Ontario Connecting Youth Leaving Care with Supports to Succeed
The government is overhauling the way youth leaving care are supported so they can access the same opportunities as their peers.
The new Ready, Set, Go program launching April 1st will connect youth in the child welfare system transitioning out of care with life skills and supports they need to prepare for and succeed after leaving care, including pursuing post secondary education, skilled trades training and employment opportunities.
Youth will receive increased financial supports, develop practical life skills, and will be guided towards pursuing post-secondary education and skilled trades training as they plan for the future.
The new program includes requirements for Children’s Aid Societies to prepare youth to exit their care with important skills, including:
- Grocery shopping and cooking
- Resume building and job application
- Volunteering and community opportunities
-Post-secondary applications
To ensure that youth have better quality of life and safer housing opportunities, we are providing increased financial supports so that youth can focus on their studies, skills training or employment.
Funding is increasing from $850 per month to:
Age 18 – $1,800
Age 19 – $1,500
Age 20 – $1,000
The Ready, Set, Go program was developed with input and advice from former youth in care, child welfare advocates, partners and is informed by research. These changes are part of Ontario’s plan to transform the child welfare system and hold children’s aid societies accountable to better prepare youth leaving care
Learn More: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1002724/ontario-connecting-youth-leaving-care-with-supports-to-succeed