Youth encouraged to have a say in CPFSA

Interested youth are being encouraged to apply to be part of the Children's Advisory Panel (CAP) of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).

The body, which comprises members age 13 to 17, is refreshed every two years to allow older members to make way for new persons.

"Right now, so many of our members have passed the age limit and the CAP is going to shrink significantly. We're going to need people to fill the gaps," outgoing Chairwoman Jessica Russell told JIS News.

The CAP has a core function of providing feedback to the CPFSA and ensuring that children have an input in matters that will affect them.

"If there are any new laws that need to be instated, or if there are any events that are going to have children, they (CPFSA) will ask us for our opinion," Russell said.

The panel's other activities include, from time to time, the formation of its own projects and plans. The CAP was formed 10 years ago and mostly represents wards of the State.

"We have the students' council in place for the education sector, and they cover a lot of students. So we decided to pay special attention to those in state care," Russell said.

Persons interested in joining the CAP can visit the CPFSA's website for the relevant contact information. A parent's permission is required, and an interview process is involved for all potential members.

Youth in state care are especially encouraged to apply, and are asked to speak to the director at their residential care facility.

"It's such a rich opportunity. I've gotten the chance to meet so many different people. It's also great because it shows that you're involved in your community," said Russell.