Media Advisory – Photo Opportunity and Ministerial Announcement - Youth Leaving Care Hearings Team to Deliver Report to Ontario Legislature

Young People in Care Call for Fundamental Changes to Child Welfare System

TORONTO, May 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Young people in and from care who held public hearings last November will deliver a report to the Ontario Legislature today that includes a strong call for fundamental change to the existing child welfare system. The report entitled, My REAL Life Book, stems from almost 200 submissions from young people and others across the province about how to improve outcomes for the Province's children. The report provides deeply personal insights into the care system, in the words and experiences of youth themselves.

Who:		Our Voice Our Turn, an initiative led by young people in and from care with the support of The Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
What:		Young people in and from care from across Ontario will present their report, My REAL Life Book, to The Hon. Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Children and Youth Services , Jane McKenna, MPP, PC Critic, Children and Youth Services and Monique Taylor, MPP, NDP Critic, Children and Youth Services
When:		Monday, May 14^th, 2012 at 12:00 p.m.
Where:		Queen's Park, Committee Room Two, West Entrance

For more information about Our Voice Our Turn and the Youth Leaving Care Hearings, please visit our website: www.provincialadvocate.on.ca/main/en/hearings/pages/home.html; or connect with us through social media: www.facebook.com/ourvoiceourturn;  www.twitter.com/ourvoiceourturn #myreallifebook  and www.youtube.com/provincialadvocate.

About The Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
The Office of the Provincial Advocate reports directly to the Legislature and provides an independent voice for children and youth, including children with special needs and First Nations children. The Provincial Advocate receives and responds to concerns from children, youth and families who are seeking or receiving services under the Child and Family Services Act and the Education Act (Provincial and Demonstration Schools). The Provincial Advocate identifies systemic problems involving children, conducts reviews and provides education and advice on the issue of advocacy and the rights of children. The Office is guided by the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and has a strong commitment to youth involvement.

Media contact: 
Fiona Taylor
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]