Canada’s Foster Youth ‘Age Out’ Of Care Into Uncertainty Of Coronavirus Pandemic

Sarah Treleaven - Huffington Post

This article from the Huffington Post describes the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on care leavers in Canada. “It’s extremely hard right now,” said one care leaver. “No one has checked in with me. It’s hard to get my cheques because I have to pick them up in person. I don’t even really know what I’m supposed to be doing.”

As of the publication of this article, Ontario was the only province to announce a moratorium on aging out of care in response to the COVID-19 crisis. "The new pandemic protocol will be that Ontario youth about to turn 18 and still in extended society care will continue to receive services, which might mean remaining in their foster home or group home, in customary care, or under the guardianship of extended family," says the article. "Ontario’s recent decision, however, neglects to support the young people who aged out of care in the weeks and months leading up to the pandemic."