Ministry supports foster kids beyond age 19

Re: “Extend support for foster kids,” editorial, Sept. 21. It is important for readers to understand that support does not end for former youth in care at age 19, as the editorial suggests.

We support youths with rent and food money, cover MSP costs and even provide money for tuition and books — provided the youths have a plan for their future that includes post-secondary education or attendance at a mental-health or addictions-treatment program.

Last fall, we paved the way for increasing and enhancing this support. We changed legislation to give us more flexibility around who can access supports and for how long, and to add to the types of programs that are eligible for funding.

Details are forthcoming, but we know that many of our youths have told us they need life-skills training, such as basic household budgeting, meal preparation and banking skills. We have listened and will deliver. To be clear, kids aging out of care have access to support even after they reach the age of 19. Right now, we can help them with more schooling or involvement in a rehabilitative program up the age of 24.

In the coming weeks, we will broaden program criteria and extend the age of eligibility because we know that, even though the law says you’re an adult at 19, you still need guidance and a helping hand. Stephanie Cadieux Minister of Children and Family Development