Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux released the following statement in recognition of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Oct. 17:

The Ministry of Children and Family Development would like to remind young people and their families that if they are feeling alone, sad, or having thoughts of suicide, help is available.

More than 20,000 professionals throughout the province will receive training on addressing domestic violence as part of the B.C. government's action plan, released today, that outlines the steps to strengthen the response to domestic violence.

Today marks the start of a month-long celebration of more than 3,200 amazing families in B.C. These families are foster families, and they take on one of society's most important jobs by caring for children and youth whose families are in crisis or unable to care for them.

Aboriginal children in British Columbia are getting a stronger start, thanks to 187 new cultural enrichment projects funded by the B.C. government in 2012.

As students continue the return to lecture halls and laboratories throughout the month, the B.C. government has added $1.4 million to a bursary fund for B.C. youth formerly in government care.

It's the second-leading cause of death for youth aged 15-24 years in B.C. and Canada. By the end of high school, one in five teens will seriously consider it, and one in 10 will attempt it. More B.C. youth die from it than anything else except car crashes. "It" is suicide, and it can be prevented.