What does RCY stand for?
Representative for Children and Youth
You're not safe at home and in danger.
Who do you call?
911
If you or your family are receiving ANY service from MCFD, this person amplifies your voice
and ensures your rights are respected.
An Advocate with RCY
Representative for Children and Youth
1-800-476-3933
A wheelchair ramp is an example of...
Right for everyone to have equal access
to get places
Speaking up in a clear, concise, respectful manner to address your concern is an example of what?
Self advocacy
What does MCFD stand for and what do they do?
Ministry of Children and Family Development works to provide support and promote the well-being of
children, youth and families.
You're living at home but in constant conflict with your parents/caregivers. Who do you call?
Call the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). Ask them for support services to manage the conflict...maybe mediation...maybe counselling...maybe you can live with another family member or friend while you and your parents/caregivers get the support you need.
Centralized Screening 1-800-663-9122
Food, shelter, clothing are examples of...
Basic rights
This right upholds a child/youth's desire to relax and play and join in a wide range of activities
Right to play
What are 3 key points to remember when self advocating?
Identify the problem and possible solutions. What right is being violated?
What are you hoping to achieve? Share and gather information - ask questions and listen.
To whom? Everyone involved in your life - SW, caregiver/parent, sibling, extended family, community members - school counsellor, teacher, coach, advocate
When was the office of the
Representative for Children and Youth first created?
2006...13 years ago!
You're living at home with your parent(s)/caregivers and you are in constant conflict. You have called the Ministry of Children and Family Development (A Social Worker) for support services but nothing has been offered. Who do you call?
RCY - Representative for Children and Youth
1-800-476-3933
I live in care and want to be involved in planning
Right to...?
Right to participation in my own planning
Nothing about me without me!
The purpose of this UN Convention is to protect the rights and dignity of people with disabilities/diverse abilities.
UNCRPD
United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
I am scared to speak up on my own...I feel like adults make the decisions for me. Who can I ask to support me?
You can always invite any support person for help when self advocating.
Lots of young people struggle to use their voice. An RCY Advocate can support you to be heard and amplify your voice.
Who is this?
Jennifer Charlesworth - BC's Representative for Children and Youth
You are a child/youth in care and you have asked your social worker to visit your family in community many times and have not received an answer. Who do you call?
RCY - Representative for Children and Youth
1-800-476-3933
I want to attend traditional ceremonies
Example of your right to...?
Right to cultural connection
An international instrument on the rights of Indigenous peoples, including their right to cultural and ceremonial expression, identity, language, employment, health, and education.
UNDRIP
UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
What would you do if you were embarrassed to wear glasses and your teacher moved you to the back of the room?
Self advocate
You would approach your teacher and explain that you do not like wearing glasses and would prefer to sit at the front of the class. This is SELF ADVOCACY!
This office sees a province where children and youth are healthy and safe, and their interests and opinions
are heard and acted on.
Representative for Children and Youth
You're a child/youth in care and you found out that there was a planning meeting about you but no one invited you or told you about it. You were then told that you were moving homes as a result of the meeting. You are not happy about this. Who do you call?
RCY - Representative for Children and Youth
1-800-476-3933
You have the right to be involved in planning!
You have the right to a voice! To be heard!
I want to see my family...not just blood relatives
but heart relatives
Right to...
Right to family and community connections
A legally-binding international agreement that sets out the rights of every child, regardless of race, religion or abilities.
UNCRC
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
What is important factors when self advocating?
Your communication style
Knowledge - information is power - gather all the information you need in order to address the issue
Ask for support