Youth in Care Newsletter Ready to Launch

The latest edition of an innovative, provocative and uncensored newsletter is ready to hit the streets and tell Nova Scotians what it is like to be "youth in care" of the province.

In its seventh year, the Youth in Care Newsletter Project develops social, communication, writing, Web and job skills while supporting success in education.

The youth, age 14 to 23, come from various care situations; from living in a group home or foster care, to being on income assistance. Some former youth in care now living on their own are "mentors" to the program.

The youth write about their experiences in care, recommendations to improve the child welfare system and a variety of other topics, from Positive and Negative Memories to If I Could Create My Own School.

Some get school recognition for their work in the project.

The Department of Community Services, Halifax District Office--Child Welfare, is the agency sponsor of The Youth in Care Newsletter Project.

Community Services Minister Judy Streatch said she is encouraged by the positive influence of the project.

"I congratulate the youth for their courage and creativity," she said. "This newsletter is a productive and enlightening outlet for their experiences. Through their participation, they are role models for all of us."

This year's Youth in Care Newsletter Project has almost double the participants at weekly sessions, from 10 youth last year, to 19 for this edition.

Two thousand copies of The Voice will be distributed to social workers, other youth workers, child welfare administrators, educators, politicians, youth groups, community groups and media. It will also be available online after the launch at www.youthnewsletter.net .