The provincial government will provide an additional $1.7 million in funding to help young adults aging out of Child and Family Services (CFS) care as part of its broader commitment to reduce poverty, prevent homelessness and improve outcomes for vulnerable Manitobans, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine announced today.
“Leaving care is a critical transition in a young person’s life and we want to make sure there are no gaps between the services they rely on,” said Fontaine. “I am proud for the first time the Manitoba government is taking a proactive approach by connecting youth leaving care more seamlessly with adult supports. As part of our commitment to reduce poverty and end chronic homelessness, we are ensuring young people can have their basic needs met as they transition out of care and are connected to the programs and services they need to build stable, independent futures.”
According to a release from the provincial government, when people transition out of CFS care, they face a higher risk of poverty, housing instability, and other barriers to accessing government supports. The funds will strengthen transition planning, improve income security, and invest in “meeting youth where they are at”, said the Minister.
Specifically, the funding will help with three new initiatives: streamlined and simplified access to income assistance for young adults, a new youth pathways team to co-ordinate transition planning for youth and young adults, and grant funding of nearly $1.7 million from the Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) Endowment Fund for seven community organizations working to support young adults with CFS experience aged 18 to 26 who apply for or receive EIA.
Per the provincial release, more than 650 young adults transition out of CFS care when they reach the age of 18 every year.
