A normally disruptive period in the lives of all young people is made even more disruptive for youth in the process of leaving care. All formal support networks are dismantled with termination of care: the result is added instability during a period of fast-paced changes. Youth who are at the age of majority without extended care and maintenance are symbolically and literally dumped out of the system. Many youth have fears and anxieties over their futures with a lack of life skills and independence training. Also lacking financial and emotional support, the road can be long and winding.
This short paper identifies some of the difficulties that Canadian youth face in leaving care and offers three key recommendations to assist financial, emotional, and educational preparation for emancipation.
©National Youth In Care Network
