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.

Sometimes the hardest roads lead to renewed purpose — a statement that sums up the attitude of Shaikh Hussain, a witty and self-aware former youth in care who came to Surrey from Mumbai, India when he was nine years old.

“My past does not define me. It never has, and it never will.”

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.

Families in 30 B.C. communities will soon benefit from 1,818 new licensed child-care spaces, thanks to a nearly $11.3-million investment from the Province through the Child Care Major Capital Funding Program, announced Minister of Children and Family Development Stephanie Cadieux from the BC Institute of Technology (BCIT) Student Association Child Care Centre.

Need help finding child care? British Columbia families can now access a new, improved online map that takes the guesswork out of searching for child care.

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.

Young people who are in the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development and have complex emotional, mental health, developmental and/or behavioural challenges can now get help through two new community resources in Vernon and Prince George.

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.