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November 2008
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Welcome
The Voice is OACAS’ electronic newsletter on changes, challenges and achievements in child welfare. In the November edition, read about adoption awareness month, creating strong families and the rights of children.
To view this email as a web page, click here. |
In This Issue
- Many children awaiting adoption
- How do I adopt a child or youth in care?
- Now is the time to ensure children are the priority
- Strong Families Creating a Strong Ontario
- International Day of the Child
- Excellence in Child Welfare
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Many children awaiting adoption
 During Adoption Awareness Month in November, the OACAS and its member agencies remind Ontarians that many children and youth in care need adoptive families. At March 31, 2008, there were approximately 9,200 children in care who could be adopted in Ontario. Of them, 12 percent were children aged 0 to 5, 32 percent were children aged 6 to 12 and 56 percent were teenagers 13 years and over. People from diverse cultural backgrounds, single people or same-sex couples are encouraged to consider adoption. As well, people with the capacity to adopt children with special needs, sibling groups or older children are needed. Read more...
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How do I adopt a child or youth in care?
 All Ontarians can access a strong, free, public adoption system through their local Children’s Aid Society (CAS). Parents looking to adopt have access to this affordable service so children available for adoption can find a family. Ontario’s Children’s Aid Societies provide adoptive parents and children with ongoing support and advice; training, education and home assessments; and subsidies which may be available to help adoptive parents meet the needs of their adopted children. Your local Children’s Aid Society provides supports, training and advice as a free, public service. If you are interested in adopting a child or youth in care, please contact your local Children’s Aid Society. Read more...
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Now is the time to ensure children are the priority
 In this sluggish economy, OACAS encourages full and continued support for programs and services for children in need to ensure that children are not the victims of the economic slowdown. The best way to keep Ontario’s children and families safe and healthy is to provide the services and supports they need. Read about agency services and support for families here...
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Strong Families Creating a Strong Ontario
 OACAS supports the government direction to address poverty and provided a submission to the Ontario government as part of the public consultation regarding the important matter of poverty in Ontario. Poverty is one of the greatest barriers to opportunity, prosperity and the well-being of many children and families in Ontario. Poverty reduction must be done through comprehensive and integrated policy and supports across all ministries of government, and it must involve a broad range of stakeholders, including those most affected. By eliminating poverty, our communities can grow stronger, our children can flourish and all adults in this province can lead healthy, safe lives, in dignity. Success requires compassion and commitment. Read the OACAS recommendations here...
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International Day of the Child
Children have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, to be given the opportunity to have a voice and to be protected from harm. OACAS joins in recognizing children’s rights on International Day of the Child, November 20, when the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child were adopted in 1959 and 1989. In Canada, the
federal government ratified the Convention in 1991, making a commitment to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect. In Ontario, Children’s Aid Societies advocate for the rights of children for protection and well-being. Read more about the UN Convention...
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Excellence in Child Welfare
 Veteran child psychiatrist, Dr. Jim Wilkes, was recognized for his significant contribution to protecting children and youth from abuse and neglect with the sixth annual Stand Up for Kids Award, sponsored by the Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto, Children's Aid Society of Toronto, Jewish Family and Child Service, and Native Child and Family Services of Toronto. The Honourable Deb Matthews, Minister of Children and Youth Services, presented the award to Dr. Wilkes on October 29 at Queen's Park. Dr. Wilkes has helped thousands of Toronto children overcome the trauma of abuse and neglect, provided case advice to Children's Aid Society workers for more than three decades and has been a leading advocate for the safety and well-being of children through improvements to Child Welfare policy and legislation. Read more...
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