The purpose of the SOGIE Initiative is to support the development and implementation of sector-wide initiatives that help to improve outcomes for 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth, and families in the Ontario child welfare system.
The project aims to support:
- Child welfare staff and leaders to better understand and support 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth, and families;
- 2SLGBTQ+ child welfare staff to ensure they feel included and accepted within their organizations; and,
- 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth involved in the child welfare system to ensure they feel heard, supported, and can build strong peer relationships.
Keishia Facey, Program Manager
In 2020, Keishia joined the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) as the program manager of One Vision One Voice (OVOV). As program manager, Keishia leads the development of implementable policies and strategies to address the anti-Black racism that is embedded within the child welfare sector.
Jacob Stokl, 2SLGBTQ+ Analyst
Jacob Stokl (he/him) has been working in child welfare since 2019 in a variety of roles. Currently, he is the 2SLGBTQ+ Service Analyst at the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies where he is leading a multi-faceted project to address the intersection of child welfare & the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Shantana Hunte, Program Coordinator
Shantana Hunte is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in education and social services, particularly in community development and youth support. She currently works with the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS), coordinating equity-focused programs such as One Vision, One Voice and SOGIE. Passionate about social equity, Shantana has a particular focus on supporting children and youth who are affected by marginalization, gender and sexuality challenges, and trauma healing.
2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Council
The SOGIE Initiative is looking for queer youth between the ages of 14-29 to join our 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Council! The council offers an excellent opportunity for passionate young queer folk to shape the work happening in the Ontario child welfare system to better support 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth, and families. The council will meet four times a year and youth will gain skills and experience, meet other queer youth, and receive a paid honourarium for their time. If you have further questions or would like to nominate a youth, please e-mail SOGIE@oacas.org.
Camp Lifting Leaves
Camp Lifting Leaves is a partner project of the Ten Oaks Project and the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS). We have seen a growing need for connection and community building amongst youth from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities who are in and out of care and are thrilled to offer a camp just for them! The activities and programming offered at Camp Lifting Leaves involves all the classics like kayaking, arts & crafts, rock climbing, campfires and more!
In-person camp is taking place October 18th – 21st, 2024. Registration is open, click here to view the camp flyer. Click here for registration forms and follow Ten Oaks on Instagram @tenoaksproject for updates!
Leaf Links
Leaf Links is a virtual drop-in space run in collaboration with the Ten Oaks Project! If you want to stay in touch with the friends you made at Camp Lifting Leaves or you don’t want to head out to the woods for four days but do want to connect with other queer youth, this is the space for you! Participate in fun games, make friends, and learn something new.
Do you work within child welfare and are interested in learning more about the work that is being done in the province to better support 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth, and families? Check out some of the resources below.
- Organizational Self-Assessment Report (Feb 2021)
- Community Partnerships Guide (2024)
- 2SLGBTQ+ OACAS Library Guide
- Community partner panel webinar recording – A panel discussion highlighting Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Expression (SOGIE)-affirming practices on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.
2SLGBTQIA+ Provincial Roundtable
2SLGBTQIA+ Provincial Roundtable is a cross-sector group of individuals that identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and work for an organization focused on engaging with 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth, and/or families in Ontario. The Roundtable purpose is to bring together key stakeholders with expertise and lived experiences through intersectional 2SLGBTQ+ communities across sectors to discuss the experiences and needs of 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth, and families who are involved with the child welfare system. The 2SLGBTQ+ Provincial Roundtable is to recommend best practices and solutions to support 2SLGBTGQ+ families’ well-being and success from a cross-sectoral lens.
If you are a community partner working specifically with 2SLGBTQ+ children, youth, and families, and would like to participate in this roundtable, please send an inquiry e-mail to sogie@oacas.org for more information.
