By Stephanie Cadieux
Some people seem to believe that government services for youth in care act merely as a temporary lifeline that ends abruptly after those young people turn 19.
This could not be further from the truth.
There is a comprehensive range of services in British Columbia to help address the social, health, economic and educational needs of all current and former youth in care.
Well before they reach age 19, youth in care have access to outreach workers, support workers, youth and family mediation, safe house and emergency shelter beds, transitional housing and programs that promote independent living. Social workers help plan for their transition into adulthood and ensure they are aware of the supports and services available to them once they do become adults.
After a young person leaves government care, we work to set them up for success through services and programs that provide life skills, education and financial supports. For example, our partnership with the Victoria Foundation on the Youth Education Assistance Fund offers bursaries, so former youth in care can engage in vocational training and post-secondary education.
We offer the Agreements with Young Adults program, which gives financial assistance, including health and dental coverage where needed to young adults who were formerly in care or on a Youth Agreement.
We also work closely with our non-government partners, such the Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks and the Adoptive Families Association, to enhance the availability of resources and increase opportunities for youth transitioning from care.
Further, the Ministry of Children and Family Development links youth with medical and financial supports, skills training, employment services, and therapeutic and addictions programs through other ministries.
There is always more we can do and we are working to ensure young people are aware of, and able to access the many supports that are available. The STRIVE program we are piloting with YWCA Metro Vancouver and studying for use in other parts of the province is just one way to improve planning, co-ordinate supports and use existing services for current and former youth in care more effectively.
With that being said, we know youth who are supported with permanent, stable, long-term family relationships tend to achieve higher levels of success as adults.
To that end, we are putting an emphasis on adoption and other forms of permanency as part of every child and youth’s care plan, and investing an additional $2 million to help more children and youth in care find forever homes through guardianship and adoption.
We want all children and youth in care to have the best opportunities for success in life. Every young person takes a different path to adulthood and self-sufficiency. Our task is to support them, provide stability and help them gain the life and work skills they need to become independent.
Stephanie Cadieux is the Minister of Children and Family Development.
