Two remarkable women receive annual Stand Up For Kids Award from local Children's Aid Societies

TORONTO, Oct. 27, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Michael Coteau, Minister of Children and Youth Services, honoured two remarkable women for their impressive commitments and impact on the lives of local children, youth and families, by honouring each of them at the annual Stand Up for Kids Awards today at Queen's Park.

Sponsored by Toronto's four Children's Aid Societies—Jewish Family & Child, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, the Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto and the Children's Aid Society of Toronto—the awards mark the end of Child Abuse Prevention Month by recognizing individuals who have taken direct and positive action to protect children from abuse and neglect.

Child abuse and neglect are tragedies inflicted on innocent children and youth across all socio economic boundaries.  In fact, over the past year Toronto's four Children's Aid Societies investigated more than 11,800 inquiries related to child welfare. These children and youth need heroes who are willing to take notice and take action.

Awards were presented to two local heroes:

Jacqueline Jean-Pierre has 22 years of experience working at Skylark Children, Youth and Families (formerly Oolagen Youth Mental Health). An engaging and passionate professional, Ms. Jean-Pierre works with families and youth to identify their strengths and needs, and helps them build a supportive network, as they meet the goals they have set for themselves and their families. She masterfully works to gain the trust of clients, many of whom are among the most vulnerable individuals in our city. In her role, she is often the key community link between a Children's Aid Society and the client, helping to ensure that children are safe and families supported.

"Jacqueline Jean-Pierre is the embodiment of going above and beyond," said Janice Robinson, Executive Director, Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto. "She treats her clients as she would treat members of her own family," explained Robinson. "Driven by her passion to assist others, she helps young people regain their confidence and build a support network so that they can move ahead. Jacqueline's approach demonstrates 'walking alongside' clients in achieving change. This approach is exactly what our service recipients tell us makes them feel respected and in charge of their own achievements."

Lynn Factor has been driven by an unflagging commitment to social justice and to improving the lives of Canada's most disadvantaged children through her professional expertise and volunteerism over the past 35 years. She has been championing the rights of children and youth involved in child welfare – across the country and right here in our community. Her dedication to children is evident in every aspect of her personal and professional life. She is a rare blend of committed and long tenured social worker, tireless child welfare advocate, caring and compassionate volunteer, dedicated mother of three and a generous philanthropist.

"Ms. Factor's contribution to field of child welfare is indisputable," said David Rivard, Chief Executive Officer, Children's Aid Society of Toronto. "From her early career as a manager with the crisis support program and longstanding front-line work with Durham CAS, to her significant contributions to the study and promotion of social work at the University of Toronto, her involvement with the creation of BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre and as Chair of the Board of the Children's Aid Foundation, Ms. Factor is recognized as one of the most passionate voices for child wellbeing in the country," he added.

SOURCE Children's Aid Society of Toronto

Rob Thompson, Director, Communications, Children's Aid Society of Toronto, 419-924-4646, ext. 2086, [email protected]; Anne Rappé, Manager, Communications, Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto, 416-395-1506, [email protected]