only jurisdiction experiencing problems with transitions out of the child
welfare system, according to Alison Alexander, Director of Children’s Services with the Royal
Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in England. Alexander, a former youth in care, was a
keynote speaker at a Children’s Aid Foundation event in recognition of Children and Youth in
Care Day.
“Similar to Ontario, we are seeing low outcomes for youth after they leave care, with high rates
of incarceration, homelessness and poor educational achievements,” said Alexander. “I share
the Provincial Advocate’s conviction that nothing can be more important than creating the
conditions where children and young people can take control of their lives during their time in
care. This will prepare them for success for the rest of their lives.”
A copy of Alison Alexander’s speech is available at: "Owning Lives."
About the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
The Office of the Provincial Advocate reports directly to the Legislature and provides an
independent voice for children and youth, including children with special needs and First
Nations children. The advocates receive and respond to concerns from children, youth and
families who are seeking or receiving services under the Child and Family Services Act and the
Education Act (Provincial and Demonstration Schools). The Provincial Advocate may identify
systemic problems involving children, conduct reviews and provide education and advice on
the issue of advocacy and the rights of children. The Office is guided by the principles of the UN
Convention on the Rights of the Child and has a strong commitment to youth involvement.
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Media Contact
Eva Lannon & Associates
416.300.9721 or elannonassoc@gmail.com
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Quotes
“Our government believes that youth deserve a voice about their futures and we are committed
to listening to what they have to say. Through the Premier's Council on Youth Opportunities
and the recent review of the Child and Family Services Act, we have heard from youth with lived
experience from all over the province – it’s their voice that will inform our work going forward
to improve the lives and outcomes for all children in care.”
–the Honourable Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Children and Youth Services
“Thousands of children in Ontario and Canada require care and assistance away from their
family every day. Adapting to new circumstances such as being in a foster home, a group home,
in a dedicated institution or with relatives is a challenge at such an important time in their
development. A child may require care for a variety of reasons, ranging from the loss of their
parents to the removal from abusive environments. Entering the care system turns their world
upside down, and they need to form new bonds with people and workers they will trust to have
their best interests at heart. Today, we come together to recognize the enormous efforts made
by children and service providers to help the care system deliver the best possible results.
Ontario needs them to succeed, and as legislators we must ensure we give them the best chance
to do so.”
-Jim McDonell, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry and PC Critic for Children
and Youth Services
“Each year, Children and Youth in Care Day serves as a reminder that our responsibility is to
provide a safe environment where children in the care of the province can flourish and prepare
themselves for successful, fulfilling lives as adults. I am eternally grateful to the youth of Our
Voice, Our Turn for making it happen.”
-Monique Taylor, MPP for Hamilton Mountain and NDP Critic for Children and Youth
Services
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Backgrounder
The Office of the Provincial Advocate has led a number of initiatives to help young people take
control of their lives and elevate their voices to decision-makers. These include:
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Held at the Legislature, the landmark 2011 Youth Leaving Care Hearings were
organized by over 100 youth in and from care. More than 700 people attended over two
days of hearings and 150 submissions were made.
My Real Life Book report was written by seven youth in and from care about their
experiences in care. To date, the report has received 150,000 downloads with over 100
workshops held and more than 10,000 people in attendance. The report led to the
creation of an official Children and Youth in Care Day on May 14th.
The I Do Care project was launched in 2013 to help inform youth about their rights and
to empower them so they can participate actively in discussions about their healthcare.
Based on the experiences and input from young people and service providers, The
Ultimate Health Rights Survival Guide was developed to educate young people about
their health rights (as protected under law); to know how to apply their rights to their
own situation; to track their progress; and to learn the steps to make decisions about
their own healthcare.
In 2012, the Advocate’s office launched Feathers of Hope – a forum that brings
together hundreds of First Nations youth to take part in discussions on issues that
matter to them. A five-year Feathers of Hope: Youth Action Plan was presented to
government and First Nations leaders outlining the experiences of First Nations youth
and their recommendations for creating healthier, safer communities. The next
Feathers of Hope forum will focus on child welfare and be held May 19 to 22 in Thunder
Bay, Ontario.
In 2013, the Advocate’s office led a special consultation with young people in the
province who are living with mental health challenges. The report, Putting Youth in the
Picture, captures their views on mental health.
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