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.