2008 Joint Conference motivated and inspired attendees
By Marie-Lauren Gregoire, OACAS Communications Coordinator

The OACAS/CMHO 2008 Joint Conference inspired and motivated attendees to work together for better outcomes for children and youth. The 665 attendees heard from over 100 speakers on research studies, practices and programs to improve the well-being of children and youth involved with children’s mental health and child welfare. There were 47 workshops on collaborating on: mental health and child welfare services; services to aboriginal communities; and developing leadership at agencies, featuring many presenters from member agencies and partners.

Our featured speakers Dr. Stanley Kutcher, Dr. Kenneth Hardy, Dr. Cornelia Wieman and Frances Lankin spoke about working together to improve the well-being and mental health of our children and youth. Motivating and inspirational speakers, Josh Shipp and Marc Kielburger, engaged our young people involved in initiatives and projects to improve child welfare and children’s mental health services for children and youth.

One of these groups of motivated and dedicated young people, the Youth Policy Advisory and Advocacy Group (YPAAG), gave detailed recommendations on how to better prepare and support youth in care for success in life on day three of the Conference. Representing approximately 145 youth at the conference, YPAAG shared their recommendations for financial and educational supports and raising the age of eligibility while emphasizing the need for emotional support.

OACAS welcomed special guests to the Annual Awards Dinner on Monday night, Minister of Children and Youth Services Deb Matthews and Director of the Child Welfare Secretariat Cathy Paul. Minister Matthews said encouraging words at the dinner that recognized youth in care pursuing post-secondary education, health professionals advocating for best practices for children and private corporations assisting agencies educate the public.

Twenty young people received the Clark Bursary Awards, funded by Ron and Nancy Clark for over 19 years, of $3,000 a year for two to three years of college studies and $4,500 a year for four years of university studies.

The recipients of the 2008 Award of Distinction, john st. and PHD Canada, were recognized for their contributions to our public education campaign to increase awareness about child abuse prevention.

Retired Deputy Coroner Dr. Jim Cairns was also recognized for his dedication and commitment to improving children’s lives by preventing their deaths with the 2008 Outstanding Leadership in Child Welfare Award.

Next article: The Keynote Speakers