On Thursday, May 15, the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa (CASO) hosted a Community Resource Marketplace in honour of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). The afternoon brought together queer youth in care, CASO staff, and community partners to celebrate identity and build a deeper sense of belonging for queer youth involved with child welfare.
Planned and led by CASO’s Queer Forum, this event was a meaningful step forward in advancing equity and inclusion within the agency and across the community. The Queer Forum is a dedicated group of CASO staff, both 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying individuals and allies, who work together to create and advance a workplan that uplifts queer youth and staff. The Forum’s mission is rooted in building safer, more inclusive environments across child welfare practices.
The Community Resource Marketplace served as an interactive event designed to help queer youth connect with supportive resources, caring adults, and their peers. Youth in care from CASO and surrounding child welfare agencies were invited to attend, offering a rare and valuable opportunity for connection in a space intentionally created for them.
Community partners including Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa, CHEO, Family Services Ottawa, Planned Parenthood, Ten Oaks Project, Youth Services Bureau, and YouthNet joined us to share their programming and build meaningful relationships with youth who may benefit from their services.
As one partner from Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa shared:
“I learned that there are so many different programs in the community no matter what your challenge may be. There is someone in Ottawa, many in this room right now, that can help you.”
A highlight of the afternoon was a powerful talk by Vania Patrick-Drakes, former SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression) Lead at the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies. Vania spoke about the ongoing overrepresentation of queer youth in care and the need for more accurate data collection to inform policies and practices that make a difference. She also spoke directly to youth, encouraging them to get involved in initiatives like the SOGIE Youth Counsel, a provincial group of queer youth aged 14–29 who are helping shape the future of child welfare.
As was the goal of the Forum from the outset, the event fostered connection, community, and joy.
As youth participant Kyrell shared:
“I was nervous to go because I didn’t know anyone. It was a lot at the beginning, but now I’m glad I did. I talked to a lot of people, and I’m glad the event happened.”
CASO continues to create a future where all youth know they belong.
