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Throne Speech and Budget

The Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children (CCRC) has prepared an analysis of the Throne Speech and Budget that focuses on longer-term issues for children and youth.  The CCRC welcomes any suggestions as well as support as they continue to pursue these themes over the coming year.

Outlook is Bleak for Foster Kids 'aging out' of the System (Toronto Star June 11)

While roughly half of their peers between the ages of 18 and 24 are still living with their parents, youth "aging out" foster care don't have that option.  Canadian and International research shows that between 40% and 60% of these youth end up homeless. Read more.

Drugs, Alcohol and Graduation

The latest edition of Free Prevention Newsletter which focuses exclusively on youth and alcohol can be found here.  The Port Coquitlam Alcohol-Drug Education Service also has an excellent website. Recommended.

CDC Study: Gay, Bisexual Teens Do Riskier Things

Gay and bisexual high school students are more likely than their heterosexual classmates to smoke, drink alcohol or do other risky things, according to a government study released June 6.

Article: Perceptions of Youth - Adam Fletcher

The way adults see young people determines how adults treat young people; the way we treat young people determines the outcomes of our activities with them.  It can be hard when we're in the middle of our busy lives and work to stop and reflect on our perceptions of children and youth.  This excellent article is a tool that can help make that easier.  You may also want to check out the FreeChild website - arguably one of the best youth engagement sites in the world.

Anti-bullying Program to be Expanded in B.C. Schools (Vancouver Sun - Jun 13)

The Roots of Empathy program, which arranges to have babies brought into classrooms to encourage respect and kindness among young students, will be expanded this year into 360 kindergarten classes in B.C.

Synchronized Cats

Needs no introduction - view it here.