August 10-14 Proclaimed Child And Youth In Care Week In Saskatchewan

Released on August 10, 2020

For the seventh year, Saskatchewan has officially proclaimed August 10-14 as Child and Youth in Care Week.  This year the Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network is hosting a socially distant vehicle parade and presentation in Regina on August 14.

“Thank you to all care providers across the province for their unique skill set and unwavering commitment to our province’s youngest residents,” Social Services Minister Paul Merriman said.  “Their dedication lets children and youth know that their experiences, voices and knowledge are valued, and that they are not alone.  Our government appreciates the support and services provided by our community partners who work with our province’s most vulnerable citizens.”

The Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network empowers young people to use their experiences in care to set and achieve their goals and promote positive change in the system.  With the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, these youths showed their strength and resiliency by successfully advocating for the suspension of transitions from care to ensure their safety and well-being during the pandemic.

The Government of Saskatchewan provided the Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network with annualized funding of $182,952 for 2020-21.

“Seven years ago youth members of the Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network asked the Minister of Social Services to proclaim one week a year as Child and Youth in Care Week,” Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network Provincial Outreach Coordinator Richard Rothenburger said.  “We acknowledge and appreciate the commitment of the Ministry of Social Services for continuing to proclaim Child and Youth in Care Week to highlight the unique experiences, and accomplishments youth in and from care encounter during and after care.”

The Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network is a non-profit community-based organization that supports and improves the lives of young people between the ages of 14 and 24 who are currently, or have previously been, in government care (foster care or custody).

For more information about Child and Youth in Care Week, visit www.syiccn.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Richard Rothenburger
Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network
Regina
Phone: 306-533-4922
Email: richard@syiccn.ca

Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca