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VANCOUVER – A new $5-million program will provide financial and other supports to former youth in care who are interested in pursuing education, training or rehabilitative programs as part of a planned transition to adulthood, Children and Family Development Minister Tom Christensen announced today.
“Youth who were in care sometimes face considerable challenges in making the transition from the child welfare system to independence and adulthood,” said Christensen. “This new service is flexible and responsive, and allows individuals to pursue an educational or rehabilitative program that best suits their needs, while offering them additional supports.”
Effective July 1, eligible youth aged 19 to 24 may apply for up to 24 months of funding through Agreements with Young Adults (AYA). With a written plan of transition in place, young people may request assistance to: finish high school; enrol in vocational, college or university courses; or complete a rehabilitative program for addictions or mental health issues. Once accepted, the agreement may provide young adults with support services and financial assistance to help them pay for basic needs such as food and rent, as well as tuition and child-care costs while attending their program of choice.
This new service complements existing government programs, such as the Youth Education Assistance Fund (YEAF), which provides funding to former youth in care who wish to enrol in post-secondary education. AYA assistance may be accessed in addition to the YEAF bursary to pay living and other support expenses for individuals wishing to pursue post-secondary education.
During the process of developing AYA, the Province consulted with foster parent associations and youth groups, both of whom were eager to see additional supports for young adults once they transition out of foster care.
“Young people have really been struggling in their journey from being a youth in care to becoming an adult on their own and they have been speaking out very strongly about the need for a program such as AYA,” said Jocelyn Helland, executive director of the Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks. “This service is something we can build on to support young people and improve their chances of success in life.”
About 700 youth in ministry care will turn 19 this year. Once established, AYA is expected to serve an estimated 425 young adults each year.
“This commitment is an incredible accomplishment,” said Brianna Reynolds, 20, a member of the ministry’s Youth Advisory Council. “There has been a longing for relationships to be built with MCFD, and I am excited to see the results of this holistic approach.”
Please see the ministry website for more information: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/youth/aya.htm.
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Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Children and Family Development 250 356-2939 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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