Well-being
Well-being
Every child deserves connection.
Belonging is essential for children and youth to thrive. Having meaningful ties to family, community, culture, and supportive adults underpins identity and well-being. For many children and youth in government care, these connections have been broken or eroded – and rebuilding them is critical.
If I lose my cultural identity,
I lose me.
– Indigenous Young Person
WHAT WE're DOing
The Representative for Children and Youth (RCY) advocates for preserving and strengthening relationships, culture, and identity for children in care. We work alongside youth, families, communities, and service providers to ensure every young person has supportive connections that foster a true sense of belonging.
Turning 19 is a frightening precipice for the more than
youth a year who experience that birthday while in government care.
Young people coming out of care are disproportionately at risk of homelessness, lower education levels, reduced earning potential and poorer mental health.
What We're Hearing
In our engagement with youth from diverse backgrounds – particularly Indigenous youth – we’ve heard that having cultural, familial and community ties is key to their well-being. Young people consistently tell us they want real, lasting relationships and support systems that respect who they are and where they come from.
Belonging is about being seen, accepted and loved for who you are.
– Youth Advocate
I want people to see me as more than a statistic.
– Youth in Care
By the Numbers
As of March 2022,
of children and youth in care in B.C. are Indigenous, yet Indigenous children represent only about 10% of the total child population in the province.
This overrepresentation underscores the urgency of ensuring that Indigenous children and youth maintain cultural and community connections.
Latest Reports
Skye's Legacy, 2021
An in-depth look at how belonging impacts the well-being of children and youth in care, featuring real stories and recommendations for systemic change.
A Parent's Duty, 2020
Belonging is not just about childhood—it extends to how youth are supported as they age out of care. This report scrutinizes the transitional supports (or lack thereof) for youth leaving government care, highlighting the isolation many feel once formal supports end.
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