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.

Violence in the home has a devastating impact on too many women, children and families throughout B.C.

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.

Caring, committed, compassionate - these are just some of the words that describe B.C.'s amazing foster parents and the remarkable contribution they make each and every day to our children, youth and communities.

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.