CHATHAM, ONTARIO (April 26, 2010) – A local teen completing a co-op placement at the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent will be participating in the launch of the Children’s Charter of Rights at Chatham-Kent Municipal Council tonight.  Ben Guerin, a student at John McGregor High School who has utilized the services of the Centre for the past 17 years, recently surveyed children, families and staff at the Centre regarding their understanding of the Charter.  He was given responsibility to promote awareness, build understanding and gain endorsement for it.  He will be presenting a child’s right to privacy to Council and will also be participating in a community launch of the Charter on May 4^th at Our Lady of Fatima School in Chatham.

Ben will be working with the Centre until June 17, 2010 advocating on behalf of the Centre to organizations and businesses in the community.  “I like coming to the Children’s Treatment Centre, the staff treat me well, and I especially like the recreation programs they offer.  I never thought there would be sports for kids like me.  My favorite sport is bocce ball. I like the comradeship I feel when playing as part of a team,” says Ben.  “I am in my fifth year at secondary school, plan on attending college and taking courses in the social services field, and I hope to continue volunteering,” says Ben.

The Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent appreciates the support of our clients such as Ben Guerin and Derek Whitson, member of the recent Canadian Paralympics sledge hockey team, who have both help promote the Fitness Fun for All Kids campaign for adapted sports programs.  We look forward to working with them to help the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent sustain and enhance Centre services.  Both Ben and Derek are prime examples of what children can accomplish when given the tools and resources to accomplish their goals.  We are proud to celebrate their abilities.