Children and Youth in Care Day is a moment to recognize, uplift, and stand alongside the children and youth who are part of, and have come from, the child welfare system. At the Catholic Children’s Aid Society (CCAS), it is also a day to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every young person in our care is seen, supported, and empowered to define their own future. This year’s theme, Rising in Strength and Story, reminds us that children and youth are not defined by systems, they are defined by their strengths, aspirations, and voices. Experiences in care may shape parts of their journey, but they do not determine the whole story.
The 2026 theme builds on the foundations laid in previous years:
- Forget Me Not called on us to recognize every child and youth in care as a unique individual — more than a file, a placement, or a statistic.
- Celebrating Little Wins highlighted the importance of everyday achievements, reminding us that resilience is built one step at a time.
- Rising in Strength and Story takes this journey forward — toward agency, self‑determination, and the power of youth voice.
Together, these themes reflect CCAS’s approach: intentional care that evolves as young people grow.
Rising in Strength: How CCAS Supports Youth
At CCAS, we witness the strength of children and youth in care every day. Navigating change, managing uncertainty, and advocating for themselves takes courage, and strength grows when young people are met with consistent, responsive support. That’s why we invest in long‑term, wraparound supports that help youth not only manage today but build toward tomorrow. Through our Youth Readiness Strategy, developed with youth and informed by lived experience, we provide:
- Support for youth and young adults up to age 23
- Assistance with housing, education, employment, health and wellness, and financial stability
- Access to youth mentors, emergency supports, and a youth pantry
- Programs like Foundations, Voluntary Youth Services, and Ready, Set, Go, designed to support transitions to adulthood at each young person’s pace
- Financial literacy starting in Grade 4, along with access to RESP savings and scholarships
- Targeted and ongoing support for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, Black youth, and other equity‑deserving communities
Strength isn’t something youth must build alone. It grows when systems are flexible, relationships are reliable, and young people know someone has their back.
Equally important is the right of children and youth to tell their own stories. At CCAS, we believe youth are the experts in their own lives. Rising in story means creating spaces where young people can speak openly about their experiences, shape services, and define success on their own terms. We are committed to listening, and acting, on what youth tell us. Our [getconnectedatccas.org]getconnectedatccas.org resource hub was created with this in mind: putting information, supports, and opportunities directly into the hands of young people, so they can make informed choices for themselves.
Our Commitment
Children and Youth in Care Day is a reminder that care does not end at safety — it extends to belonging, opportunity, and hope. At CCAS, we are proud to walk alongside children and youth as they rise in strength and story. Today, and throughout the year, we celebrate who they are, honour their voices, and recommit to doing the work — together.
