Ensuring youth voices are embedded into the work that we do to support better outcomes for children, youth, and families across Ontario is critical. Hearing and learning from those with lived experience in child welfare helps us to understand the ways the system needs to change and evolve. That’s why OACAS is relaunching the YouthCAN Provincial Youth Advisory Committee. We are looking for 12 youth from across Ontario, with 2 youth representing each of the 6 zones (Central, Eastern, Southwest, Grand River, Northern, and Northeast) to use their youth voices to make recommendations to the Ontario child welfare sector about:
- The development and delivery of provincial programs for youth in and transitioning from the Ontario child welfare system.
- Advocacy to improve the experiences of children and youth in and from care.
Eligible youth should:
- Be between 13-18 years old.
- Have lived experience in the Ontario child welfare system.
- Be interested in volunteering to use their voice to make a difference.
- Have good communication skills or are interested in building those skills.
- Be able to commit to the time required for the YPYAC.
- Be willing to complete the necessary training (i.e. 3-day, virtual Youth4Change Orientation)
- Be able to work respectfully with other youth and adults in a group setting.
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be considered based on the strength of their responses and their ability to commit to the expectations of the role. OACAS seeks members who represent the wide diversity of youth in care and across the zones.
The deadline to submit applications is March 15. All submissions will be reviewed by a committee including OACAS and member agency staff and former YPYAC members. Decisions will be made by March 31, and selected youth will be notified by email and/or phone.
Questions related to the application can be directed to, David Lewis-Peart, Youth Services Analyst, at dlewispeart@oacas.org or by phone 437-230-2051.
