Creating the conditions in which love can flourish
I have agreed to act as a “Special Advisor” to the Laidlaw Foundation of Ontario. The Foundation has an interest in supporting youth led initiatives for young people in and from care, the youth justice system and those underserved in our schools. I was honoured to be named the “Nathan Gilbert Fellow” by Foundation.
The Child Youth and Family Services Act which was overhauled just before the last Provincial Election in 2018 thanks to the efforts of young people in and from systems of care has called upon all services provided under the Act to provide that service in a child centred manner. The Act also provides the right of all children receiving service under the Act to meaningfully participate in any decision related to them. The onus of that participation is placed upon the service provider. The Act instructs that service must be provided in a culturally sensitive manner.
The Act is full of promise for children yet we know that the gap between nice words and lived experience of children is a chasm. Through Laidlaw I will work to regroup the broad coalition (service providers, unions, academics, advocates, youth, caregivers) to determine ways , regardless of what government does, of implementing the provisions of the Act across sectors – to legislate the conditions in which love can flourish.
Want to participate? Want to learn more? Email Theelman360@gmail.com
Some how I have to write. Look for a book to come. Not my strong suit as you can see by the copy on this web site. Have ideas for what should be included let me know.
Through Laidlaw I am glad to have the opportunity to support youth led organizations. Here I’m with Youth Gravity as they took part in a child death review conducted by Ontario’s Coroner in Peel
March 2020
