N.B. government to spend $1.2 million to support youth in care

New Brunswick's provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa, Monday July 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

The New Brunswick government is increasing the monthly financial support received by young people in the Youth Engagement and Young Adult Services program.

The province announced Wednesday it would up its overall spending by nearly $1.2 million to support people aged 16 to 26 in care. That translates to a 19 per cent increase per person, or an extra $163 to $259 each month, beginning June 1.

“Every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed,” said Social Development Minister Cindy Miles in a news release.

“This investment is an intentional step to help youth and young adults thrive by giving them the support they need when they need it most – whether that’s finishing their education, finding stable housing or entering the workforce.”

The province says the program also provides like-skills training, mental health support and housing stability services with a goal of:

• reducing the number of young people relying on social assistance or experiencing homelessness
• increasing high school and post-secondary completion
• helping young people find long-term, meaningful employment

“This kind of investment is foundational for youth who have experienced care to achieve a stable transition to adulthood; it acknowledges the unique barriers they face and helps create a more equitable future,” said Melanie Doucet, director and project lead for the National Council of Youth in Care Advocates.

“Youth in and from care deserve a starting point that is equitable and above the poverty line and allows them to pursue their interests and dreams so that they can grow into thriving adults.”

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