How do we define this domain?
Social relationships are bonds created between two or more individuals. For individuals of all ages, stable and nurturing social relationships are those that involve loving, trusting, and consistent interactions in which individuals are supported and feel a sense of belonging.
Why is it important?
Children and youth who feel supported by family members and/or adult mentors, and who are engaged with their friends and community, report better overall health, decreased participation in unsafe behaviours, and a greater sense of self-worth.[1] Healthy relationships build resilience and competence, reducing the risk for a variety of negative health outcomes and providing children and youth with the skills they need to cope with adversity and life's challenges.[2],[3]
There are four concepts within the Social Relationships Domain:
How does this align with our Child and Youth Charters?
This domain aligns with several charter statements from the WDG Child and Youth Charters of Rights:
All children in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph have a right to: (i) A quality of life that meets their physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and social needs; (vi) Quality time with friends, family and/or other nurturing and positive role models throughout their childhood
All youth in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph have a right to: (i) A voice in the issues that affect our lives; (ii) Good health by having our social, emotional, mental, physical and spiritual needs met; (iii) A place to sleep, clothes to wear, food to eat and supportive friends and/or family; (vi) Quality time with our friends, family and/or other positive role models in our community.
[1] Canadian Institute for Health Information. (2005). Improving the Health of Young Canadians. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Institute for Health Information.
[2] The International Resilience Project. (2006). International Resilience Project: Project Report. Halifax, NS: The International Resilience Project, School of Social Work.
[3] Watt, J., Dickey, M., & Grakist, D. (n.d.). Middle childhood matters: A framework to promote healthy development of children 6 to 12. Ottawa, ON: Available at: http://lin.ca/sites/default/files/attachments/MiddleChildhoodMatters.pdf