Child and Youth Friendly Communities
(CYFC)

A child and youth friendly community welcomes and involves children and
youth and promotes their well being and safety. It fosters social
responsibility and the notion that 'it takes a village to raise a child'.

What CYFC looks like around the world

During the last half-century, world populations have become more and more concentrated in cities. There is particular concern about the effect of rapid industrialization and urbanization on the growth and development of children. A variety of international movements have developed toward improving the quality of life of citizens and making cities more livable and enjoyable for all. One of these, under the auspices of UNICEF, is the Child Friendly Cities initiative. Since the Habitat II Conference in Istanbul in 1996, this initiative has taken a firm foothold in many European countries and in others around the world. Another example is the Growing Up In Cities initiative.

What CYFC looks like around Canada

Canada is very much involved in the "child friendly movement." The emphasis may differ from province to province, but the common denominator is to make cities, communities and neighbourhoods better places for children and youth.

In Canada, there are a growing number of organizations taking action to make communities more child and youth friendly. Examples are: Child and Youth Friendly Calgary and Child and Youth Friendly Ottawa, as well as the work of the Society for Children and Youth of BC.

The aims of SCY's Child and Youth Friendly Communities initiative are:

• To promote the concept with the purpose of mobilizing communities to engage in activities and projects;
• To provide materials and tools to facilitate activities; and
• To involve children and youth actively in creating their community's future.