Families in 14 B.C. communities will soon have access to 1,488 new licensed child-care spaces thanks to an investment of $8.2 million through the Child Care Major Capital Funding Program.

A new website, AgedOut.com, will help current and former youth in government care navigate the many challenges that can arise as they transition to adulthood.

Thanks to a new investment of $250,000, more young people transitioning out of government care will be supported through the Strive program to gain the life and work skills they need to become independent.

This Child and Youth Mental Health Day, Health Minister Terry Lake and Parliamentary Secretary for Child Mental Health and Anti-Bullying Jane Thornthwaite announced $850,000 in funding to the F.O.R.C.E (Families Organized for Recognition and Care Equality) Society to support child and youth mental health in British Columbia.

The Province is investing $480,000 over the next three years, so that an estimated 20,000 more B.C. students will be able to learn how to take a stand against violence through the award-winning Be More Than a Bystander program.

With another investment of $2 million the Ministry of Children and Family Development is determined to find forever homes for more children and youth in care through adoption and guardianship.