Empowering Youth to Shape the Future of Child Welfare
Our youth-led initiatives empower young people with lived experience to drive meaningful reforms and influence the future of child welfare.
While CASO has been a key advocate for systemic change, we’re not the only ones leading the charge. Our youth have taken an active role in pushing for progress, voicing their concerns, and shaping the future of child welfare.
Through various youth-led initiatives and advocacy groups, young people with lived experience are demanding change, challenging the status quo, and offering valuable insights that guide our work. Their voices are not just important; they are essential in driving meaningful, sustainable reforms that reflect the realities faced by those directly impacted.
In this section, we highlight the incredible work being spearheaded by these youth leaders who continue to inspire and influence our collective vision for a better child welfare system.
Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa Teens
CAST is a dynamic group of youth in care aged 15 and above who meet weekly for drop-in or scheduled activities, providing a space for fellowship, community engagement and fun. Beyond these weekly meetups, a dedicated subcommittee within CAST empowers outspoken members to advocate for their rights and address the inequalities they face as Youth in Care or Extended Society Care. This subcommittee plays a vital role in voicing lived experiences and influencing positive change through various initiatives.
Highlights from May 2023 – May 2024:
- Weekly Engagements: CAST regularly welcomed 8-12 youth participants each week, fostering a supportive environment that encourages both social connections and personal growth.
- Community and Advocacy Activities: Youth participated in a wide range of activities, from lighthearted events like bowling, outdoor yoga, and karaoke to more impactful advocacy-related engagements such as roundtable discussions and talks with the Ombudsman.
- Experiential Learning Opportunities: CAST youth were actively involved in various initiatives that highlighted career paths and personal development, including attending the Big Brother’s Big Sister’s Career in Criminology presentation and painting a mural with an art therapist.
- Fun and Fellowship: CAST hosted numerous fun outings and social events like beach picnics, movie nights, escape rooms, and laser tag, allowing participants to bond and create lasting memories. Special events, including the CAST Holiday Party, Fright Fest at Saunders Farm, and Vision Board creation, offered creative outlets for self-expression and team building.
- Advocacy in Action: The CAST subcommittee members, known for their passion and commitment, actively contributed to advocacy efforts, sharing their perspectives at various forums and contributing to the CASO Foundation event SALUT!
The ongoing engagement and energy within CAST reflect a thriving community where youth in care feel seen, heard and supported. Through a blend of recreational activities and advocacy opportunities, CAST provides a vital platform for its members to build connections, explore new experiences, and voice their challenges, ultimately driving meaningful change within the child welfare system.
Rainbow Youth in Care: Fostering Inclusivity for 2SLGBTQ+ Youth
The Rainbow Youth in Care (RYIC) program supports 2SLGBTQ+ youth aged 14 and above, by creating safe spaces for engagement and advocacy. Over the past year, RYIC has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity and gender-affirming care, while offering its members opportunities to participate in meaningful community events and raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQ+ youth in the child welfare system.
Highlights from May 2023 – May 2024:
- International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (2023): In May 2023, RYIC members contributed to CASO’s observance of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia.
- PRIDE: In the summer of 2023, RYIC engaged in various activities, including attending the Capital Pride Pageant, volunteering at the Capital Pride Family Picnic and participating in the PRIDE Parade.
- Camp Lifting Leaves: In Fall 2023, members attended the Camp Lifting Leaves and engaged with various youth programming events like CAST and experiential learning initiatives.
- Winter Wellness Retreat: RYIC youth participated in the Winter Wellness Retreat during the winter of 2024, attended PRIDE Night at the Canadian Tire Center, and continued their involvement in Camp Lifting Leaves Leaf Links virtual drop-in programs.
- International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (2024): For the 2024 International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, RYIC Youth Leader Maliah Stiles created a powerful submission for CASO’s internal webpage. RYIC continues to consult with Queer Forum staff to provide input on programming and awareness events.
RYIC remains committed to advocating for the needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth in care, providing a platform for youth like Maliah Stiles to share their stories and inspire change. By participating in presentations, community events, and consultations, RYIC fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among its members, driving meaningful progress in inclusivity and youth engagement within CASO.
Umoja Youth Group
The Umoja Youth Group is a monthly gathering dedicated to preserving the culture and identities of Black, African, and Caribbean youth in care. Named after the Swahili word for unity, Umoja fosters a sense of belonging and community among youth who identify as Afro-Caribbean and/or Black. Through engaging activities and discussions, the group offers a safe and supportive environment where members can express themselves, connect with their peers, and collaboratively explore ways to enhance their experiences in care.
Highlights from May 2023 – May 2024:
- Monthly Sessions: Umoja Youth Group meets monthly, creating a consistent space for youth to engage in meaningful dialogue on topics relevant to their unique experiences. These sessions often involve cultural discussions, skill-building activities, and opportunities to share personal stories and insights.
- Cultural Preservation: The group emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation, organizing activities that celebrate Black heritage and traditions, such as cooking classes featuring Caribbean cuisine, art workshops inspired by African art, and storytelling sessions that highlight Black history.
YouthCAN: Empowering Youth through Communication, Advocacy, and Networking
YouthCAN is a comprehensive program designed for youth in care of Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario, providing a platform for communication, advocacy, and networking. Facilitated by the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS), YouthCAN aims to empower youth to express themselves, advocate for their needs, and build supportive networks. CASO operates as part of the Eastern Zone of YouthCAN, collaborating with other regional CAS agencies to facilitate events and activities that bring youth together, fostering a sense of community and collective advocacy.
Highlights from May 2023 – May 2024:
- Eastern Zone Meeting in Brockville: Four CASO youth attended this meeting, where participants explored themes of independence and readiness. Engaging activities, including team challenges and advocacy discussions, highlighted the multifaceted nature of independence, emphasizing the importance of support networks, personal agency, and readiness for adulthood.
- YouthCAN Eastern Zone Conference in Kingston: This two-day event brought together youth from across the region for adventure, bonding, and personal growth. Activities included a GPS Rally at Treetop Trekking, a haunted trolley tour of Kingston, and a ziplining experience, all designed to build teamwork and strengthepowern connections among youth.
- YouthCAN Holiday Party in Cornwall: The holiday party provided an opportunity for youth to come together in a festive setting, celebrating the year’s achievements and strengthening their bonds within the YouthCAN community.
- Children and Youth in Care Day Celebrations: This event featured a gathering of the Provincial YouthCAN Champions Network and the new YouthCAN Provincial Youth Advisory Committee, highlighting youth advocacy and celebrating the unique voices of young people in care.
Throughout the year, YouthCAN has remained dedicated to advocating for youth in care, fostering communication, and increasing youth input into policies and programs. By connecting young people across the region, YouthCAN not only empowers individual participants but also strengthens the collective voice of youth in care, advocating for a brighter and more inclusive future.
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Financials
Explore the detailed financial table of the last fiscal year, reflecting our commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship of resources.