In December 2020, B.C.’s Representative for Children and Youth published “A Parent’s Duty: Government’s Obligation to Youth Transitioning into Adulthood.” The compiled data and research describe higher rates of homelessness, less educational attainment, less attachment to the workforce, lower rates of income and poorer mental health among youth leaving care and transitioning to adulthood as compared to their non-care peers. The report concludes there is a need for systems of support for youth in care that look much more like the diverse, long-lasting and highly individual supports that a parent provides as their own children grow into adulthood.
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Recommendations-Extend and improve transition planning
The Ministry of Children and Family Development should fully implement and proactively support and monitor effective practice in planning for transition into adulthood, beginning at least by age 14 for youth in continuing care and extending beyond age 19. Principles of this transition planning process should include:
Recommendation 1: 4. MCFD is to have developed a comprehensive plan by April 1, 2022 that addresses policy and practice guidelines, staff training and processes and mechanisms for support and monitoring of practice, with full implementation of that plan in the ensuing 18 months.-
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Recommendations-Provide ongoing adult guidance and support by implementing dedicated youth transition workers through community agencies
Recommendation 2: 1. MCFD is to have completed policy and planning by April 1, 2022 and have completed full implementation of that plan in the ensuing 18 months.-
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Recommendations-Ensure continuing post-majority financial support
Recommendation 3: 1. MCFD is to have completed policy and planning by April 1, 2022 and have completed full implementation of that plan in the ensuing 18 months.-
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Recommendations-Consider an extension of voluntary residential care
Recommendation 4: 1. MCFD is to complete the evaluation by December 31, 2021 and develop and implement an approved plan of next steps by April 1, 2022.-
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Recommendations-Provide additional dedicated housing for youth aging out of care
Recommendation 5: 2. BC Housing is to develop a comprehensive plan by April 1, 2022 and begin full implementation of that plan thereafter.-
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Recommendations-Provide an enhanced range of trauma-informed and culturally appropriate mental health and substance use services for young people transitioning from care into adulthood
Recommendation 6: The plan is to be developed by April 1, 2022, with full implementation being completed within the ensuing two years.-
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Recommendations-Collect longitudinal data and evaluate services
Recommendation 7: 4. A cross-ministry plan is to be developed by April 1, 2022 with full implementation of that plan to begin thereafter.-
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