For the Provincial Government to best meet the needs of youth during the COVID-19 pandemic

Recommendation 1: Provide reliable technology to all youth in need. Technology for all youth needs to be seen as a basic need and high priority at this time. The inequities in access to technology are resulting in increased disparity in access to education—and potentially life-saving support to vulnerable youth. Youth need access to internet, cell-phones, laptops, and printers in order to have equal access to education and supports.

For the Provincial Government to best meet the needs of youth during the COVID-19 pandemic

Recommendation 2: Provide universal and comprehensive after-care supports post 19 for all youth in the foster care system regardless of their circumstance with waitlists eliminated. Non-profits are concerned about their capacity to support a larger cohort of youth aging out all at once. There should be a wind down period where non-profits can get their level of support back to “normal.”

For the Provincial Government to best meet the needs of youth during the COVID-19 pandemic

Recommendation 3: Develop a Contingency Plan for every youth in care that includes alternative housing options and supports, including considerations and plans based on the youth’s culture.

For the Provincial Government to best meet the needs of youth during the COVID-19 pandemic

Recommendation 4: Support foster parents with increased pay or respite to help youth remain in the home. Provide education to the youth and foster parents around social distancing.

For the Provincial Government to best meet the needs of youth during the COVID-19 pandemic

Recommendation 5: MCFD may need more resources (perhaps hire more intake and assessment staff) in to address backlogs and inaccessibility. Additionally, MCFD needs to review its systems of approval to improve efficiency. Concern was also expressed that when school resumes, there is a need for greater efficiency and responsiveness to youth requesting permission for field trips.

For the Provincial Government to best meet the needs of youth during the COVID-19 pandemic

Recommendation 6: Develop youth-specific emergency housing options in light of COVID-19. These should not be at the same hotels as the adult response and should be tailored to the youth’s unique developmental needs.

For the Provincial Government to best meet the needs of youth during the COVID-19 pandemic

Recommendation 7: Ensure all youth shelters are accessible for youth at this time (many closures reported).

For the Provincial Government to best meet the needs of youth during the COVID-19 pandemic

Recommendation 8: Provide increased resources to non-profits to respond effectively to the needs of youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

For the Provincial Government to best meet the needs of youth during the COVID-19 pandemic

Recommendation 9: Provide additional support staff that can help youth sustain housing and wellness during these challenging times.