May 14th is Children and Youth in Care Day!

Inspired by the My Real Life Book report and proclaimed into law through the Children and Youth in Care Day Act, 2014, it is an opportunity to recognize the valuable contributions of current and former youth in care to communities across Ontario. It is also a time to acknowledge the strength and resilience shown by these young people in the face of adversity.

This year, children’s aid societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies (child welfare agencies), the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS), and Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada (CAFC) are continuing the #ForgetMeNot campaign by focusing on the #LittleWins of young people with lived experience interacting with Ontario’s child welfare system. Celebrating the little wins in the lives of children and youth in and from care is more than just a moment of joy – it’s a powerful reminder that every step forward, no matter how small, counts. The #LittleWins matter.

This year’s campaign continues to emphasize the stories of young people in and from care and the influential people in their lives who contributed to their well-being, as well as their #LittleWins. #LittleWins look different for everyone – completing a homework assignment or project, making a new friend, learning how to cook a new meal, getting a driver’s license, renting an apartment for the first time, going back to school to complete a program.

Join us on May 14 in showing children and youth in and from care they belong and are part of a community – one that will celebrate the #LittleWins!

We are proud to partner with the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada on the 2025 #ForgetMeNot campaign.

#ForgetMeNot

Forget-me-nots symbolize love and respect and represent a promise of remembrance. These tiny blooms are known for their resilience and their ability to grow in difficult circumstances and across environments.

This video was brought to life through the contributions of those with lived experience in the Ontario child welfare system. In order of appearance, thank you to: Michael, Alisha, Van, Troy, Elaine, Cheyanne, Rose, Elder Whabagoon, Aidan, Samuel, Rose-Ann, and Brittany.

Original poem by David Lewis-Peart
Original music by Saleen Freire and Saer Kazandjian
Flower designs by My Van Loc
Video produced by Tynan Studio

Thank you to everyone who made it possible.

Ways to Support Children and Youth in Care

Supportive adults and strong relationships can help ensure they know they belong and are part of a community. We all have a role to play in supporting children and youth in care and creating a community that celebrates the #LittleWins. We can show up for young people in and from care in a range of ways – here are just some of them!

MENTOR

Mentors can offer guidance, encouragement, and celebrate the #LittleWins. Consider mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters, StepStones for Youth, or through your local child welfare agency.

TUTOR

Tutors can provide personalized support, helping children and youth in and from care to build on their academic skills and overcome challenges. Become a tutor for a child or youth in care by contacting your local child welfare agency.

VOLUNTEER

There are lots of other ways to donate your time and talents to benefit children and youth in care, including as a driver, board member, or helping with special events.

FOSTER

When it is not possible for a child or youth to remain at home while receiving services, child welfare agencies coordinate family- and community-based out-of-home care.

ADVOCATE

Tell your local Member of Provincial Parliament that you want children and youth in and from care to have access to adequate support in their community, close to home.

Join child welfare agencies, OACAS, and CAFC in celebrating the #LittleWins of children and youth in and from care. Participate in the #ForgetMeNot campaign and lend your voice. Check out our social media resources.

LEARN

Most of us do not know what it is like to be in care. Educating ourselves helps to create a more supportive environment for children and youth in and from care. Start learning more so you can show up for children and youth in your community.

WORK

There are many opportunities to apply your skills and experiences in the child welfare sector. Learn more about opportunities here.

Forget Them Not

Meet six inspiring young people and the individuals who have influenced their success and well-being. This could be you.

"Despite our cultural differences, we connected. He saw a little bit of me in himself and always tried to show me that I could do better. Brian has been my fencing coach, my mentor, my family, and my rock. I never thought I could go far, but he believed in me and helped me go places. I’ve won medals and was even in the top 16 in Canada. Kids like me don't usually end up in places like this. I wouldn't have come this far, and become the adult I am, had it not been for him."

"My foster, now adoptive, mother has had such an impact on me. She’s been a constant force and inspiration in getting me to a place of mental security. She is responsible for my educational success. I’m so grateful for her."

"I basically spent my entire life in care, with one family in one household. I feel very, very grateful for that because they gave me the security and space that I needed to grow and to feel comfortable where I was. I know a lot of kids in care have trouble with moving constantly and going to different places and basically just starting a new family all over again. Now I’m a parent and proud of that. Being everything that my birth parents couldn’t be for me, for my kids, and breaking that cycle for them, of my entire family line being in care."

"When I first went into care, I became involved in the Live Action Roleplay community and played at a local game chapter. The Game Director, who was a social worker, supported me throughout my time in care. If I needed anything, she was right there, no hesitation. On my 18th birthday, I decided to leave my group home and, upon expressing this to her, she extended an invitation to her home. She did everything she could to make sure I felt comfortable in her home and helped me get back on my feet by helping me get a job. She came into my life at the perfect time, right when I needed her the most. I'm so thankful for her, she really was there for me."

"She changed my mind set and gave me a lot of helpful tools. I was 14 when I met her, and she just showed a lot of care and love for me. Jenn believed in me, saw that potential, and pushed me. Especially with my music. She helped me to explore my faith, and opened my eyes to the idea that there is something out there looking out for me. I left her with a better relationship with God and with myself. She changed my life."

"My brother Kevin is probably the biggest influence in my life. Everything that I’ve learned about being free as a person, being honest with myself, and being understanding of what I need comes from him. He’s a very fun guy who is outgoing and courageous and who pushes himself and others. But he’s also very understanding. He’s always looking out for what I could be doing better and pushing me forward. He definitely changed the direction I was heading."

Meet Van and Bryan

Van, a talented artist and graphic designer, met her fencing coach and mentor Brian at school. He helped her by believing in and supporting her inside and outside of the gym.

More of Van’s story here.

Meet Rose and Jenn

Rose, a gifted musician who channels her life experiences into her songs, credits her foster mom Jenn with inspiring her to pursue her talents and her faith.

More of Rose’s story here.

Meet Samuel and Severn

Samuel met Severn through a community activity and she showed up for him in multiple ways over many years, including letting him stay with her and helping him find a job.

More of Sam’s story here.

Meet Kaygan, Elaine, and Madil

Kaygan, a father of four dedicated to breaking his family’s cycle of child welfare involvement, credits his grandparents with his ability to do that.

More of Kaygan’s story here.

Meet Troy and Joycelyn

Troy is a research and technology professional who found permanency through adoption with his foster mother. Fostering can change lives. Troy’s story is proof of that.

More of Troy’s story here.

Meet Aidan and Kevin

Aidan is lifelong learner who gets support and encouragement in his studies and personal achievements from his brother Kevin.

More of Aidan’s story here.

Honouring Byanka Pétrin

In 2022 and 2023, Byanka Pétrin, a former youth in care and social work student from Ottawa, graciously shared her story with OACAS as part of the #ForgetMeNot campaign. She was a sweet, kind, and thoughtful person who laughed easily. Tragically, Byanka passed away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of first-voice advocacy and years of contributions to the Ontario child welfare sector. Byanka was an active member of the OACAS Youth for Change Steering Committee, where she provided invaluable guidance on provincial initiatives and programs. We are grateful for Byanka’s commitment to illuminating the strength and resilience of youth in care, and towards improved outcomes for them across the province.

FAQs

What is Children and Youth in Care Day?

Children and Youth in Care Day takes place on May 14 every year. This day was created because of the stories, experiences, and recommendations youth in and from care shared through the My Real Life Book report. The Ontario government officially recognized the day through the Children and Youth in Care Day Act, 2014. The purpose of the day is to recognize the valuable contributions of current and former youth in care to communities across Ontario. It is also a time to acknowledge the strength and resilience shown by these young people in the face of adversity.  

Who are kids in care?

Kids in care are children and youth who don’t live with their immediate families because of challenges or concerns at home. They may live with extended family, friends, or in a foster or group home.

Why does celebrating #LittleWins matter?

Children and youth in and from care face unique challenges. Unlike their peers, children and youth in and from care face higher rates of leaving high school or post-secondary early, under- or unemployment, mental health challenges and substance misuse, and precarious housing. Supportive adults that recognize their achievements can inspire them to keep on learning and growing.

Recognizing little wins is more than just a moment of joy – it’s a powerful reminder that every step forward, no matter how small, counts.

Where can I get a copy of the Forget Me Not poem?

The Forget Me Not poem was written by former kid in care David Lewis-Peart. You can download it here (8 x 11) or here (11 x 17).

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