January 11, 2007

Report calls for transition
By ROCHELLE SQUIRES, LEGISLATURE REPORTER

Turning 18 is often an induction into a bleak and hopeless future for children living in foster care.

It's a day when they stop receiving the support as a foster child and are thrust into living on their own without a foster family.

Almost 1,600 youth in Manitoba will reach this milestone in the next three years, many unprepared to begin life on their own, said Billie Schibler, executive director of the Children's Advocate.

"Many of the youth that leave the child-welfare system are severed from family. They are severed from their community and, in the end, they are severed from the system that was intended to provide them with a healthier, more stable existence than they had when they were with their birth family," said Schibler.

Schibler warns many of them end up in jail or gangs.

"Many of them carry emotional scars and identity issues," she said.

A report released yesterday by Children's Advocates highlights 45 recommendations to improve the system and help youth transition from foster care into independent living.

Expand services

The crux of the report is calling on the province to expand services to foster kids, including extending assistance up to the age of 21 years, rather than 18. Improvements to housing, education and health for foster youth reaching the age of majority was also identified.

Family Services Minister Gord Mackintosh, who attended the Children's Advocate press conference, announced $240,000 would begin flowing April 1 to help youth reaching the age of majority living in foster care.

"To be successful it's not independence but interdependence," said Mackintosh, as he responded to the recommendations with initiatives to build support systems for youth in care.

The province will establish a fund to encourage transitioning youth to finish high school and pursue post-secondary education. A mentorship program will also be established as well as more services for youth up to the age of 21.

"We have to build on what we have built so far and have a more consistent approach," said Mackintosh.

Marie Christian, co-ordinator at Voices, a government agency that helps transitioning foster youth into adulthood, said the improvements are desperately needed as many foster youth feel their future is hopeless and bleak after turning 18. It doesn't have to be that way, she adds.

"It all depends on the supports they have, who can they ask for help and who will be there for them," said Christian.

Verna Cowley, a former foster child, lived in more than six homes before moving out on her own when she was 17.

"I decided myself to be out of the system because there wasn't enough support. I wanted to be on my own rather than be (in a foster home)," said Cowley.

She credits her internal strength and determination for getting by. She hopes there will be greater support in the future for others to ensure they don't have to go down such a long and lonely road.

rsquires@wpgsun.com


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