OSSTF/FEESO Recognizes Annual Children and Youth in Care Day

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 14, 2014) - The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF/FEESO) recognizes May 14 as the first annual Children and Youth in Care Day.

Members of the Ontario Legislature recently voted unanimously to declare this as the first annual Children and Youth in Care Day. One of the key recommendations in the 2012 resource My REAL Life Book was to declare an annual awareness day to raise awareness, reduce stigma and recognize children and youth in the care of the province. It provides an annual opportunity for the province to recommit to the well-being of children and youth in and from care.

According to the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth:

The declaration of Children and Youth in Care Day marks another major milestone for this population. It is a tribute to the tireless efforts of the dedicated young people involved-past and present-whose strength and courage to talk openly about their experience in care continues to have an impact on those who have the power to make change. May 14 is their legacy and they should feel tremendous pride in their role in making it happen. We hope their voice continues to inspire all those who touch the lives of children and youth in care to create a system worthy of Ontario's children.

Today, with members working in elementary and secondary schools as well as universities, OSSTF/FEESO President Paul Elliott reflects on the importance of the work that is done by teachers and educational workers to support this student population.

"OSSTF/FEESO members care deeply about the success and well-being of every student. Recognition of the children and youth who face the additional challenges when placed in care is important." The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation acknowledges the importance of this day and the special meaning it has to the many staff providing valuable support to this student population.

OSSTF/FEESO, founded in 1919, has 60,000 members across Ontario. They include public high school teachers, occasional teachers, educational assistants, continuing education teachers and instructors, early childhood educators, psychologists, secretaries, speech-language pathologists, social workers, plant support personnel, university support staff, and many others in education.