Resources
Helpful Websites:
PEI Office of the Child and Youth Advocate: The Office of Child and Youth Advocate is there to make sure kids and teens are treated fairly and with respect. Under Section 47(4) of the PEI Child, Youth, and Family Services Act, you have the right to be informed of the child’s rights under this section and the procedures available for enforcing those rights. If you ever feel like your voice isn’t being heard or something doesn’t feel right, this office acts as a helper who listens and speaks up for you. The contact number for the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is: 1-902-368-5630.
https://www.childandyouthadvocatepei.ca/
Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI: If you’re part of Abegweit or Lennox Island First Nation, this site can show you programs, services, and supports that are just for your community. It’s a place that helps build strong, healthy futures for Mi’kmaq youth and families.
Native Council of PEI: If you’re Indigenous and living off-reserve in PEI (Epekwitk), this site is for you. It shares ways to stay connected to your culture, find support, and be part of a community that understands your experiences.
Youth In Care Network: The Youth in Care Network PEI website shares helpful information for young people who have been in care. It includes things like scholarships, supports for leaving care, and ways to stay connected. It’s a good place to learn about what’s available as you plan for your future.
https://youthincare.ca/prince-edward-island/
YES! Program: If you’re getting close to the time when you’ll be leaving your group home, the Youth Extended Services program is here to support you. We know that moving out of care can feel scary, and that’s okay. It’s a big change. That’s why it’s so important to have the right information and support as you take your next steps into adulthood.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/social-development-and-seniors/yes-program
PEERS Alliance: Peers Alliance can help you with questions you may have about your health. They offer lots of programs and services and have people that can answer questions about sexual health that you may feel uncomfortable asking your social worker or group home staff.
Rights and Laws:
PEI Child, Youth, and Family Services Act: This law is all about making sure decisions made about kids are in their best interest. If you’re in care or involved with Child and Family Services, this helps explain your rights and how adults should support you, like the right to be heard and the right to be connected to a lawyer.
Here are your rights under Section 47(4) of the Act:
(a) to be fed, clothed and nurtured according to community standards and to be given the same quality of care as other children in the home;
(b) to receive medical and dental care when required;
(c) to be informed of the standard of behaviour expected by the child’s caregivers and of the consequences of not meeting those expectations, as applicable;
(d) to be free from corporal punishment;
(e) to reasonable privacy and possession of personal belongings;
(f) to reasonable privacy when visiting or communicating with family members, subject to any order of the court;
(g) to participate in social, recreational, athletic and creative activities, if available and appropriate and according to the child’s abilities, interests or identity;
(h) to receive the religious instruction and to participate in the religious activities of the child’s choice;
(i) to receive guidance and encouragement to maintain the child’s cultural heritage and identity;
(j) to receive guidance, encouragement and support to learn about and practice the child’s Indigenous traditions, customs and language, and belong to the child’s Indigenous community, where applicable;
(k) to be informed about and participate in developing or amending the plan of care for the child;
(l) to participate in decisions about the child’s work, education or training;
(m) to be provided with an interpreter or other communication assistance if language or disability is a barrier to consulting the child on decisions affecting their custody or care;
(n) to be informed about and to be assisted in contacting a lawyer, the Child and Youth Advocate or the Ombudsperson;
(o) to privacy when meeting or communicating with a lawyer, the Child and Youth Advocate or the Ombudsperson;
(p) to be informed of the child’s rights under this section and the procedures available for enforcing those rights.
The contact number for the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is: 1-902-368-5630.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: This is a big agreement that says all kids—everywhere—have rights. Like the right to be safe, to learn, to be cared for, and to have a say in things that affect you.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP): This is about protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples around the world. It helps make sure Indigenous youth, families, and communities are respected, safe, and supported in being who they are.
https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/declaration/about-apropos.html
PEI 211 Help Lines:
Covers the following:
911: Call 9-1-1
Call 911 if there’s a fire, a crime happening, or a medical emergency. This number is for when someone needs help right away.
811: Call 8-1-1 or 1-866-770-7724
Call 811 if you’re feeling sick or have a health question and aren’t sure what to do. A nurse can help you figure it out.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ Support Line:
1-844-413-6649
If you or someone you love has been affected by missing or murdered Indigenous women, girls, or 2SLGBTQI+ people, this line offers support.
Black Youth Helpline:
1-833-294-8650
If you’re a Black youth and need someone to talk to or help with school, family, or anything else, this number is for you.
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline:
Call 9-8-8 or Text 9-8-8
Call or text 988 if you’re feeling really sad, overwhelmed, or thinking about hurting yourself. Someone will listen and help you feel safer.
Mental Health and Addictions Access Line:
1-833-553-6983
If you’re struggling with your mental health or using substances, this number can help you find support and services.
Family Violence Prevention Services (24/7 Shelter & Crisis Line):
1-800-240-9894
If you or someone you know is being hurt or feels unsafe at home, call this number anytime, day or night. They can help you find safety.
Kids Help Phone:
1-800-668-6868 or Text CONNECT to 686868
You can call or text this number anytime if you need someone to talk to. It’s private, and they’re there just to help kids and teens.
Bullying Canada:
1-877-352-4497
If you’re being bullied or see someone else being bullied, this number can help you figure out what to do and how to stay safe.
Trans Lifeline:
1-877-330-6366
If you’re trans or questioning your gender and need someone to talk to who understands, this number is for you.
Hope for Wellness Help Line:
1-855-242-3310
If you’re Indigenous and need to talk to someone about your feelings, this line offers support that respects your culture.
Indian Residential School National Crisis Line:
1-866-925-4419
If you or your family have been affected by residential schools and need support, this number is here to help you heal.
PEI Shelter Support Line:
1-833-220-4722
If you don’t have a safe place to stay, this number can help you find shelter and support.
National Eating Disorder Information Centre:
1-866-633-4220
If you’re struggling with eating or body image, this number can help you find information and support.
Poison Control:
1-800-565-8161
If someone has swallowed something dangerous or you think something might be poisonous, call this number right away.
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline:
1-833-900-1010
If you or someone you know is being controlled, hurt, or forced to do things they don’t want to, this number can help.
Smokers' Helpline:
1-877-513-5333
If you want help quitting smoking or vaping, this number can support you with tips and encouragement.