A new strategy helps 18 to 23-year-olds transition safely out of care
Joseph*, stressed by his foster father’s passing, had to find a place to live in Toronto, where monthly rents start at $1,300. One credit shy of graduation, the 23-year-old left college to work and afford rent. Acting as a substitute decision-maker for his disabled twin in care added to his anxiety. Then when he finally found a bachelor apartment, he still faced an empty fridge and nothing to make meals with.
Kimberley Donegan, a Child Protection Worker from Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS), brought relief with bags of food and a “Home Startup Kit” stuffed with pots, dishes, bedding and more. The kit is just one part of a new CCAS Youth Readiness Strategy funded by the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF) to help 18 to 23-year-olds transitioning from care into independent living.
“The smile on his face when I dropped the Startup Kit off was awesome,” says Donegan.
CCAF bridges gaps in care for vulnerable youth
In February 2023, Ontario raised the age that youth must leave care from 21 to 23 and offered increased monthly funding for those who leave earlier. Still, $1,800 a month for an 18-year-old barely suffices in Toronto. Funding also drops to $500/month by age 22. No wonder kids from care are 193 times more likely to experience homelessness than other youth, and at higher risk of addiction and exploitation.
“Leaving care can be difficult, so we help fill in the gaps,” says Jim Gilligan, Executive Director of the CCAF. “In the past, some kids left with their belongings in a garbage bag. Now we help young adults transition into independence with luggage, life skills, education, financial aid and spiritual support.”
Empowering youth for success beyond care
The CCAF-funded Youth Readiness Strategy aims to boost success for youth leaving care. The strategy offers tailored support plans, a transitional life skills program covering financial literacy, housing and more, Home Startup Kits, a new housing support fund, supplies and more.
“We also have aftercare services, such as a pantry where youth can get canned goods, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products,” says Diana Smith, the CCAS Youth Readiness Lead. “We’re also working on a post-secondary prep program to help youth learn how to navigate college and university systems.”
Ensuring stability and well-being
The Strategy defines success by the majority of youth having education, employment, stable housing, life skills, peer support and income above the poverty line, fostering confidence and security.
As Donegan says, “I am so thankful that these kids are receiving the things they need to feel safe, supported and cared about.”
*Name changed for privacy reasons.
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