BC are living with their parents until well into their twenties, young people coming out of the care system are forced into independence at 19; before they may be ready. Youth who have been in care are less likely than others to attend post-secondary education. Even with the increases in government financial assistance for post-secondary education, practical difficulties remain, ranging from navigating an unfamiliar system and paperwork, to being unable to afford to volunteer or take on unpaid internships during their studies. O ptions Community Services has a myriad of programs to support young people, but where there is a gap, is when it comes to timely and unique situations that cannot be met within a program’s or designated funding’s parameters and there is nowhere else for a youth to turn. Our Youth and the Gap
The need for more support to access job training, work experience, employment and education opportunities are frequently cited by youth from care and service providers. Ultimately, there is a consistent message that many youth just don’t know where to start, or who to turn to with questions about education and employment.
Based on Compass Connections and Plenty of Threads: A Report on the Prototype Programs, Surrey Poverty Reduction Coalition, 2022
This is where OCS program staff can use a discretionary fund. This fund will allow vulnerable youth to receive the customized support they need without having to fit neatly into a predetermined category of funding. One that allows OCS staff to pay for items that can make a huge and timely difference in a young person’s life. Things that can make ALL the
difference. Things that are game changers in these young people’s lives. They aren’t always complicated or large things, rather, things that most of us take for granted that these youth just don’t have access to. There are so many ways our staff could support the youth of the community. The possibilities are only limited by the young person’s needs.
Youth who:
» Are emerging from the child welfare system » Are struggling with mental health and/or suicidal thoughts » Have experienced the direct or indirect impact of trauma due to domestic violence, addiction, poverty, etc » Lack positive, safe and reliable places and people
» Are under supported in key areas of their lives
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