A National Conference on Keeping Kids Safe and Connected – Registration is now open

Dec. 18, 2012

Keeping children safe and connected to their communities is up to all of us. Registration is now open for a first-of-its-kind conference in Vancouver April 24 and 25, 2013 that will actively examine how best to develop resiliency in children and youth while keeping them safe and connected.

Champions for Children and Youth 2013 B.C. Summit: A National Conference on Keeping Kids Safe and Connected is sponsored by B.C.’s Representative for Children and Youth in partnership with the Child Welfare League of Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.

“Research shows that the more children and youth feel safe and included in their communities, the better their outcomes as adults will be,” said B.C.’s Representative Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond. “We want to look at the emotional needs of young people and share the practical knowledge that helps us focus on strengthening awareness and skills at the grassroots level within communities across the country to prevent children from ending up in desperate situations.”

Speakers who will inspire and challenge our thinking and our responses include:

o Sheldon Kennedy, former National Hockey League player with a poignant story about overcoming abuse and the importance of speaking out against abuse.

o Dr. William C. Bell, president and chief executive officer of Casey Family Programs, a Seattle-based and internationally renowned U.S. foundation that works to provide and improve services to children and families.

o Shane Koyczan, internationally renowned Canadian spoken word poet, writer and performer.

o Travis Price, Nova Scotia founder of the anti-bullying Pink Shirt Day.

o Jody Paterson, former executive director of PEERS Victoria Resource Society, (an outreach centre serving past and current sex-trade workers), award-winning journalist who is currently working with Cuso International in Honduras.

o Dr. Alan Goldberg, internationally-known sports psychologist committed to changing the landscape of youth sports through the education of coaches and parents, helping them understand what young athletes most need from the adults involved to feel healthy and successful.

o Dr. Wendy Craig, world’s leading expert on cyber bullying, professor of psychology at Queen’s University and co-director of PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network), a national initiative that provides youth and adults with knowledge, strategies and tools to prevent violence and promote healthy relationships.

o Naomi Haines Griffith, an international expert on child welfare issues and family systems specialist – challenges and inspires audiences in business, education, youth justice, mental health, child abuse prevention, and family violence systems.

o Dr. Paul Kells, a business and not-for-profit social entrepreneur internationally recognized for his leadership in conceiving and implementing culture change strategies in health and safety within organizations and communities.

During two days, more than 300 conference participants will discuss issues ranging from bullying, to youth coaching practices, to the temptations of gang affiliations as they examine the systems of support that exist to address the real challenges our young people face.

Registration is now open at the conference website, with an early-bird discount available for those who register before Feb. 28, 2013. To register, visit www.rcy2013summit.com

Media contacts:

Jeff Rud
RCY Communications Director
Ph: 250-356-0835
Cell: 250-216-4725
Email: [email protected]

Lisa Evanoff
National Training Manager
Canadian Red Cross
Ph: 250-469-0403
Email: [email protected]

Nicola Katz
Communications and Membership Development
Child Welfare League of Canada
Ph: (613) 235-4412 ext. 28
Email: [email protected]

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