May 14th is Children and Youth in Care Day!

Children and Youth in Care Day, proclaimed into law with the Children and Youth in Care Day Act, 2014, is an opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contributions that current and former youth in care make to the province, as well as the strength and resilience shown by these children and youth in the face of adversity.

This year, OACAS is continuing the #ForgetMeNot campaign by asking all Ontarians the question: Are you there for kids in care? This is a way to remind community, government, and service providers that these young people continue to need critical supports. They cannot be forgotten.

This year’s campaign emphasizes stories of young people with experience in the system and the influential people in their lives who contributed to their well-being. We want to encourage Ontarians to get involved in supporting their success.

Join us on May 14!

We are proud to partner with the Children’s Aid Foundation on the 2023 #ForgetMeNot campaign.

#ForgetMeNot

Forget-me-nots symbolize love and respect and represent a promise of remembrance. These tiny blooms are known for their resilience and their ability to grow in difficult circumstances and across environments.

This video was brought to life through the contributions of those with lived experience in the Ontario child welfare system. In order of appearance, thank you to: Michael, Alisha, Van, Troy, Elaine, Cheyanne, Rose, Elder Whabagoon, Aidan, Samuel, Rose-Ann, and Brittany.

Original poem by David Lewis-Peart
Original music by Saleen Freire and Saer Kazandjian
Flower designs by My Van Loc
Video produced by Tynan Studio

Thank you to everyone who made it possible.

Be There for Kids in Care

Like the forget-me-not flower, children and youth in care are resilient and adaptable. But despite that strength, they still need consistent care, attention, and tangible support to thrive. These are just some of the ways you can show up for kids in care in your community.

MENTOR

Kids in care are often missing strong, supportive adult relationships. Consider mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters, StepStones for Youth, or through your local child welfare agency.

TUTOR

Kids in care graduate at much lower rates than their peers. Become a tutor for a child or youth in care and help raise their level of educational achievement.

VOLUNTEER

There are lots of other ways to donate your time and talents to benefit children and youth in care, including as a driver, board member, or helping with special events.

FOSTER

Kids across the province need foster caregivers to offer safe homes that support their identities, connections, and well-being. It could be you.

ADVOCATE

Tell your local MPP that you want kids in care to have the supports and services they need to achieve their potential.

Join us on May 14 to celebrate the achievements and highlight the needs of kids in care. They need our voices.

LEARN

Most Ontarians don't know what it means to be a kid in care. Educate yourself so you can better support their needs.

WORK

There are many opportunities to apply your skills and experiences, no matter what they are, in the child welfare sector.

Forget Them Not

Meet seven inspiring young people and the individuals who have influenced their success and well-being. This could be you.

"Despite our cultural differences, we connected. He saw a little bit of me in himself and always tried to show me that I could do better. Brian has been my fencing coach, my mentor, my family, and my rock. I never thought I could go far, but he believed in me and helped me go places. I’ve won medals and was even in the top 16 in Canada. Kids like me don't usually end up in places like this. I wouldn't have come this far, and become the adult I am, had it not been for him."

"My foster, now adoptive, mother has had such an impact on me. She’s been a constant force and inspiration in getting me to a place of mental security. She is responsible for my educational success. I’m so grateful for her."

"I basically spent my entire life in care, with one family in one household. I feel very, very grateful for that because they gave me the security and space that I needed to grow and to feel comfortable where I was. I know a lot of kids in care have trouble with moving constantly and going to different places and basically just starting a new family all over again. Now I’m a parent and proud of that. Being everything that my birth parents couldn’t be for me, for my kids, and breaking that cycle for them, of my entire family line being in care."

"When I first went into care, I became involved in the Live Action Roleplay community and played at a local game chapter. The Game Director, who was a social worker, supported me throughout my time in care. If I needed anything, she was right there, no hesitation. On my 18th birthday, I decided to leave my group home and, upon expressing this to her, she extended an invitation to her home. She did everything she could to make sure I felt comfortable in her home and helped me get back on my feet by helping me get a job. She came into my life at the perfect time, right when I needed her the most. I'm so thankful for her, she really was there for me."

"She changed my mind set and gave me a lot of helpful tools. I was 14 when I met her, and she just showed a lot of care and love for me. Jenn believed in me, saw that potential, and pushed me. Especially with my music. She helped me to explore my faith, and opened my eyes to the idea that there is something out there looking out for me. I left her with a better relationship with God and with myself. She changed my life."

"My brother Kevin is probably the biggest influence in my life. Everything that I’ve learned about being free as a person, being honest with myself, and being understanding of what I need comes from him. He’s a very fun guy who is outgoing and courageous and who pushes himself and others. But he’s also very understanding. He’s always looking out for what I could be doing better and pushing me forward. He definitely changed the direction I was heading."

Meet Van and Bryan

Van, a talented artist and graphic designer, met her fencing coach and mentor Brian at school. He helped her by believing in and supporting her inside and outside of the gym.

More of Van’s story here.

Meet Rose and Jenn

Rose, a gifted musician who channels her life experiences into her songs, credits her foster mom Jenn with inspiring her to pursue her talents and her faith.

More of Rose’s story here.

Meet Samuel and Severn

Samuel met Severn through a community activity and she showed up for him in multiple ways over many years, including letting him stay with her and helping him find a job.

More of Sam’s story here.

Meet Kaygan, Elaine, and Madil

Kaygan, a father of four dedicated to breaking his family’s cycle of child welfare involvement, credits his grandparents with his ability to do that.

More of Kaygan’s story here.

Meet Troy and Joycelyn

Troy is a research and technology professional who found permanency through adoption with his foster mother. Fostering can change lives. Troy’s story is proof of that.

More of Troy’s story here.

Meet Aidan and Kevin

Aidan is lifelong learner who gets support and encouragement in his studies and personal achievements from his brother Kevin.

More of Aidan’s story here.

Honouring Byanka Pétrin

OACAS was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Byanka Pétrin, a former youth in care from Ottawa. In 2022 and 2023, Byanka graciously shared her story with us as part of the #ForgetMeNot campaign. She was sweet, kind, thoughtful, and laughed easily. Byanka’s experience in the Ontario child welfare system inspired her to dedicate herself to helping others. She was a young social work professional in training and had dreams of being a foster parent one day. We are so grateful for what she brought to the campaign and for the opportunity to have worked with and alongside her. Byanka was also an active member of the OACAS Youth for Change Steering Committee and provided invaluable guidance and feedback on a number of initiatives and programs over the years.

We offer our deepest condolences to Byanka’s family, her foster family, the staff at the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa (CASO), and all those who loved her. To honour Byanka’s memory, CASO will hold a celebration of life and vigil. Those who wish to pay tribute to Byanka can make a donation to the Shepherds of Good Hope or to the Children’s Aid Foundation of Ottawa.

FAQs

What is Children and Youth in Care Day?

Children and Youth in Care Day takes place on May 14 every year. This day was created because of the stories, experiences, and recommendations youth in and from care shared through the My Real Life Book report. The Ontario government officially recognized the day through the Children and Youth in Care Day Act, 2014.

Who are kids in care?

Kids in care are children and youth who don’t live with their immediate families because of challenges or concerns at home. They may live with extended family, friends, or in a foster or group home.

Where can I get a copy of the Forget Me Not poem?

The Forget Me Not poem was written by former kid in care David Lewis-Peart. You can download it here (8 x 11) or here (11 x 17).

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