BC Gov News

Government’s goal is to ensure that youth who have been in care have appropriate supports in place to help them successfully transition into adulthood.

By The Tripartitie First Nations Children and Families Working Group

By Katrine Conroy

March 8 is International Women's Day, an opportunity to reflect on and talk about the issues women face around the world. One of those issues is domestic violence.

November is Adoption Awareness Month in British Columbia and we are looking for 1,000 families willing to step up and help improve the lives of some of B.C.'s most-vulnerable young people.

I'd like to address a common misconception regarding the way in which we support youth as they transition out of government care.

Throughout October, B.C. has been recognizing and celebrating foster families for the integral role they play in helping to raise some of the province's most vulnerable citizens.

When families struggle - whether due to conflicts, substance misuse, illness or because they require specialized care for a child with complex needs - it's comforting to know there are safe havens available for the children and teens who have nowhere else to turn.

No government wants to see any child living in poverty and, while there is justification for calling attention to it, some important facts should be noted.

The Aug. 30 editorial on the trauma that many of our B.C. youth in custody have experienced is certainly advocating the right approach. The results of the recent McCreary Time Out III report reinforce our emphasis on staff developing supportive relationships with these vulnerable kids so we can improve their chances of success as they reintegrate into their communities.