Children first

Re: Report of kids in crisis 'ridiculous’, Marni Soupcoff, Sept. 7

While we thank the National Post and Marni Soupcoff for noting some of the issues Canadian children face and the work Children First Canada does, we want to point out that the column undermines the severity of the problem, and does not take into context the full scope of our organization’s mandate in seeking change for the better.

The Call to Action that accompanies the Raising Canada report points to three areas for action, based on proven and effective strategies used around the world to drive systemic change for children. We can also point to myriad other recommendations to improve the specific challenges highlighted in the report, including youth mental health, infant mortality, child abuse, among many others.

This past year Children First Canada consulted with thousands of children, youth and adult leaders across the country to identify the major barriers that kids face and create a roadmap for change, as laid out in the new Canadian Children’s Charter.

We will continue to work with our many partners and with children themselves to advocate for change in all of these areas.

Sara Austin, founder and lead director, Children First Canada