National Youth in Care Network

The network was started by a small group of young people in care from across Canada in 1985. The group shared a feeling of powerlessness - they felt that they had lost control over their lives. There was a feeling that the adults in their lives did not listen to what they had to say - they were not always asked for their opinions when making important decisions regarding things like their case plans.

The group shared a vision of making the child welfare system more sensitive to, and understanding of, the children and youth who live in its care. Through a process of encouraging youth to speak out and be heard, it was hoped that young people in care would have an opportunity to form friendships with other youth from similar backgrounds. Their vision was, and remains, the creation of a national network of youth in and from care.

Years later the faces have changed but the desire remains the same.

The National Youth in Care Network mandate is to:

• Increase the awareness of the needs of youth in and from government care by researching the issues and presenting the results to youth, professionals, and the general public through publications and speaking engagements, etc. and
• Provide emotional support to youth in and from care and to guide the development of Youth in Care Networks.

Visit the Youth in Care website