Social Justice

World Day of Social Justice

February 20, 2014

The term 'social justice' implies fairness and mutual obligation in society: that we are responsible for one another, and that we should ensure that all have equal chances to succeed in life.

We are approaching World Day of Social Justice which ties in to what Advocating Parents of Nova Scotia (APNS) is all about.  Being responsible for each other, standing up tall when vulnerable people need a voice.  

Right now APNS is addressing the issue of criminally charging people with special needs when they have outbursts of agression.

Is striking one of your care workers right? Of course not but is the answer to put people with deminished capacity in jail?  My five year old knows right from wrong but when she gets frustrated and pitches a fit, I don't call the police.

We need to work together as a community to inspire change.  We are all neighbours in society.  It's important to let our government know what values we want to have as Nova Scotians.  

Many parents we hear from at APNS have a very basic concern.  They want to know that their adult children are safe, respected and living in a warm environment.  They don't want to worry that when their children's disabilities get the best of them, that they could end up in jail or hurt.  Don't we all want that for our children?

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.

~Mother Teresa