In the last few years considerable attention has been directed to the plight of youth in the care of child and family services agencies making the transition to adulthood. At the chronological age of 18, or 19 in some provinces and territories, most youth in care have reached the age of majority and face emancipation from the child and family services system. In the next three years almost 1,600 youth will be aging out of care in Manitoba. Needless to say, because of the very reason that they have had to come into care, this population of youth is disconnected and vulnerable, poorly prepared for the challenges of living on their own and at high risk of becoming victims again and again. The issues and challenges facing this population of youth are not restrictive but, rather, are very similar across the nation and internationally. Outcome studies show that this group of youth are struggling with the same issues whether they live in Canada, the US, the United Kingdom or Australia. The difference is in the manner in which each country is dealing with the issues. This report will focus on youth in the care of child and family service agencies in Manitoba who are in the process of, or have aged out, of care because they have reached the age of majority or the limit for extended care. It will also examine policy, the aging out experiences of youth, and the services available to them in Manitoba, in other provinces, the US, the UK and in Australia.
Report