Volunteer Mentors Offer Kinnections For Youth In Care

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2008CFD0007-000405
March 25, 2008

Ministry of Children and Family Development

VANCOUVER – An innovative new pilot program pairing volunteer adult mentors with youth-in-care was launched today at a ceremony at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, involving Tom Christensen, Minister of Children and Family Development.“We recognize that more can be done to assist youth-in-care as they transition to independence as adults – Kinnections’ focus on this group is unique and will provide youth with a valuable connection to their community for years to come,” said Christensen. “I encourage anyone who would like to volunteer and make a real difference in a young person’s life to contact one of our community partners.”

Research shows that by establishing a community network of caring and nurturing relationships, the level of resiliency and attachment by young people to their community can be increased, and risk factors associated with youth leaving care can be mitigated.

Three Lower Mainland agencies, the Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) in Vancouver, PLEA Community Services Society of B.C. in Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows and Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) in Surrey, will deliver the year-long pilot.

“Young people in care have been asking for more guidance, support and mentorship from caring and supportive adults for many years,” says Jocelyn Helland, executive director of the Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks. “We hope this pilot program will complement existing initiatives like Youth Transition Conferencing to meet the needs of young people leaving care.”

The program is targeted towards youth 15 to 19 who are under the continuing care of the ministry. Youth who are referred to Kinnections will be assisted by the program to identify someone who has been involved in their life that may be in a position to act as their mentor. Where this is not possible, Kinnections can connect the youth with a supportive volunteer mentor.

“Relationships don’t operate on a timeline,” said Lenox Neher, a foster parent of 19 years. “I feel honoured when former foster youth continue to let me know about their challenges and successes. That’s my reward.”

Neher is a former foster parent of Raven Wright, who, at 28, is a child and youth care counsellor and prospective foster parent.

“Only care and concern that is unconditional can maintain the test of time,” said Wright. “It is not so important that others share our perspective but that they support us in achieving our goals.”

“Taking care of youth is an individual, community and government responsibility,” said Val Roddick, MLA for Delta South. “The B.C. government respects and values the excellent work done by both foster parents and social workers, who sometimes fill this role for youth, however, more help is needed to support youth in their transition to become healthy and independent adults.”

About 90 volunteer mentors are being recruited by the agencies, with each volunteer asked to make a lifelong commitment. The volunteer’s commitment to mentorship is to be available to meet for coffee, offer guidance and life skills information, exchange birthday cards, and perhaps share a holiday meal – all the things that a friend, parent or other person of influence in a young person’s life might do. In return, the program will provide volunteers with training and ongoing support.

There are about 2,900 youth-in-care aged 15 to 18 throughout the province and approximately 900 in the Lower Mainland. Youth remain in ministry care until their 19th birthday.

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Media contact:

Seumas Gordon
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-2939

Linda Gray
Urban Native Youth Association
604 254-7732

Tim Agg
PLEA Community Services Society of B.C.
604 708-2611

Pacific Community Resources Society
Debbie Verkerk or Nora Gibson
604 587-8106