YouthCAN Provincial Youth Advisory Committee (YPYAC) APPLICATION FORM

Are you a youth aged 13-18 with lived experience in the Ontario child welfare system? If yes, then this application form is for you. The Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) is looking for young people to join our YouthCAN Provincial Youth Advisory Committee (YPYAC).

The YPYAC is a voluntary committee made up of 12 youth from across Ontario representing 6 zones (Central, Eastern, Southwest, Grand River, Northern, and Northeast).

The purpose of the YPYAC is to use their youth voices to make recommendations to the Ontario child welfare sector about:

· The development and delivery of provincial programs for youth in and transitioning from the Ontario child welfare system

· Advocacy to improve the experiences of children and youth in and from care

Eligible youth should:

· Be between 13-18 years old

· Have lived experience in the Ontario child welfare system

· Be interested in volunteering to use their voice to make a diﬀerence

· Have good communication skills or be interested in building those skills

· Be able to commit to the time required for the YPYAC

· Be willing to complete the necessary training (i.e., 3-day Youth4Change Orientation)

· Be able to work respectfully with other youth and adults in a group setting

Submit your interest by March 22nd, 2024.

All submissions will be reviewed by a committee including OACAS and member agency staﬀ and former YPYAC members.

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be considered based on the strength of their responses and their ability to commit to the expectations of the role.

Decisions will be made by March 31st, 2024, and selected youth will be notiﬁed by email and/or phone.

Honorariums are provided for those selected as YPYAC members and who regularly attend and engage in scheduled meetings.

Questions related to your application can be directed to David Lewis-Peart, Youth Services Analyst, at dlewispeart@oacas.org or by phone at 437-230-2051.