I Am Your Children’s Aid" brings to life stories of the young men and women who have been in care as well as foster and adoptive parents, caseworkers and social workers who have dedicated their lives to supporting the children in their communities.

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Youth under 25 are not being heard. We need you to step up and make a difference!

Answer questions and have input into Canada’s plan for mental health services.

1 in 5 Canadian youth suffer from a mental illness. The problem is big and Canada doesn’t have a plan for how to deliver mental health services to children and youth. Every other G8 country does have a plan (i.e.: USA, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, and UK). Not only is this an embarrassment to Canada, it is just plain wrong to ignore our rights

Many groups are offering advice on changes to policies and programs to help youth in care to reach their potential. The following submission is offered by a very wise 22 year-old in her third year of university, and quite clearly on track to a very successful career. In her words:

The Children’s Aid Society became my parents when I was twelve years old. I was raised by a wonderful, caring foster mother who taught me all I needed to know to be a good person. I was guided by social workers who knew how to help me achieve my life goals. I was mentored by a Big Sister who took me under her wing when I needed someone to talk to. I attribute much of my success these past ten years to the dedication of these individuals, and their determination to see me survive even against the odds.

21 totally made me become fully independent,
I no longer have someone as an attendant.
I’m in complete control of my life and what I do,
It’s time to continue my life of staying true.
To my word that I’m going to accomplish my dreams,
It’s not going to be easy but I’m ready for all lifes schemes.
I have had a lot of different challenges that I had to face,
And I know more are yet to come that I’m gunna embrace.
Challenges at first are a mixture of emotions that come to play,
Cause it tests you to see exactly what you’re gunna do or say.
Challenges are what make you stronger and better as a person,
But it’s all up to you to deal with them or let them worsen.
Turning 21 made me realize that it’s me and me alone,
To be the one that decides to pave a path of my own.
Which is exactly what I’m going to do cause I can,
It has helped to know what I want and have a plan.
Yes, some plans have not worked out,
Does that I mean I’m just gunna sit and pout?
No! I need to keep going and trying new experiences,
Cause it’s all about learning and growing my conscience.
I have decided to live a life of being real and staying true,
At times it isn’t easy but that’s what helps me come through.
When I got cut off of ECM and CAS I knew what I had to do,
It hasn’t been easy but I’m determined to being true.
I am apart of OACAS groups for youth in care,
I’m thankful to voice my experiences cause that’s rare.
I feel honoured to be apart of change that will have an impact,
On those younger in care because it will help them, it’s a fact.
I must be honest, I was hoping for the age to change before I got cut,
It didn’t happen so I decided to accept it by listening to my gut.
So far it’s been helping me get where I need to be,
Cause like I said, it’s me and me alone with the key.


Written By: Christina

YouthCAN staff, other OACAS staff and friends and family are joining together and taking part in this year’s CIBC Run for the Cure! On October 4th, we will walk and run in support of breast cancer research! This is a very serious issue and a cause we are proud to support. YouthCAN promotes SUCCESS in all aspects of life including things like community involvement, civil engagement, volunteering and charity! Events like these are great examples of how to get involved!

Please help us by joining the team and fundraising, donating online by clicking the link below!

We all CAN Make a Difference!

Keep reading for instructions on how to donate....