|
Child and Youth Friendly Communities Network
The Canadian Child and Youth Friendly Communities Network
Our Guiding Principles
All children and youth have the right to grow up in caring communities where they are safe, healthy, secure, nurtured, respected and valued. These and many other rights are embodied in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, of which Canada is a signatory.
Many people and institutions share the responsibility for creating this caring community. Parents and families are front-line supporters of children and youth. Many organizations act as both supporters of and ‘backstops’ for parents.
The community, which includes governments, voluntary organizations, corporations and individuals, plays a role in the development of children and youth into healthy adults.
The community is also a physical place, which in turn influences how children and youth grow and develop.
Children and youth have a role to play as citizens in making their communities better for themselves and for everyone. They must be encouraged and empowered to participate, and their contributions must be recognized.
A community that respects the rights of children and youth, that supports parents and child and youth serving organizations, ensures a healthy and supportive physical environment, and empowers children and youth and recognizes their contributions, is a child and youth friendly community.
The Canadian Child and Youth Friendly Communities Network believes that communities will become more child and youth friendly when they:
- Empower children and youth to be their own advocates.
- Provide a full range of essential services for children and youth including adequate housing, safe neighbourhoods, quality parks and recreation services, and good schools.
- Support all children and youth regardless of ability, gender, cultural background, economic status, sexual orientation and interests.
- Recognize that all people and organizations including education, government, business, industry and community organizations contribute to the child and youth friendliness of the community.
For more information on the Network, please contact one of the following:
-
- Child and Youth Friendly Calgary, 403-266-5448 or by email penny@cyfc.ca
- Child and Youth Friendly Ottawa, 613-244-3803 or by email info@cayfo.ca
For more information, please visit the following links:
Primary Objectives
Steps to Networking
Why Child and Youth Friendly?
What We Hope to Achieve
Sustainability
SCY's Child and Youth Friendly Program
Additional background info
| 
