The province is providing new supports for youth transitioning out of Child and Family Services (CFS). Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine announced several initiatives Monday morning aimed at people leaving CFS care at 18 to help young adults avoid poverty. “For youth leaving care, the journey to adulthood can come with unique challenges,” Fontaine said at a news conference. “We have heard from many young people exiting care; they face barriers related to housing, stability, income security, employment, education, and access to health services. As a government, we are committed to reducing those barriers and providing the supports young people need during this critical transition time.” Some of the initiatives announced include a new mechanism for CFS agencies and youth to start applications for income assistance before they turn 18, and made regulatory changes to waive financial eligibility assessments for three months for adults exiting care. “These changes will create a time-limited, unconditional income for youth adults aging out of the child welfare system and provide greater stability at a time when they need it most,” Fontaine said. The province has also created a Youth Pathways Team to help support youth who have left care or are in the process of leaving care. The team is staffed by qualified workers who have knowledge of the CFS system and is available across the province, Fontaine said. The announcement also included $1.7 million in funding for several organizations helping youth in CFS care, including Initiatives for Just Communities, the Inuit Association of Manitoba, New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults & Families, Ndinawe Youth Resource Centre, FASD Life’s Journey, the Spence Neighbourhood Association and Voices: Manitoba’s Youth in Care Network. “Community organizations play an essential role in helping youth build connections, develop skills, access opportunities, and achieve their goals,” Fontaine said. A news release from the province says more than 650 young adults transition out of CFS care each year when they turn 18.
