On Children and Youth in Care Day 2021, Take5 and Talk About Mental Health

May 14 is Children and Youth in Care Day in Ontario. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the issues and challenges faced by children and youth in the Ontario child welfare system, as well as celebrating their strength, bravery, and resilience in the face of adversity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional challenges and concerns for young people, including feelings of isolation and loneliness. This is particularly true for children and youth in and from care.

That’s why this Children and Youth in Care Day, OACAS is pleased to launch Take5! With funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), OACAS worked alongside our Youth Advisory Committee of First Voice Advocates, 20+ community organizations, and experts to curate information resources, original multimedia content, live workshops, and events for caregivers, children, and youth of all ages.

An interactive online space, Take5 combats isolation and builds community to reduce mental health risk for children and youth in care during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

“Take5” (or more) with us today to support the mental health and well-being of children and youth in care. Visit www.take-5.org to learn more!

Are you a young person in and/or from care?

Check out Take5 and browse the resources and content broken down into six key themes. Let us know at youthcan@oacas.org if you have any questions.

Are you a caregiver or someone who works closely with young people in care?

Check out the caregiver resources and then find out what questions you can ask to further help support the mental health and well-being of the young people you live or work with.