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RCYBC

@rcybc.bsky.social

Official Bluesky account of the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth in British Columbia.

139 Followers  |  205 Following  |  102 Posts  |  Joined: 16.01.2025
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Posts by RCYBC (@rcybc.bsky.social)

Creating safe spaces for children and youth is a responsibility we all share.

Today, RCY staff are wearing pink to stand up for kids - and to remind ourselves and others to lean in, speak up, and act.

#PinkShirtDay

25.02.2026 18:29 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A pink T-shirt hangs from a wooden hanger on a moss-covered tree branch in a sunlit forest. Large white text at the top reads β€œSpeaking up for kids.” The logo for Representative for Children and Youth appears in the bottom right corner. Soft pink circular overlays are scattered across the image.

A pink T-shirt hangs from a wooden hanger on a moss-covered tree branch in a sunlit forest. Large white text at the top reads β€œSpeaking up for kids.” The logo for Representative for Children and Youth appears in the bottom right corner. Soft pink circular overlays are scattered across the image.

Pink Shirt Day is more than a reminder to be kind.

In the wake of recent events in British Columbia, it is an urgent time to ensure young people feel safe, that they belong, and that bullying - both in person and online - is not tolerated.

#pinkshirtday

25.02.2026 18:29 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
A woman in a dark sweater stands beside a young girl sitting on a kitchen counter. The girl, wearing a grey shirt with a cat face design, looks up at the woman as they talk. Soft green graphic circles overlay the image, with the RCY logo in the top right corner. Bold yellow text at the bottom reads, β€œTalking to kids about tragedy”

A woman in a dark sweater stands beside a young girl sitting on a kitchen counter. The girl, wearing a grey shirt with a cat face design, looks up at the woman as they talk. Soft green graphic circles overlay the image, with the RCY logo in the top right corner. Bold yellow text at the bottom reads, β€œTalking to kids about tragedy”

Talking to young people when tragedy strikes can be very challenging. This is a helpful resource from Learning Through Loss: 65f21ffe-17a9-4fde-8d92-0e0f2663c54a.usrfiles.com/ugd/65f21f_7...

17.02.2026 17:26 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Graphic with a black background featuring large teal quotation marks at the top. Bold white text reads, β€œWe are holding the community of Tumbler Ridge close to our hearts.” The RCY logo appears in white in the bottom right corner.

Graphic with a black background featuring large teal quotation marks at the top. Bold white text reads, β€œWe are holding the community of Tumbler Ridge close to our hearts.” The RCY logo appears in white in the bottom right corner.

Wrapping the people of Tumbler Ridge with love and support. When young people are harmed, experience trauma and profound loss, we can never look away.

If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact @kidshelpphone.bsky.social at 1-800-668-6868 or BC Crisis Line at 310-6789.

11.02.2026 17:49 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Representative for Children and Youth applauds government’s significant investment in child and family well-being announced todayΒ  - Representative for Children & Youth Victoria – In response to the Minister of Children and Family Development’s announcement of an investment of $475 million to support young people with disabilities and their families, the Representati...

Read more in our latest news release: rcybc.ca/governments-...

10.02.2026 20:17 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A smiling young person sits at a table and claps their hands, with an open notebook in front of them. Other young people are softly blurred in the background, suggesting a classroom or group learning space. Large white text reads, β€œOne step closer to ensuring all young people in BC thrive.” The RCY logo appears in the bottom corner.

A smiling young person sits at a table and claps their hands, with an open notebook in front of them. Other young people are softly blurred in the background, suggesting a classroom or group learning space. Large white text reads, β€œOne step closer to ensuring all young people in BC thrive.” The RCY logo appears in the bottom corner.

In response to the MCFD’s announcement of an investment of $475 million to support young people with disabilities and their families, the Representative for Children and Youth says she is looking forward to seeing tangible, on the ground improvements for young people and their families.

10.02.2026 20:15 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Black-and-white photo of a young person sitting on the ground with their knees bent and arms resting casually across them, leaning against a wall covered in layered graffiti and street art. They wear a baseball cap, a jacket with light-coloured sleeves, dark pants, and sneakers, and look directly toward the camera with a calm, confident expression. Overlaid text in large pink and white lettering reads: β€œAlmost 100,000 children and youth in BC experience a mental disorder at any given time.” Smaller text below cites β€œChildren’s Health Policy Centre, Simon Fraser University.” A pink RCY logo appears in the top right corner. Semi-transparent green dots overlay parts of the image as a graphic design element.

Black-and-white photo of a young person sitting on the ground with their knees bent and arms resting casually across them, leaning against a wall covered in layered graffiti and street art. They wear a baseball cap, a jacket with light-coloured sleeves, dark pants, and sneakers, and look directly toward the camera with a calm, confident expression. Overlaid text in large pink and white lettering reads: β€œAlmost 100,000 children and youth in BC experience a mental disorder at any given time.” Smaller text below cites β€œChildren’s Health Policy Centre, Simon Fraser University.” A pink RCY logo appears in the top right corner. Semi-transparent green dots overlay parts of the image as a graphic design element.

Young people in BC urgently need more mental health services & supports. Wait times are too long, community supports need to be expanded in all parts of the province and legal safeguards for young people need to be strengthened. Read our latest report: rcybc.ca/reports-and-...

16.01.2026 19:42 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Two young women sit close together, smiling and laughing with their heads leaning toward each other, conveying warmth, support, and connection. One wears a light denim shirt over a white top; the other wears a dark top. The background fades from black to grey with a pink dotted gradient pattern in the upper right. Large text reads: β€œA New Year means new chances to get the support you need.” The RCY logo appears in the bottom right corner with the text β€œRepresentative for Children & Youth.”

Two young women sit close together, smiling and laughing with their heads leaning toward each other, conveying warmth, support, and connection. One wears a light denim shirt over a white top; the other wears a dark top. The background fades from black to grey with a pink dotted gradient pattern in the upper right. Large text reads: β€œA New Year means new chances to get the support you need.” The RCY logo appears in the bottom right corner with the text β€œRepresentative for Children & Youth.”

If something’s not right and you need help, you don’t have to deal with it alone. The Representative for Children and Youth and our advocates are here to listen and provide support.

Call us at 1 800 476 3933 or email us at rcy@rcybc.ca.

12.01.2026 18:51 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Text over a black background reads "We need to do all we can to ensure young people are well set up to manage mental health challenges and we are failing significantly at doing so. - Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, the Representative for children and Youth"

Text over a black background reads "We need to do all we can to ensure young people are well set up to manage mental health challenges and we are failing significantly at doing so. - Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, the Representative for children and Youth"

A new report by the Representative for Children and Youth calls for stronger legislation and community supports to meet the needs of 100,000 young people in BC living with mental health disorders. Read our report "Putting Children at the Centre": rcybc.ca/reports-and-...

12.12.2025 18:31 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
Graphic for World Human Rights Day with the date December 10th. The background shows a young person wearing a face mask at a demonstration, with their fist raised. Green dotted overlay and the RCY logo appear on the design.

Graphic for World Human Rights Day with the date December 10th. The background shows a young person wearing a face mask at a demonstration, with their fist raised. Green dotted overlay and the RCY logo appear on the design.

Honouring the rights that we all have as human beings and specifically the rights of young people. We encourage everyone to learn more about these rights and how we can all uphold them always.

Learn more about child, youth, and young adult rights on our website: rcybc.ca/get-help-now...

10.12.2025 20:08 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A young person with short curly hair sits indoors, looking down at their phone. Text at the top reads β€œNOT FEELING HEARD? we can help.” Along the bottom, the RCY logo appears with the following text: β€œThe Representative for Children and Youth (RCY) is independent of government & helps young people in B.C. who are receiving government services. We listen, support, and help you speak up for your rights.”

A young person with short curly hair sits indoors, looking down at their phone. Text at the top reads β€œNOT FEELING HEARD? we can help.” Along the bottom, the RCY logo appears with the following text: β€œThe Representative for Children and Youth (RCY) is independent of government & helps young people in B.C. who are receiving government services. We listen, support, and help you speak up for your rights.”

Are you a young person trying to get services from the government?

Our Advocates might be able to help you. The information you share is confidential and our help is free. Check out our website or give us a call to find out more.

08.12.2025 23:15 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Text on a black background says 'Up to 83,000 young people with disabilities in BC are not receiving adequate services and supports."

Text on a black background says 'Up to 83,000 young people with disabilities in BC are not receiving adequate services and supports."

The RCY has issued several reports highlighting the acute unmet needs of young people with disabilities & their families in BC. Please take a moment to read our report 'Too Many Left Behind' to learn about these important issues & join us in pushing for change.
Read it here: rcybc.ca/wp-content/u...

04.12.2025 22:33 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Young people and their families are still waiting for action. They deserve so much more. Read more about our recs in our report 'Too Many Left Behind' here: rcybc.ca/wp-content/u...

03.12.2025 19:20 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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On this #InternationalDayOfPersonswithDisabilities the Representative for Children and youth renews her calls to the BC government to address the urgent needs of up to 83,000 young people with disabilities not receiving adequate services.

03.12.2025 19:19 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Today we deeply feel the loss of too many women due to violence. We stand too with current survivors and the many young people who are being profoundly impacted by violence and those who have lost their lives. Read more in Don’t Look Away: rcybc.ca/hfaq/dont-lo...

#16daysofactivism

25.11.2025 20:54 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Transgender Day of Remembrance is a reminder that safety and dignity are non-negotiable.
Trans people, including young people, continue to face higher rates of violence, exclusion, and systemic barriers. Remembering those who have been lost to transphobia must push all of us.
We commit to change.

20.11.2025 18:20 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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November 20th is National Child Day. Join us in moving toward a new β€˜North Star’ of child well-being where young people feel safe, supported, connected and confident that their fundamental rights will be recognized and upheld.
How do you support young people to thrive?

20.11.2025 18:19 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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When Haruto, a boy living with Autism was facing challenges getting support, his family reached out to us. Our Advocates were able to amplify their calls for services and facilitate access to customized therapy. Read more about how our Advocacy makes a difference in our latest Annual Report.

10.11.2025 21:41 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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RCY is incredibly grateful to have participated in Our Children Our Way’s National Forum for Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being.

We learned so much through the inspiring approaches and practices to strengthening the lives of young people and their families.

#OurChildrenOurWay #OCOW #RCYBC

06.11.2025 19:57 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Want to know more about the difference our advocacy makes? Read our latest Annual Report here: rcybc.ca/.../2025/10/...

22.10.2025 00:15 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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When Maya and her siblings were put into government care after their home was found to be unsafe, they didn’t see each other much. With RCY’s help, a reunification plan was put into place allowing them to see each other regularly.

22.10.2025 00:15 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Too many young people living with mental health challenges are struggling to get the support they deserve.
Need help navigating government services? Call us.

10.10.2025 18:44 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Recognizing all the incredible work that foster families do in providing so much for young people across the province.

Deep gratitude for the difference you make.

#fosterfamilymonthbc #fosterfamilymonth

08.10.2025 18:03 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Indigenous caregivers and kin, you hold language, ceremony and identity close.

Thank you for the care that honours Nations and culture.

#FosterFamilyMonthBC #CultureIsCare

06.10.2025 15:14 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Two siblings smiling at the camera. Text on the image says "To the caregivers who keep siblings together, we thank you."

Two siblings smiling at the camera. Text on the image says "To the caregivers who keep siblings together, we thank you."

For the caregivers who keep siblings together. You protect bonds that last a lifetime.

Thank you for all that you do.

#KeepSiblingsTogether #FosterFamilyMonthBC

02.10.2025 21:10 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Communities thrive when young people thrive.

At #UBCM2025 we asked: What are you most concerned about for youth in your municipality - and how can we work together to change it? #actearly #youthwellbeing #ubcm2025

24.09.2025 22:38 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Tired of hoops and barriers when you need support? You have rights and we’re here to help you understand them.

Our Advocates will help you make your voice heard.

Reach out today.
#YouthRights #Advocacy

23.09.2025 22:07 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Graphic with a black background featuring a large gold quotation mark symbol at the top. White and gold text reads: β€œThe system we have now was designed 50 years ago and it is incapable of addressing the complexities that young people and their families are experiencing today… it is time to think differently, act different, and feel differently in our work with young people.” – Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, Representative for Children and Youth. At the bottom right is the RCY logo with the words β€œRepresentative for Children and Youth.”

Graphic with a black background featuring a large gold quotation mark symbol at the top. White and gold text reads: β€œThe system we have now was designed 50 years ago and it is incapable of addressing the complexities that young people and their families are experiencing today… it is time to think differently, act different, and feel differently in our work with young people.” – Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, Representative for Children and Youth. At the bottom right is the RCY logo with the words β€œRepresentative for Children and Youth.”

The systems of yesterday can’t meet the realities of today.

It’s time to stop patching cracks and start redesigning supports with care, equity, and belonging at the centre.

#changeisnow #kidsfirst #rcybc #kidsdeservebetter

15.09.2025 15:49 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A teen sits on their phone in a skatepark. There is a skateboard beside them. Text on the image says β€œRecently left government care in B.C.? You’re not alone.”

A teen sits on their phone in a skatepark. There is a skateboard beside them. Text on the image says β€œRecently left government care in B.C.? You’re not alone.”

Just left care in B.C. and need financial support? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our Advocates can walk along side you as you navigate the SAJE program.
Β 
Connect with us today and get support understanding the process.
#YouthInCare #FinancialSupport

11.09.2025 16:09 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Together, we can create the changes needed to ensure people with FASD thrive, today and every day.

Myles Himmelreich, who co-led the development of RCY’s Excluded report, shares his experience as both a person with FASD and someone who works closely with children and youth with FASD.
#FASDAwareness

09.09.2025 16:04 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0