On March 16th, youth from Ranch Ehrlo’s Regina group homes had the opportunity to connect with the staff of Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth. Three informal sessions were held where youth learned about their rights vs. responsibilities and the difference between needs and wants while in care, with much of the information coming in the form of interactive games.
“We thought these sessions were the best way to reach as many youth at once as possible,” explained advocate Joanne Denis.
The Advocate’s office works on behalf of individuals and groups of children and youth in care. According to the Advocate’s office, advocacy on behalf of a child or youth is typically initiated at the request of a young person in care – which requires children or youth in care to know exactly what their rights are, as well as their responsibilities.
A youth’s rights while in care at Ranch Ehrlo include but are not limited to basic necessities such as a guarantee that their physical needs, such as food, water, and shelter, will be met; mental and emotional necessities like time to themselves and the right to the religion or spiritual beliefs of their choosing; social necessities such as communication and/or visits with family or friends; and knowledge necessities like knowing why and how long they are expected to be in care for, as well as what they will do while they are here.
Their responsibilities include being respectful of themselves and others, learning and following the expectations of Ranch, and taking responsibility for their actions. They are expected to work on their problems and take an active role in their treatment with the help of staff.
More information about rights and responsibilities can be found in our resident and parent handbooks.
When a client feels that their rights are not being met, they have the option to reach out to the Advocate’s office for help.
After the sessions, youth enjoyed a pizza party and had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with a staff member from the Advocate to get any individual questions or concerns addressed.
