Guess What?
The Agreements with Young Adults Program (AYA) just got even better!
The Agreements with Young Adults Program (AYA) just got even better!
This program provides grants of up to $5,500 per program year to former B.C. youth in care students between 19 and 24 years of age.
Moving out on your own and becoming an adult also means making more of your own decisions. But services and programs there to help
Preparing to leave foster care can be really exciting and difficult at the same time.
It can be a time of discovery as new doors to your future open up. However, moving out on your own and becoming an adult also means you will have to begin making more of your own decisions. If you ever find yourself in doubt, we are a phone call away.
If you're not quite ready to pick up the phone, the information below should help to point you in the right direction.
Things to Think about While You're Transitioning
Becoming an adult is a process. The goal of being a teen is to learn how to become less dependent on adults and to become more self sufficient. Learning often means trying out different things out and spreading your wings. Life experience is often the best teacher of all.
If you are in government care, you should discuss your future with your worker. Talk about things like:
Those in a Youth Agreement will most likely be working on a Plan for Independence that will address most (if not all) of the above.
Thinking about Education?
You have a lot of options for going back to school, so it can feel overwhelming to choose a school or program.
The Education Section on AgedOut.com has some great things think about when deciding what school or program might be the best fit for you.
If it's your goal to graduate from high school, there are a few programs and options available:
Learn more about SAJE.
Most post-secondary programs and courses have tuition or fees associated with them. Additional education expenses can include textbooks, a computer, stationery supplies, uniforms or specialized tools. You will need to plan and budget to afford these costs. StudentAid BC is able to help you navigate funding options and build a plan to finance your education.
The Provincial Tuition Waiver Program waives tuition and eligible fees for B.C students who are current or former youth in care studying full-time or part-time at the undergraduate level at a B.C. public post-secondary institution, the Native Education College, or one of the approved union-based trades training providers.
The Learning for Future Grant is available to full-time or part-time students who meet the eligibility criteria requirements for the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program and are enrolled in a program or course that leads, or will lead, to a credential at the undergraduate level.
Have Questions about Your Health & Wellness?
There are a lot of choices that you can make to maintain or improve your physical and mental health. There are many programs and services provided in B.C. to help you stay healthy and make healthy choices.
Most of your health care is covered by the Medical Service Plan (MSP) for a monthly fee. There are also services that help you pay for MSP and prescriptions. If you have a Status Card, you can get additional health benefits for free.
Finding a Place to Live
There are a lot of different housing options in B.C. It's a good idea to spend some time thinking about what will work best for you. It comes down to finding a balance between what's ideal and what's available.
You have rights as a tenant. If you understand your rights, you'll probably feel more prepared to handle conflicts with your landlord. Below are tools and resources to help you learn more about your rights as a tenant.
Get Your ID
Proving your identity is required for many day-to-day activities like completing an application, cashing a cheque or renting an apartment. All B.C. residents should have government-issued ID and know how to keep their personal identification safe. Both provincial and federal governments provide citizens with ID.
If you've lost your wallet or ID, make sure you cancel and replace all of your important cards. Here’s a list to help you through this process so that you replace your cards and identification in the right order.
Employment & Money
Personal Life
People can be in abusive relationships with a family member or dating partner.
If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety call 9-1-1.
AgedOut.com is for young adults who were in government care in B.C.
It's an up-to-date warehouse of information on resources and services available to young adults, and a learning tool to help you feel empowered as you leave care.
In partnership with MCFD and the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, TELUS is offering eligible young adults between the ages of 19-26 a free phone and 2-year data plan.
Learn more about this opportunity here.
The Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks (FBCYICN) is a youth-driven, provincial non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of young people in and from care in B.C. between the ages of 14 and 24.