Overview
What are Child-Friendly Communities?
Child Friendly Communities are places where children’s rights, voices, and well-being are prioritized in local decision-making.
Through child-focused policies, programs, and partnerships, municipalities play a vital role in creating safe and inclusive spaces where all young people are heard and valued.
Achieving this vision requires strong collaboration between municipalities, families, schools, service providers, and, most importantly, young people themselves.
Show leadership
Strengthen your community
Children and youth at the heart of local decision-making
Make a lasting impact
Why are Child-Friendly Communities Needed?
Children and youth today are growing up in the midst of an epidemic of loneliness and a mental health crisis that many have never experienced before and are often left out of the decisions that shape their lives.
A Child Friendly Community recognizes that it takes a village to raise a child and ensures that children and youth are involved in the conversations and decisions that shape their neighbourhoods, services and futures.
Formal commitment to children and youth well-being.
Recognition as a leader in advancing children and youth rights.
Stronger community partnerships and collaboration.
United civic action around child and youth development and shared responsibility.
Dedication to ensuring the participation of unrepresented children and youth.
Inclusive public policies shaped by the voices of young people.
Community pride and belonging, helping to retain and attract families.