“Mitchel always made me feel like I was here to stay,” says Sophia. At the age of 11, she moved in with Mitchel. Before that, Sophia had been in several different foster homes and needed the long-term stability, consistency and unconditional care that are so essential in everyday life.

Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux issued the following statement in response to the release of the representative for children and youth’s report that investigates sexualized violence against children and youth in care:

September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention and Support month, an opportunity for communities throughout the province and the world to work together to raise awareness about the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy and to support those who live with FASD every day.

Kids will soon be swapping the great outdoors for the classroom as summer draws to a close and the new school year begins. With the summer break nearly over, many working parents and caregivers will be searching for child care.

Enhancements to a youth-driven website, more funding for post-secondary education and more funding for programs that help with life skills/employability – these are in the spotlight during B.C. Child and Youth in Care Week as government focuses on giving young people from care a leg up in their transition to adulthood and independence.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development’s latest report on the placement of children and youth in hotels shows that policy and practice directives are being followed. Due to enhanced reporting and monitoring, the report includes more detailed information than ever before on the reasons for each hotel placement.

To further support the positive mental health and well-being of British Columbia children, youth and families, the Province is investing $850,000 in the F.O.R.C.E Society for Kids’ Mental Health.

A group of independent advisors will work with government to develop a multi-year plan to strengthen B.C.’s child welfare system, starting with more staff, more training and greater transparency and accountability in ministry decision-making and other areas.

Energetic, devoted, creative and compassionate are just a few words used to describe the outstanding child-care providers being honoured with 2016 Child Care Awards of Excellence as part of Child Care Month and Child Care Appreciation Day on May 19.

Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux and Parliamentary Secretary for Child Mental Health and Anti-Bullying Jane Thornthwaite released the following statement to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Child and Youth Mental Health Day in British Columbia, which is May 7, 2016: