Up to 300 young families and youth in government care will benefit from a Family and Youth Partnership pilot project aimed at helping them find employment and build healthier futures, announced Minister of Social Development Stephanie Cadieux.

Over the next decade, there will be about 1.1 million job openings in this province. British Columbians need to be ready to take advantage of these opportunities so they can support their families and contribute to their communities.

The new Employment Program of BC will provide unemployed British Columbians with the supports and services they need to do just that - get back to work and be self-sufficient.

With the launch of Phase 2 of the Integrated Case Management (ICM) System on April 2, 2012, the Province is taking another important step in protecting and supporting B.C.'s most vulnerable citizens, said Minister of Social Development Stephanie Cadieux.

Since the Client Support Team began accepting requests in October 2011, 226 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have taken advantage of the team's services.

Since the Client Support Team began accepting requests in October 2011, 180 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have taken advantage of the team's services.

Since the Client Support Team began accepting requests on Oct. 20, 2011, 155 individuals and their families have taken advantage of the team's services. To date, 78 of the cases referred to the Client Support Team - more than 50 per cent - have been resolved and the other cases are in progress.

Minister of Social Development Stephanie Cadieux issued the following statement in recognition of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities: