Released on July 10, 2017
July 10-14 has been officially proclaimed as Child and Youth in Care Week in Saskatchewan.
“Child and Youth in Care Week is a wonderful opportunity for everyone in Saskatchewan to let children and youth who have been in care know that their experiences and knowledge is valuable,” Social Services Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor said. “This week also recognizes our partner, the Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network, for all the amazing work they do throughout the year to provide a voice for children and youth either in or from care, along with connection and support.”
The Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network (SYICCN) is a non-profit, community-based organization that supports and serves youth who are 14-24 years old, and are in or from government care. Through workshops, speaking panels, youth-run projects and recreational activities, the organization educates and encourages children and youth in care to assume positive roles in their lives and communities.
“Child and Youth in Care Week is about removing the stigma of being from care, and instead highlighting and celebrating the capacity, resilience and achievements of young people from care,” Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network Executive Director Stephanie Bustamante said. “Recognizing the capabilities and strengths of young people from care is paramount to ensuring that our voices, experiences and rights are valued in our province and throughout our care.”
The idea for Child and Youth in Care Week came from a group of young people attending one of the organization’s workshops. The group created postcards, artwork, poetry and a collection of letters requesting government proclaim the week to formally acknowledge the voices, experiences and lives of youth in care. 2017 marks the fourth annual official proclamation of the week in Saskatchewan.
For more information about Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network, please visit their website at www.syiccn.ca.
For more information about the events taking place around the province this week, please visit the SYICCN Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cyicw.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca
Stephanie Bustamante
Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network
Regina
Phone: 306-522-1533
Email: info@syiccn.ca