At North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services, we are committed to providing services and building community in a way that is safe for everyone.
We are aware of protests planned locally and across Canada, which are spreading misinformation and hate directed at the 2SLGBTQ+ community, particularly targeting transgender people. We find this to be both alarming and damaging. We stand with and amongst our local 2SLGBTQ+ community and actively oppose the harmful hatred being spread at this time.
As an Agency, we acknowledge and support the rights, autonomy and dignity of all children and youth, inclusive of their cultural and linguistic diversity, race, religion, gender, sexual identity, physical ability, and/or economic status. We are committed to providing children, youth, and families with access to services without prejudice.
In Ontario, some children and youth are becoming involved with the child welfare system because of rejection by their caregivers of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. A child or youth being outed against their will can risk their safety and even lead to serious harm.
We know that 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth are at higher risk of mental health issues and suicidality due to the impacts of marginalization, discrimination, and hate, as well as intersecting impacts from racism, poverty, and other factors.
NEOFACS believes in centering children and youth’s voices and allowing children and youth the opportunity to explore their identities in spaces where they feel safe and have a sense of belonging.
All children and youth, including 2SLGBTQ+ youth, have a right to respect, safety, and well-being in ALL spaces.
For Support:
- Kids Help Phone
- kidshelpphone.ca
- 1-800-668-6868
- Text CONNECT to 686868
- LGBT Youthline
- youthline.ca
- 1-888-687-9688
- LGBT National Hotline
- lgbthotline.org
- 1-888-843-4564
- Trans Lifeline
- translifeline.org
- 1-877-330-6366
- One Stop Talk / Parlons maintenant
- Monday-Friday 12pm- 8pm, Saturday 12pm- 4pm
- onestoptalk.ca
- 1-855-416-8255
- Hope for Wellness Helpline (for all Indigenous people across Canada)
- hopeforwellness.ca
- 1-855-242-3310