End of Year Reflections of 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year marked by significant achievements and unwavering commitment to supporting children, youth, and families navigating the complexities of immigration and child welfare. We’re happy to share with you, our reflections from the Child Welfare Immigration Centre of Excellence (CWICE) at Peel CAS.
Key Accomplishments in 2024:
National Conference: On June 12th, in celebration of its 6th year, CWICE hosted a National Conference at the Pearson Convention Centre, bringing together hundreds of professionals from child welfare, immigration, and social services sectors. The event featured impactful presentations, including a panel of women with lived experiences and a keynote address by Debbie Douglas, emphasizing the need for systemic change.
Expansion of Services: In June, CWICE received a transformative funding of $900,000 from the Northpine Foundation. This funding is dedicated to expanding CWICE's training services across Canada, aiming to prevent refugee children from entering foster care and ensuring families remain together. As with our conference, we couldn’t have worked toward this expansion without the support of Children’s Aid Foundation Ontario. We thank them for always supporting our initiatives and partnering on this growth opportunity. Together with the Service Director of CWICE, Prasad Nair, we welcome Nadia Drepaul, Manager of CWICE – National Expansion to the team.
Change The Lives Of 1000's Of Children & Youth For The Better
Advocacy and Policy Influence: CWICE representatives testified before the Senate of Canada, advocating for Bill S-235, in December 2023. This Bill proposes amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Citizenship Act. We continued in 2024 to promote changes happening on the policy and legislative fronts that impact children, youth, and young adults we serve. We continue to collaborate with a coalition of other advocates for the passing of this Bill which has now had its introduction in the House. These efforts underscore CWICE's dedication to influencing policies that impact children and youth in out-of-home care across Canada.
S-235 (44-1) - LEGISinfo - Parliament of Canada
Professional Training: Since 2020, CWICE has trained over 1,400 professionals. We have continued to expand and offer new initiatives and this year was no difference, from sharing our sold out Bridging and Building course for professionals working alongside children and their families to supporting mental health and culturally responsive first contact in settlement and social services. Since our inception in 2018, we have also provided presentations and outreach to professionals and newly arrived families, reaching close to 9,000 individuals between 2018-2024. As always, our goal is ensuring that children, youth, and families have successful and equitable immigration plans and pathways.
Facilitating Culturally Safe First Interactions
Building & Bridging Together online training
Reflecting on Broader Themes:
The year also highlighted systemic challenges in Canada's immigration policies, including the government's reduction in immigration targets for 2025-2027. Along with policy shifts expected in the USA in 2025, these changes have raised concerns for the welfare of refugees and immigrants. Globally, there remain socio-political and environmental factors causing displacement and the largest number of people on the move in history. We know there is also a growing anti-immigrant sentiment and rhetoric that can be felt in very personal ways for our clients and many members of our communities across the country, south of the border, and around the world. We will need to ensure our country's commitment to humanitarian obligations and family reunification. Amid these challenges, there remains a collective hope and determination within our partnerships and coalitions. We continue to focus and centre issues of equity, justice, and building belonging across communities.
Looking Ahead: a note from Liz and Danielle
As we reflect on 2024, we are profoundly grateful for the collective efforts that have helped propel CWICE forward. We’ve had the privilege of witnessing many positive outcomes for children and families, using new regulations and policies in place and embarking on research regarding digital equity initiatives. The collaboration between compassionate service organizations and dedicated professionals has been a testament to the power of working in unity for those we serve and we will need this to help us in navigating the challenges ahead. As we close the chapter on 2024, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to CWICE's success this year. To our partners and supporters, let us continue to innovate together!
To our dedicated team members, your belief in our vision, excellence in service, and unwavering commitment has been the cornerstone of our successes this year. Together, we've addressed systemic challenges and championed the rights of those we serve. We look ahead to 2025, and look forward to standing together with those who need us most.
Lastly, as we look to 2025, we are inspired to continue this vital work, fostering collaboration and advocating for equitable solutions. We are excited about the possibilities that lay ahead and hope you all have time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect during this holiday season.
Wishing you a restful holiday and a new year filled with hope, inspiration, and progress.
Warm regards,
Liz & Danielle
