“The philosophy really is that if you’re going to move forward whether it be with a plan, or a policy or anything that’s gonna affect someone, that you include them in the planning, you include them in the conversation. You want to have their perspective. So we’re an agency that’s there to support the well-being of kids and families. It really is zeroing in on their voice and what it is that they need from their perspective.”
and youth in our communities.
“I would challenge the thinking around that to be really considering, is there an extra layer of support to any kids in our community that maybe we can provide. At times it’s seen as a really intrusive measure right, like I don’t want to get involved or I don’t want to overstep with that family but we may be able to get some early intervention that we can support some kids and families in the community that can create a trajectory that may not be there otherwise.”
Uddenberg says people can also volunteer with Children’s Aid, donate to organizations like The Children’s Foundation or become a foster parent.
All can make a difference to vulnerable children.
Uddenberg says for them, 90% to 96% of the cases HSCA serves now involve children who are still with their biological family or a blood relative.
“So the overwhelming amount of work that we do is really supporting those relationships and maintaining those relationships. It is unfortunate when you have to remove a child or a child has to go to a space even for a short period of time away from their biological family. But yeah, that really is our big focus is maintaining those family units.”
Uddenberg says National Child Day offers Highland Shores Children’s Aid an opportunity to speak up on behalf of the children and youth they work with.
