|
Supports for Youth in and From Care
Supports, resources and funding for youth in care and transitioning from care have been provided to assist youth in knowing the options available to them and to assist residential care providers in informing youth of these same opportunities.
Please click the below links or scroll down to access resources related to the following two areas:
- Legal Rights Resource
- Benefits, Savings and Life Skills
- Education
Is there a resource/service not listed here that would be of benefit to youth leaving care? Please email the details to the Ontario Care Collective Office directly at info@ontariocarecollective.ca
Legal Rights Resource
The Legal Right Resource was developed by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and distributed to Children's Aid Societies province-wide in September 2015, and updated in March 2016 following the opening of the Investigations Unit of the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth. The document outlines the legal rights of youth in care, and includes information on filing a complaint, details on the roles of the Office of the Children’s Lawyer and the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, and other supporting information. You can access the document below in either English or French.
Legal Rights Resource (English) (pdf)
Legal Rights Resource [French] (pdf)
Benefits, Savings and Life Skills Funding
Aftercare Benefits Initiative
Youth in care and transitioning from care may be eligible to enroll in the Aftercare Benefits Initiative (ABI) for prescription, dental, vision and extended health benefits as well as a range of counselling and other life-skills supports.
Continued Care and Support for Youth
Youth transitioning out of care, ages 18-20, are eligible to receive financial support of $850 monthly. The program also includes non-financial means of support for youth in and leaving care. For details, contact your Children’s Aid Society.
Ontario Child Benefit Equivalent (OCBe) – Savings Program
The Savings Program (targeted to youth 15-17), is held by the Children’s Aid Society and released once the youth has left care. The youth must first receive training in financial management (free programs are available). For details, please contact your Children’s Aid Society.
Ontario Permanency Funding Policy Guidelines
The
Ontario Permanency Funding Policy Guidelines were updated in June 2016
to include the Stay Home for School Policy (an initiative which allows
youth to remain in their residential placement past the age of 17 in
order to support them in completing high school). You can access the
guidelines at the link below.
2016 Ontario Permanency Funding Policy Guidelines (pdf)
Renewed Youth Supports
Youth formerly in care, ages 16-17, may apply through the Renewed Youth Supports (RYS) program to return to their Children’s Aid Society and continue to receive supports up to age 18. For details, please contact your Children’s Aid Society.
Youth in Transition Workers
Youth in Transition Workers help youth ages 16-24 transition from care by locating affordable housing, education and employment resources, legal services and other supports to pave the way to greater opportunity and success. To find a Youth in Transition in Worker in your area, please contact your Children’s Aid Society.
Immigration Status Guide for Children and Youth in Care
This guide was developed from the work of a provincial working group of subject matter experts for CAS staff to help raise awareness and to assist youth in care who have unresolved immigration issues. To access, please see the below link.
Immigration Status Matters: Guide to Addressing Immigration Issues for Children and Youth
Education
Living and Learning Grant
Students 21-25 enrolled in full-time postsecondary studies, and previously eligible for the Continued Care and Support for Youth (CCSY) program, formerly the Extended Care and Maintenance Allowance are eligible to apply for the Living and Learning Grant (LLG).
Ontario Access Grants for Crown Wards
Youth in care and transitioning out of care may be eligible for grants up to $3,000.
Ontario Crown Ward Postsecondary Application Fee Reimbursement Program
Youth in care and transitioning out of care may apply for reimbursement for the cost of applying to a postsecondary program which will result in the youth’s first postsecondary degree, diploma or certificate.
RESP Program
CASs must contribute the Universal Care Children’s Benefit funds accumulated on behalf of the children in their care, beginning at six months. Youth can access their RESP through their local CAS upon reaching the age of 17, and upon admission into a post-secondary/vocational institution.
Tuition Funding
Ontario Universities and approximately one third of Ontario Colleges have partnered with the government to provide 100 per cent of tuition costs for youth (up to a maximum of $6,000) eligible for the Continued Care and Support for Youth (CCSY) program, formerly the Extended Care and Maintenance Allowance.