Making the Shift (MtS), a youth homelessness social innovation lab co-led by the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness at York University, will present the second webinar of its “In Conversation With…” series on Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The event “The State of Canadian Child Wellbeing and The Role of Natural Supports in Youth Homelessness Prevention” will feature guests Lisa Wolff (UNICEF Canada) and Justin Sage-Passant (Covenant House Toronto) who will discuss the recommendations from the recently published UNICEF Report Card 16 on Canada’s standing in child wellbeing, and what the implications are for service providers who are focused on youth homelessness prevention.
Strong, healthy childhood relationships are essential for preventing youth homelessness. Yet, the newly released UNICEF Report Card 16 found that one in four Canadian children do not feel supported by their families, suggesting much more needs to be done from a policy and practice perspective to help young people strengthen their network of natural supports.
Alex Nelson, PhD candidate, Western University and member of MtS Scholars with Lived Experience Network will facilitate the session.
Wolff is the director of Policy and Research at UNICEF Canada and Sage-Passant is the coordinator of the Family and Natural Supports program at Covenant House Toronto.
Audience members will also learn about the innovative research and knowledge mobilization work of Making the Shift Inc. at York U, a Youth Homelessness Social Innovation Lab with a mandate to make the shift from managing the crises of youth homelessness, to a focus on prevention and housing stabilization.
Those interested in participating in the event can secure their spots by registering in advance at https://yorku.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ze_UJQe6TnSDkdhD_Jbefg.