Children & Youth in Care Day! May 14

Celebrated every year on May 14, Children and Youth in Care Day is a core program of Peel CAS, it is a key element of who we are as an organization and includes every facet of our work.

In Ontario, there are approximately 12,000 children and youth in care served by non-Indigenous child welfare agencies. The day was proclaimed into law through the Children and Youth in Care Day Act, 2014 and is an opportunity to recognize the valuable contributions of current and former youth in care to communities across Ontario. It is also a time to acknowledge the strength and resilience shown by young people in and from care in the face of adversity. It was created because of the tireless efforts of young people in and from care and the stories and experiences they shared through the My Real Life Book report.

Children and Youth in Care Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of current and former youth in care to communities across the province, as well as acknowledge their strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The day also seeks to reduce stigma and is an important reminder that children and youth in care have distinct needs and face unique challenges. Allyship, advocacy, and collaboration are essential to ensure they receive the support they need to thrive and succeed.

This year, in partnership with Children's Aid Societies across the province we are continuing the #ForgetMeNot campaign by asking all Ontarians the question: Are you there for kids in care? This is a way to remind organizations, service providers, and communities, as well as the government, that these young people continue to need critical supports. They cannot be forgotten. It is made symbolic through the forget-me-not flower which represents love, respect, and a promise of remembrance. The blooms are known for their resilience and their ability to grow in difficult circumstances across environments. This year’s campaign continues to emphasize the stories of young people with experience in the system and the influential people in their lives who contributed to their well-being. We want to encourage Ontarians to get involved in supporting their success.

Who are kids in care?

Kids in care are children and youth who currently don’t live with their immediate families because of challenges or concerns at home. They may live with extended family, friends, or in a foster or group home.

How Can You Help?

We want to encourage people in our community to show their support for youth who have been part of the child welfare system and cheer them on in their journey towards success. We want you to “Be There for Kids in Care” by:

Consider mentoring kids through your local Children’s Aid Society

Donating to your local Children's Aid Society to help ensure children, youth and families have the resources they need to succeed

Becoming a tutor for a child or youth in care and help raise their level of educational achievement

Becoming a volunteer or a Board Member with your local children’s aid society

Becoming a Foster Caregiver to provide a safe home for children and youth while supporting their identities, connections, and well-being

Learning more about what it means to be in care and to educate yourself so you can better support children and youth in your community

Advocating and helping to spread awareness of the campaign by sharing messages of support on social media with #ForgetMeNot. Tell us how you support children and youth in care and tag @PeelCAS (Instagram / X) and @PeelChildrensAid (LinkedIn / Facebook).