Adequacy of Support Services for Youth Aging Out of Care in Ontario (Child, Youth and Family Service

The transcription discusses the adequacy of support services for youth aging out of care in Ontario, particularly through the lens of the Child Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA). It highlights the challenges faced by these young adults as they transition into adulthood, including the impact of early childhood trauma, the lack of consistent supportive relationships, and the shortage of mental health services. The transcription also mentions the racial disparities within the child welfare system, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive policies and programs. While the CYFSA has provisions aimed at supporting transitioning youth, there are gaps between what the legislation says and what actually happens on the ground. The transcription highlights specific programs, such as Stepstones for Youth and Ready, Set, Go!, that aim to fill these gaps and provide essential support to youth. It also discusses the importance of trauma-informed care, creating safe and nurturing environments, Hey everyone, today we're talking about the adequacy of support services for youth aging out of care in Ontario through the lens of the Child Youth and Family Services Act. It's a pivotal time for any young person, but for these youth, the path to independence can be especially challenging. They are navigating a whole new world with a lot of baggage, and that's where the Child Youth and Family Services Act, or CYFSA, comes in. So let's take a dive into this piece of legislation to see if it's actually doing enough to help these young adults thrive, and there's some really interesting sources to help us attack this. There's research articles that look at the long-term effects of early childhood trauma, and policy guides that break down how the CYFSA is actually supposed to work in practice. So the goal of today is to figure out the support systems that are actually enough to help these young people succeed as they transition into adulthood, and this is a question with huge implications for these young people's lives. We're talking about teenagers, sometimes even younger, who are suddenly on their own, expected to figure out housing, finances, education, all while dealing with the emotional scars that often come with growing up in care. It's a lot to ask, and it comes across like we're setting them up to fail. One of the sources from CBC News points to a quote from a young person that described aging out of care like being shoved off the edge of a cliff, alone, with nothing, and expected to do well. This is a really powerful image, and unfortunately rings true for so many of these young people. This quote really highlights the feeling of abandonment that they often experience. We need to look at the history of the child welfare system in Ontario, and even though the sources do not directly address when and why this specific concern was included in the CYFSA, it is important to remember that systems don't just appear out of thin air. There's always a historical context that shapes how things work. With that being said, what historical context can we see? Let's start with how the approach to child welfare evolved in Ontario. Over time, child welfare in Ontario has gone through some pretty major shifts, everything from how we viewed child protection, to the role of the government, to how we define child's rights. In fact, many young people are up against the age of the system. One thing that comes up again and again in the research is the impact of adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs as we know them, and these refer to any traumatic or difficult events that happen during childhood, things like abuse, neglect, witnessing violence at home, or experiencing parental separation or substance abuse, so basically those early experiences that can leave a lasting impact on a young person's life. And research shows that those impacts can be pretty serious. A study by Malkman in 2017 found that ACEs can really create a ripple effect that leads to mental health challenges, difficulty finding stable employment, and even an increased risk of homelessness later in life. And with ACEs, it's not always about the experience themselves, it's about how they can make it harder to build a stable and successful life as an adult, and when you lay out the challenges that come with aging out of care, you can see how those young people are really facing an uphill battle. It's like they're carrying an invisible burden, and this is where I think that quote from a CBC News interview comes in so powerful. This quote from the young person who talks about it feeling like being shoved off a cliff really highlights the sense of abandonment that so many of these young people feel, and research from Sukumaran in 2021 backs this up. Sukumaran's study in 2021 found that this lack of consistent supportive relationships makes it even harder for them to overcome these challenges, so they're dealing with the impact of early trauma plus the stress of navigating adulthood without a solid support system, and we can't overlook the mental health piece either. You know, there's a huge shortage of mental health services available to youth aging out of care, and that's really disturbing to think about. You would think that with all they've been through, mental health support would be top priority, but the reality is the services are often stretched thin, and a lot of these young people end up falling through the cracks, and I imagine the lack of support combined with any trauma just creates more problems. There's research that shows a clear link between ACEs, peer victimization, bullying, social isolation, and an increased risk of substance use as a coping mechanism. It's a vicious cycle, and they're already so vulnerable, and then they're facing bullying and social exclusion on top of everything else. It's really a recipe for disaster, and it makes creating safe and supportive environments for these young people absolutely critical, and we can't talk about this without acknowledging the racial disparities that exist within the child welfare system. The Ontario Human Rights Commission has been really vocal about the representation of Indigenous and Black youth in the system. Sadly, it's the reality, and when you look at the outcomes for those youth as they age out of care, the picture gets even more concerning. These racialized youth face higher rates of poverty, homelessness, and involvement with the justice system. It's like the system is failing them at every turn, and it really underscores the need for policies and programs that are culturally sensitive and address the unique challenges these young people face. So with all that in mind, what does the CYFSA actually say about all of this, and is it doing anything to address these really serious challenges? Well, the CYFSA does have some provisions that are specifically aimed at supporting youth as they transition out of care, which is good to hear. So now, what are some of the things it focuses on? One element the CYFSA focuses on is the right for children and their rights and the services available to them. That's all emphasized in the 2023 Discussion Guide on the CYFSA. Youth need to know what their options are, but just knowing isn't enough. They need to actually access the services. So the CYFSA acknowledges the need for support, but doesn't necessarily guarantee it. And that's where those gaps start to emerge. The gaps this research is referring to is the gap between what the legislation says and what actually happens on ground. The research highlighted some specific programs that are working hard to fill these gaps. One that stands out is the Stepstones for Youth program in Toronto. This is a charity that really focuses on the areas where government support often falls short. Things like helping you secure housing, pursue education, and build a community. And that community piece is so important, especially considering what we talked about earlier regarding the lack of support systems. These youth need people to connect to. They need to feel like they belong. The next program the research highlights is the Ready, Set, Go! program in Ottawa. They start working with youth at the age of 13, teaching them important life skills like managing money, preparing for jobs, and understanding how to navigate social services. The Ready, Set, Go! program is highlighted in an article from Ontario Connected earlier this year, trying to get these young people ahead before they even reach the point of aging out. And one thing that was really interesting about this program that Ontario Connect highlighted was that they actually allow you to remain in care until the age of 23, which is a huge difference from aging out at 18. That extra time and support could be a game changer. And it really speaks to the broader call to reform that we see in a lot of research from and Montauk in 2023. They both argued for extending support beyond the age of 18, which makes sense because turning 18 doesn't magically make you an adult, especially when you factor in everything else they've experienced. These young people need a more gradual transition into independence. It's not a one-and-done situation. It's about recognizing the path to adulthood looks different for everyone, and the kind of support they need matter too. Sticker Moran's 2021 research also highlights the growing push for trauma-informed practice and the key areas of improvement that's needed. Okay, so what is trauma-informed care, and what does it actually look like in practice? It means recognizing and responding to the impact of trauma in a person's life, and then creating services and environments that feel safe, empowering, and understanding. So instead of just offering generic programs, we need to tailor them to the unique needs of individuals who experience trauma. It's about more than meeting them where they're at, emotionally and developmentally. And a 2022 paper by Houston and Crooks really highlights this. They said we need to focus on making these programs flexible, simple, and developmentally appropriate. So if you think about it, it's not just about what we offer, it's about how we offer them. And this brings us back to the issue of peer victimization we were talking about earlier. Remember, the Ontario Human Rights Commission showed how damaging bully and social exclusion can be. Well, research from Afifi in 2020 also mentions this and elaborates more on how when we combine ACEs with these factors, like bullying, there can be extra damage. So Afifi explores how creating safe and nurturing environments, whether it's in schools, community centres, or even online, becomes more critical for these young people. It's about fostering resilience, helping them develop those healthy coping mechanisms, and giving them the tools to navigate the world that hasn't been kind to them. And this brings up another important point, which is the idea of citizen involvement in shaping policy. Citizen involvement means everyday people having a say on how the government addresses these issues. There's a great article from 2002 by Susan B. Phillips and Michael Orsini called Mapping the Links, Citizen Involvement in Policy Processes. This article talks about everyday people, not just politicians and experts who actually engage with the government and potentially influence decisions. And that's so important because these are the people who have actual experience living in the system, and their voices need to be a part of the solution. They bring such valuable insights and perspectives that policymakers might not have. And this also raises an important point that recognizes that expertise can come from experiences, not just academics. And that people in positions of power need to be creating systems that are responsive to the needs of the people they actually serve. Okay, so we've talked about the challenges, the gaps in the system, and the need for reform. So what does the contemporary perspective on this social policy concern look like? This more contemporary perspective can tell us about how we can better support these young people and how we have to start by acknowledging that while there has been some positive steps, like those programs we were talking about earlier, there are still significant gaps, gaps that need to be addressed. And if we want to create a system that truly works and sets young people up for success, we need to address them. One of the key areas where we need to see improvement for support beyond the age of 18, I know it keeps coming up like a broken record, but it is a crucial piece of this puzzle. You cannot just cut people off at 18 and expect them to have it all figured out. It's about extending the timeline of their support. Either it's about giving them the right kind of support or moving towards a more comprehensive and holistic approach that addresses all the interconnected challenges they face. It's also not about tackling one issue at a time, but rather seeing the big picture and recognizing that mental health, housing, education, and employment are all connected and the approaches need to be rooted in trauma-informed care. They need to be culturally sensitive and they need to be designed with input from those who have actually lived through the system, so the detached experts aren't the ones dictating solutions. We need collaboration with those who have firsthand experiences and challenging our own assumptions and being open to new ideas because there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the issue of youth aging out of care. It's about flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to listen and shifting our focus from managing problems to fostering potential for these young people because they have so much to offer. We need to give them a chance and creating a system that believes in them and gives them the tools that they need to build a future filled with hope and possibility is the way to do that. We need to zoom in and see how different groups are experiencing this transition because there are specific challenges for indigenous youth, for LGBTQIA plus youth, and for youth with disabilities. We need that level of detail to develop effective solutions and we need to remember that behind all those numbers are real people with real stories. So let's bring those voices to the forefront. Their insight should be guiding our research and informing our policies so we can ensure that research is driven by those who are most impacted. So we've talked about what the challenge is but it's also important to acknowledge that there is a reason for optimism despite all these hurdles. There's a growing movement to address this issue and we are seeing more awareness, more people demanding change, and multiple organizations dedicating to support these young people. We are seeing a shift towards innovation and creativity that we talked about earlier. People are coming up with new ideas and approaches that move beyond those traditional models of care that have always been effective and most importantly, we are seeing the resilience and determination from the young people themselves. They are advocating for their rights, sharing their stories, and inspiring change in the phase of adversity for the possibility of a brighter future. Continuing on, let's talk about something else. The research talks about how mentorship is often overlooked. Connecting these young people with adults who can provide guidance and support can be positive role models in their lives is also one of the many things lacked from consistent positive figures in their day-to-day lives. They have experienced unstable foster placements, inconsistent relationships with social workers, or even a lack of positive influence from their families of origin. So having a mentor, someone who believes in them, listens to them, and guides them can be really life-changing. And it's not just about practical advice or career guidance, it's about building a trusting relationship. They can really boost their self-esteem and give them a sense of belonging to help them see their potential, worth, and capacity to create a life they are proud of. So how do we create more of these mentorship opportunities? Well, it starts with raising awareness about the need and impact mentorship can have. We need to encourage people who are willing to share their time and expertise to step up and become mentors. Also, we need to develop programs to connect mentors to young people. Programs that offer training and support to ensure those relationships are successful. And remember, those programs need to be culturally sensitive. As we talked about earlier, the experiences of Indigenous youth can differ from those of non-Indigenous youth, and we need to be mindful of that. Matching mentors and mentees based on shared cultural background, interest, or even lived experience can make those relationships even stronger and more meaningful. This will help create connections that feel authentic and genuine, which can foster trust and mutual understanding. Let's not forget that mentorship is a two-way street. Mentor and mentee has to have a shared growth and discovery. It's a journey. But okay, let's be realistic. Mentorship, while incredible, isn't a cure, and you can't use it to replace those bigger solutions that we've been talking about. You know, the adequacy of social services, health care, affordable housing, and addressing the systemic issues that create these challenges in the first place. Mentorship can be a powerful tool, but it needs to be a part of a broader system of support. It's about weaving together a strong safety net, a web of support that catches these young people as they navigate the complexities of adulthood and empower them to speak up for their needs and to create a better future for themselves. Okay, so shifting gears a bit now, it is crucial to discuss the role of research and data in shaping how we approach this issue. We've been discussing personal stories, anecdotal evidence, and the experiences of those who've been in the system, and those are incredibly valuable, but we need to look at the hard data, so things like collecting statistics, analyzing trends, to make sure that they're accurate and successful. This can give us a clearer picture of the problem and help us figure out what's working and what isn't. We need robust data collection, systems that capture real experiences of these young people, their struggles, their successes, and their unmet needs. And that's the information that needs to be guiding our efforts. Then we can use the data to develop evidence-based policies and programs to make smarter decisions about where to put our resources, instead of looking at the numbers as a whole. We need them down to see how different groups of people are being impacted by disaggregating the data to understand the different challenges indigenous youth, black youth, LGBTQIA plus youth are facing. That level of detail is essential for creating tailored solutions and making sure no one is invisible in the data. It's also important to see the nuance and involve those with lived experiences in the research process, because they are the experts of their own lives, after all. And asking the right questions and interpreting the data in a way that actually makes sense. It's not about crunching numbers, but using the data to create real meaningful changes and making sure that those who are most affected have a voice in shaping solutions. It's important to acknowledge that this is a long-term commitment, and we are not going to solve the challenges overnight. It's a marathon, not a sprint. And being able to sustain commitment to advocacy, policy reform, program development, and creating a society that genuinely values and supports these young people. They are not just statistics or case files. They are people with dreams and the potential to contribute so much to the world. Now, let's circle back to something we talked about earlier, which is the importance of intervention. And not just addressing the root causes that lead children into the child welfare system, but diving into what prevention looks like and why it's crucial. It's often overshadowed by crisis intervention, but if we truly want to break the cycle of trauma and disadvantage that these young people face, prevention is key. So, what are some of the practical steps that we can take to prevent children from entering the system in the first place? Well, it starts with those social determinants of health, like poverty, lack of affordable housing, food security, and access to quality health care and education. All of those factors can put a lot of stress on families and create instability, which can lead to involvement with the child welfare system. So, investing in programs that strengthen family support, communities, and create a safety net for those who are struggling is absolutely crucial for prevention. It's about tackling those systemic issues that disproportionately impact certain communities. We need a more just and equitable society where every family, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, has a chance to thrive and give caregivers the tools that they need. Parenting is hard, and everyone needs support sometimes. So, investing in parent programs, providing access to respite care, and fostering communities where parents can connect and learn from each other are all important parts in this. And early intervention is truly the key. The sooner we can identify families that are struggling, the sooner we can connect them with support and help them navigate those challenges before they escalate. Early intervention can make all the difference, and they can mean the difference between a child thriving in their family and a child being removed from their home. So, there are things like home visitation programs for new parents, early childhood education and family. Resource centers are all valuable tools for prevention, and it's about creating a culture where families feel comfortable asking for help without the fear of judgment or stigma or that their children will be taken away. We need to build communities where seeking support is seen as strength, not weakness. It's about creating a society where we value families and invest in their well-being, and knowing that this is one of the most effective ways to prevent children leaving their homes and ensuring a healthy development and preventing children from entering the child welfare system isn't just about protecting kids. It's about strengthening families and communities as a whole. Trauma can have such a ripple effect, and you can't ignore its impact when we talk about prevention. Addressing trauma within families has to be a part of the equation. That makes things like providing access to trauma-informed therapy and creating supportive environments where families can heal. Recognizing that trauma is critical and involves acknowledging the past to work towards meaningful reconciliation and ultimately creating a more just and equitable future for all families. Breaking those cycles of generational trauma takes time, patience, and compassion, and long-term commitments to supporting these families. It also requires a shift, a shift in how we view these issues and move away from blaming individuals and focusing on the systemic factors that often are at play. It's easy to get caught up in policies, the programs, and the data, but ultimately, the valuable insights are going to come from the people who have actually navigated the child welfare system. How do we make sure that their voices are truly heard? We need to create spaces where they feel safe sharing their experiences and that their perspectives are valued and their insights directly inform how we shape policies and programs. We have to be willing to listen with humility, recognizing that our own perspectives and biases might be limiting our understanding. We need to be open to learning from those who have different points of view and shifting the power dynamics from experts telling people what they need to people telling the experts what they really need, recognizing that everyone has a story to tell, a perspective to share, and a valuable contribution to make. And when we truly listen to those stories, when we truly value those perspectives, we create a space for everyone to contribute. So, as we wrap up our deep dive today, let's acknowledge the sense of hope that hopefully you all have despite the challenges these young people face. There's a reason to be optimistic because we are seeing more awareness about this issue and more people calling for change and more organizations dedicating themselves to supporting these incredibly young people and seeing some really innovative approaches. We are seeing resilience and determination from these young people through their advocacy for their rights and their stories that truly inspire all of us to do better. They are the embodiment of hope, showing us that even in the face of adversity, a brighter future is possible, and it's our responsibility to support them on that journey, to create a world where all young people, regardless of background or experience, have the opportunity to thrive. A world where every child is safe and has a loving, supportive home. A world where we truly believe in the power of hope and the power of change and human connection. Thanks for joining me today, and remember, every little bit counts. Every conversation, act of kindness, every voice raised, and support all contributes to a better future for these amazing young people. Let's do our part.