You can apply to be on the Caregiver Advisory Committee at the bottom of the page. Deadline to apply is November 30th, 2023
Parent & Caregiver engagement is a key part of Integrated Youth Services (IYS)
In IYS, "caregiver" means: Someone who has supported one or more young people (age 12-25) in their mental health and/or addiction healing journey. Your role could be as a family member, friend/community member, elder, mentor or someone whose paid or volunteer work involves supporting youth.
"Caregiver engagement" means:
- Involving caregivers in designing IYS spaces, services, and programs.
- Seeking out caregivers' input, and wherever possible, incorporating what they have to say
To learn more about Integrated Youth Services in Nova Scotia, click here.
What is the purpose of the IYS-NS Provincial Caregiver Advisory Committee?
The Committee will help ensure that people with lived caregiver experience have a say in how IYS is developed and implemented in Nova Scotia.
Members of the Provincial Caregiver Advisory Committee will:
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Provide important input on developing IYS-NS. Examples: be involved in naming IYS-NS (we need a "brand") and give input on things like policies, publicity, and staff roles.
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Provide on-going feedback regarding the IYS sites – the services offered, how they operate, etc.
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Get involved in specific IYS-NS projects and activities, such as mentoring the local IYS Caregiver Advisory Committees when they get up and running.
Required time commitment:
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Taking part in monthly virtual meetings (1-2 hours per meeting).
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Going to in-person meetings (1 or 2 a year).
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Reading any information sent out between meetings – emails, background info, etc.
- Additional time for specific projects that interest you (time commitment will vary).
We are looking for Caregiver Advisory Committee members!
We are seeking a diverse group of people, who:
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Live in Nova Scotia, full-time or part-time.
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Are passionate about youth mental health and overall well-being.
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Want to work with others to help shape Integrated Youth Services in Nova Scotia.
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Have supported youth in accessing/trying to access mental health and/or addiction services in Nova Scotia.
If you can check all 4 of these boxes, keep reading – we have a wonderful opportunity for you!
Also, here is what’s not required to be on the Advisory Committee:
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Previous experience on a committee.
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A way to get to meetings (most meetings will be virtual, and we can help with transportation costs for any in-person meetings).
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Childcare (as continued funding permits/remains available)
All voices matter.
The Caregiver Advisory Committee members should represent Nova Scotia. We are looking for members from diverse, cultural, racial, religious and language backgrounds. We want members who have a disability, are 2SLGBTQIA, and/or live in a rural area. We want members of all walks of life who care for and/or support youth in various ways.
Can you bring a not-so-common perspective or life experience to the Advisory Committee? If so, we really want to hear from you!
Still interested? Great! There are 4 more things to know:
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When you click on the “Apply here” link/button below, it will take you to the application.
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When you apply, you’ll also need to give us a reference – someone who can speak to the support you’ve provided to one or more youth.
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We want to learn as much about you as we can. If completing application forms is new for you, or if you need help for any reason, please reach out to us at iys@iwk.nshealth.ca
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After you have been selected, a child abuse registry check and vulnerable sector check is required, we can help support this.
Thank you / Merci / Wela’lin!
Apply now (Deadline to apply is November 30th, 2023)