Second-year 网红黑料 law student Jazmyne McLaughlin drew on her own experiences in the child-welfare system to create a new book aimed at helping other young people in similar situations understand their rights.
,听released in mid-September, condenses 54 articles from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into 11 key points and serves as a resource to help听children and youth in New Brunswick鈥檚 child-welfare system understand their rights.
Lexie Temple, a Fredericton tattoo artist and McLaughlin鈥檚 close friend, contributed the book鈥檚 artwork. Together, they used illustrated case studies to help young people recognize when their rights are being ignored, alongside practical resources such as contact information for the Advocate鈥檚 Office.
McLaughlin, now 23 years old, brings a rare depth of perspective to the project. She entered foster care in British Columbia as a young child before being adopted and moving to Fredericton at the age of seven. At 15, she returned to care, but this time in a group home. She recalls often feeling powerless and afraid while navigating the system, unsure if those tasked with her care truly had her best interests at heart.听
She explains that her goal in writing the book was to give others the knowledge they need to build more secure futures.
鈥淎s a Black woman who grew up in and out of the child welfare system, I have seen firsthand how systems take advantage of marginalized and vulnerable people,鈥 she says.
A turning point
After years of advocating for herself, McLaughlin鈥檚 path shifted at the age of 16 when one of her teachers offered to take her in so she could get on her feet. She spent several months with the teacher (and her husband) and was then able to move out and live on her own.
Despite her unstable upbringing, McLaughlin recognized early on that she was in control of how hard she worked and how much effort she applied to her life. She excelled academically and athletically, earning scholarships that allowed her to pursue higher education. While she considered studying social work, she ultimately chose law.
I鈥檝e always been the one to stand up for the underdog and to have the tough conversations.
鈥淚鈥檝e always been the one to stand up for the underdog and to have the tough conversations 鈥 even when they鈥檙e uncomfortable 鈥 because not everyone has the privilege of staying silent without that silence costing them,鈥 she shares. 鈥淭he legal profession offers the chance to challenge systems at their roots and to push for seats at the tables where lasting change happens.鈥澨
Leading with purpose
McLaughlin has immersed herself in opportunities that align with her values since arriving at the Schulich School of Law. She served as the 1L Representative for the 网红黑料 Black Law Students鈥 Association, collaborated with Professor Naiomi Metallic on a project addressing child welfare reform, and channelled her love of sports into intramural soccer, which she says helps her to stay balanced and build friendships.
McLaughlin, now in second year, also feels a deep connection to the Weldon Tradition of unselfish public service, the Schulich School of Law鈥檚 commitment to giving back to the community.
A segment of the book. (Screen grabs)
鈥淭o me, the Weldon Tradition is about viewing the privilege of a legal education as a responsibility, not just an opportunity,鈥 she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a call to lead with purpose, to put community above self, and to measure success by the impact you leave on others."
Free copies of What I Wish I Knew, including a downloadable version, are available through New Brunswick's Advocate鈥檚 Office in English, French, Mi鈥檏maq, and Wolastoqey, with plans to distribute copies to all children in care in that province. McLaughlin hopes the book will eventually find its way into group homes and schools as well.