International Child and Youth Care Week

May 5-11 is International Child and Youth Care Week, when we celebrate all of our amazing Child and Youth Workers (CYW) at Peel CAS and the life-changing impact they make on the children and youth they support.

Our CYWs are there for children and youth, offering support, stability, and guidance in times of crisis or transition. They are on the front lines of child welfare – advocating for safety, promoting emotional well-being, and helping young people build resilience and thrive. Their impact is not just professional, it’s profoundly personal, shaping brighter futures one child or youth at a time.

The theme for this year is Celebrating Global Belonging in Child and Youth Care. This is particularly apt for our agency, given the multicultural nature of the community we serve and our commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and Truth and Reconciliation. Our CYWs are an important part of the support system that helps keep young people connected to family, community and culture.

Thank you to all our CYWs for the important work you do all year round to support, encourage and empower children, youth and their families.

We asked a few of our Child and Youth Workers to share their reflections on their work:

Michelle Cerasuolo

For over 20 years, I’ve been in the trenches, schools, group homes, community spaces, wearing more hats than I can count. Mentor, counselor, life coach, snack distributor, referee, advocate, cheerleader, and sometimes even an honorary big sister, you name it, I’ve done it! Helping others isn’t just my job; it’s my passion and purpose. I believe that children and youth are the future, and I’m dedicated to ensuring they step into it with confidence, resilience, and the life skills to thrive. Whether it’s breaking barriers, building bridges, or simply being a steady support system, I strive to create spaces where every young person feels seen, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential. At the end of the day, if I’ve sparked confidence, inspired growth, and made even one young person believe in themselves, then I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be!

Deonne Sargeant

As we celebrate Child and Youth Week being a Child and Youth Worker means having the privilege and responsibility to support youth and families through some of their most vulnerable moments. It's about building trust, creating safe spaces, and showing up consistently with compassion and understanding being a caring presence in the lives of the family and youth I serve. My work focuses on prevention, Family time, helping youth and families before challenges become major crises, and connecting them with the resources and programs that can truly make a difference in their lives.

Every conversation, every program we offer, every step we take together, all contributes to building stronger, more resilient communities. I’m proud to be part of that journey

Whether it offers guidance through tough times, facilitating positive activities simply being someone who listens, I strive to be that bridge to stability and hope, or helping families access essential services, my role is centered on empowerment of families I serve. I believe in the strength and resilience of every young person and their family.

Josias Green

My role as a Child and Youth Worker at Peel CAS is a deeply fulfilling part of my life. I’m driven by the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children and youth, helping them navigate challenges and build stronger futures. Family is important to me, and it’s through that lens that I connect with the families I work with, striving to offer guidance, care, and hope.

"The greatest impact we can have is not through what we do for others, but through what we help them become."