Youth Leaving Care is a program that offers a range of services for youth transitioning out of government care. They provide the emotional, social and developmental supports to assist youth in aging out of care to “age into the community” as functional, independent adults.

Their approach, born from the 4 R’s: Residence, Resources, Relationships, and Resiliency, offers interventions early in the transition process as Transition Support Workers assist youth to develop and execute a life plan inclusive of temporary and/or permanent housing, employment and education, and life skill development.

Many young people leaving government care will often experience fear and isolation as they face the potential loss of relationships and support services. Youth Leaving Care will support and guide youth as they transition into independent living.

This is a collaborative process that involves working with established support services, such as Social Workers, Youth Transition Workers, and Mental health Practitioners to provide a wraparound service for these youth.

To qualify for this program, youth must:
•Be between the ages of 18 and 24
•Have some history of involvement with Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD) or Aboriginal Delegated Agency between birth and 19 years of age (this includes Voluntary Care Agreements, Temporary Care Orders, Custody care orders, and Youth Agreements)
•Have the North Shore as their home community

Referral Process
•Self-referral is preferred, however professional or support referrals can also be made
•Referrals can be made directly to the Transition Support Worker via phone or email
•A referral meeting will follow the initial phone referral