Prince George, BC – This week marks the second annual Child and Youth in Care Week in BC…

Three years ago, youth members of the Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks asked the ministry for such a proclamation.  Last year marked the first such declaration and, so far, it’s the first of its kind in the country.

The week is meant to acknowledge and celebrate kids in care and help combat negative stereotypes and social stigmas.

There are approximately 8200 children and youth in government care in BC.  The Ministry of Children and Family Development says that’s a 20-percent decline since 2001.

A former youth in care, Parveen Khtaria, says, "I am not invisible and neither are the 8000-plus other foster children and youth in this province.

"Through the awareness of foster care issues created by BC Child and Youth in Care Week, I hope that more kids in care will experience permanence and graduate high school."  Khtaria says, "Foster kids are our kids and this week gives us an opportunity to celebrate them and each of their personal achievements."

The Representative for Children and Youth says the week is a youth-driven initiative where "young people have used their voices to pave a better path for those who follow in their footsteps."

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond adds, "I never cease to be amazed by this incredible group of young people, their amazing resilience to overcome challenging situations and their positive contributions to the child- and youth-serving system."