The Youth in Transition Program helps support youth transitioning from the child welfare sector into adulthood. To be eligible, youth must be between 16 – 24 years:
- In Extended Society Care or
- In a formal Customary Care arrangement immediately prior to the youth’s 18th birthday or
- Eligible for support under Continued Care and Support for Youth (CCSY).
Youth In Transition Workers aim to meet youth where it is more convenient for them, in the community, at coffee shops, libraries or at the office. Some resources and supports offered to youth may include:
- Housing and or educational supports.
- Employment and services training.
- Life skills (e.g.financial management and household management).
- Legal services and psychoeducation.
- Health and mental health services.
- Access to Trauma Therapy and Human Trafficking Peer Support Group.
- Snacks and TTC fare for case management needs.
- Access to Strides Food Mart available upon sign up.
In addition to the above supports, Strides YIT workers provide targeted/focused assistance in the following areas:
- Mental Health and Addictions YIT
- Bilingual (French speaking) YIT connects youth with Francophone resources within their communities.
- Anti-Human Trafficking YIT provides individualized case management to youth at risk of sexual exploitation and Human Trafficking.
The length of work with youth varies based on their long-term and short-term goals. Once youth provide consent, referrals can be emailed directly to our team:YIT@Stridestoronto.ca.