Employment

Recommendation 64: Provide youth with personalized support to transition back into the work-place and transition off of government benefits in a stable way. Youth will need support stabilizing mental health and substance use to be successful in future employment opportunities.

Employment

Recommendation 65: Zero Ceiling is a promising practice that has integrated employment and housing to help bridge youth out of homelessness into a sense of purpose. They provide mental health support and a strong recreation component that helps youth thrive in wellness.

Supporting a resilient sector

Recommendation 70: Continued access to phones, computers, and personal-protective equipment in order to maintain a quicker recovery response in the event of a second wave.

Common themes

Recommendation 78: The sector has identified increased substance use and overdoses as a result of the pandemic. The Coalition recommends low-barrier services that are implemented through a harm reduction lens, providing youth with a safe supply, and increasing the number of youth-specific treatment programs. The lack of treatment supports for youth is compounded by the risks associated with Bill 22 without the appropriate services for youth to transition into after being detained.

Common themes

Recommendation 79: COVID-19 has exasperated mental health and wellbeing concerns for youth. The Coalition recommends increased youth-specific services and support around mental health.