Whereas Fostering Change is an initiative of Vancouver Foundation to improve supports for young people aging out of foster care in British Columbia, who experience far greater rates of homelessness, unemployment, and lower high school graduation rates than their peers; And whereas young people from care have far fewer family and community relationships and resources that are critical to the success of most young people in their 20s; And whereas, since its founding in 2013, Fostering Change has brought together young people in and from care, diverse community organizations and members of the public through a series of dialogues to create a statement of principles for sign-on by community partners: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM endorse the Fostering Change statement of principles: We believe youth aging out of foster care should be able to count on three things until age 25: - consistent financial support with basic living costs like housing, transit, and food while they attend school, learn skills, and find work; - long-term relationships with caring dependable adults for support, advice, and references, so that they always have somewhere to turn; - a chance to connect and contribute to their communities through creative, cultural, and volunteer activities, so that they feel like they belong. We believe this will make a difference, and ask community, political, and business leaders to commit to a plan that includes these supports.
Ministry of Children and Family Development Government agrees that every young person needs a helping hand into adulthood. That is why B.C. has made changes to the Agreements with Young Adults AYA program to ensure more young people in care are supported for longer and have the opportunity to succeed in building the life that they deserve. Government has shown its commitment to helping young people from care as they transition to adulthood. The amendment to the Child, Family and Community Service Act makes B.C. a leader in Canada, exceeding many of the supports and services other jurisdictions offer by doubling the length of time youth can receive AYA supportsfrom two to now four years. The expansion of the program also increases the eligible age of enrolment in AYAfrom a young adults 24th birthday to their 26th birthdayand adds Life Skills programming as an eligible program for former youth in care which support a solid foundation for adulthood.