There are supports available to young people once they leave the care of a children’s aid society at the age of 18.

• Through Extended Care and Maintenance agreements, youth receive financial and emotional support until 21. These agreements may include work, budgeting, counselling and talking with a CAS worker. The goal is a smoother transition to adulthood.
• Youth 16 and 17, who have left care, can return to their children’s aid society and get financial and emotional support until they turn 21.
• Education championship teams provide support, which could include mentoring or orientation programs, to former youth in care to help with the transition to college or university. The teams include representatives from local school boards, children's aid societies, colleges and universities, community agencies and Employment Ontario.
• Financial supports for post-secondary education include college and university application fee refunds and bursaries, grants and loans through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
• Savings from funding equivalent to the Ontario Child Benefit can help meet some of the needs of older youth. Youth also get help learning how to use a bank account and manage their money.

For more information, contact your local children’s aid society or the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities at 416-325-2929 or 1-800-387-5514, TTY 1-800-263-2892.