Parent Advocacy Network is currently running a #BuildSchoolsRight campaign. Many communities in BC desperately need new schools—to replace old schools that are seismically unsafe and contain health hazards like asbestos and lead, and to replace portables in communities that are rapidly outgrowing their existing schools. However, communities overjoyed to finally receive MORE
David Eby, Attorney General, has released a report called ‘Road to Revival,’ developed by practising lawyer Jamie Maclaren, QC, with recommendations to improve legal aid service delivery in B.C. McClaren begins the Executive Summary with: “Legal aid is not broken in BC. It has simply lost its way. Years of underfunding and MORE
McCreary Centre Society released the 2018 BC Adolescent Health Survey. The Survey is the most reliable, comprehensive survey of youth aged 12–19 in British Columbia. The survey was first conducted in 1992 and has been completed every five years since. In 2018, over 38,000 young people aged 12–19 in 58 of MORE
Spotlight: Child Welfare is a collaborative journalism project that aims to deepen and improve reporting on B.C.’s child welfare system. Their goals are to produce in-depth, nuanced, data-driven and solutions‑oriented reporting about B.C.’s child‑welfare system, and to develop a model for collaborative journalism projects that folks can use in other regions MORE
The Society for Children and Youth launched a free Child and Youth Legal Clinic at Ray-Cam Community Centre in Vancouver. The drop-in legal clinic is for children and youth ages 9-19 and held from 3-6pm on the first Tuesday of every month starting February 5th.
Last week BC’s provincial heath officer (PHO), released the report, Taking the Pulse of the Population: An Update on the Health of British Columbians. One of the four areas highlighted for more attention is early childhood development. The report recommends that government increase support for programs and policies that focus MORE
Are you between the ages of 13 to 25 with lived experience of homelessness or housing insecurity? The Representative for Children and Youth wants to hear from you about what needs to happen to end youth homelessness in B.C. Participate in a 5 to 10 minute survey about your experiences MORE
Do you know someone who is making a difference in the lives of kids that are in or transitioning from the child welfare system? This National Award recognizes extraordinary Canadians or initiatives that have made an indelible mark on the child welfare landscape. The Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada will MORE
This morning the provincial government filed its response to a court action taken by the Public Guardian and Trustee regarding a former social worker accused of financial improprieties related to youth in government care. First Call is pleased to see that government “admits vicarious liability for the actions of the MORE
The BC Government recently launched the erase portal (expect respect & a safe education). The portal provides parents and students with helpful tips and advice on how to address bullying. The site also includes a confidential online reporting tool for youth to report bullying. It is part of the erase MORE
Last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a policy statement, supported by research evidence, warning parents against spanking their children, defined as “non-injurious, open handed hitting with the intention of modifying child behavior.” They cite a study in the U.S. that found children who were spanked more than MORE
CBC News: Legislation sets path for human rights commission to return to B.C. CBC News: Homeless, vulnerable only find best health care when at death’s door, UVic study finds CTV News: Greyhound exit leaves gap for homeless, domestic violence shelters CBC News: Province responds to allegations against employee who allegedly siphoned funds from Indigenous MORE
CBC News: Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to develop memorial register of residential school deaths BC Local News: Residential school ‘monster’ now lives in child-welfare system: senator Delta Optimist: B.C. announces new transition housing for women fleeing violence Benzinga: Public education is a strong equalizing force in Canadian society, UNICEF MORE
The major rise in caesarean sections around the world is being called unprecedented and unjustified. The Lancet Series finds that the global rate of caesarean birth has doubled in the past 15 years to 21%, and is increasing annually by 4%. There is growing concern as women who do not MORE
Nanos, Plan International, and Because I am a Girl shared results from a September 2018 survey of 1000 Canadian girls. The survey found that three in four Canadian girls report experiencing gender-based discrimination and two in three have a female friend who has been sexually harassed. Almost one year since MORE