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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Consider an extension of voluntary residential care
Recommendation 4: MCFD should evaluate the current emergency measures in place due to COVID-19 that allow young people to continue to stay in their foster home or staffed residential placements past their 19th birthday. Our Office anticipates that such an evaluation would reveal benefits and feasibility on an ongoing basis. If that is the case, the ministry should implement changes that would allow for continuing foster home or staffed residential care on a voluntary basis, with the length of extension based on the young person’s readiness to transition out of care. Priority consideration should be given to youth and young adults who have disabilities and other physical and mental health needs who are not ready for independence at 19, and not eligible for Community Living BC services.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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