What Are The Goals for Our Work?
There is a range of possible solutions, but all options lead back to ensuring youth in and exiting government care have access to resources, opportunities, some consistent caring relationships and other supports they need to thrive in adulthood. Some goals, broadly expressed, include:
Policy / Programs
Improved policies and programs that support youth beyond their 19th birthdays through sensitive times of transition. These could be a range of post- majority supports similar to those provided by BC parents for all youth until they are in a stable situation with skills to move forward.
Networks/ Communities of Support
Supporting youth earlier in their teens with skills development, but also with additional networks of support in schools, in community centres, through kinship agreements where possible, through government and not for profit programs rather than with single caseworkers or foster homes that can change from year to year.
Meaningful Participation
Opportunities for meaningful participation and contribution include having opportunities for valued responsibilities, for making decisions, for giving voice and being heard, and for contributing oneÕs talents to the community.
Our hope is that we can spark ongoing conversations, bringing more citizens into this conversation, and highlight not only the challenges but also solutions in communities across the region.