Leaving Care
Becoming an independent adult is a gradual process. Just because a teen has reached their 18th birthday, doesn’t mean they are ready to live on their own without ongoing financial and emotional support and guidance, and a home to come back to. Peel Children’s Aid Society is pleased to provide continued support for young people, as needed, until they are 25 years old.
Protection Services for 16 and 17-year-olds
In 2018, the Government of Ontario raised the age of protection to include 16 and 17 year olds. Peel CAS provides a full range of child protection services to youth 16 and 17 years old including assessment, ongoing services, kinship, and out-of-home protection services. For additional information on Services for youth, view this brochure from the Province of Ontario.
Financial Support
- Continued Care - Youth who are 18 and transitioning from care may be eligible to receive financial supports of $850/month, as well as guidance up to the age of 21 from their Children’s Aid Society. These supports are intended to help eligible youth as they complete their schooling and transition to adulthood.
- The Ontario Child Benefit Equivalent - The Government of Ontario provides money for youth age 15-18 in the care of a Children’s Aid Society. Eligible youth, who have completed financial literacy training, will have access to these savings after their 18th birthday.
- RESPs – Children’s Aid Societies are required to maintain Registered Education Savings Plans for the children and youth in our care. Youths can access these funds upon admission to a university, college or vocational school.
- Tuition support – Funding is available through OSAP and many other grants, bursaries and scholarships, including some administered by the Peel Children’s Aid Foundation. Visit our Post-secondary Studies page for more information.
Stay home for school
Youth 18 to 21 who are leaving care and need additional time to complete high school may be eligible to remain with their caregivers. Ontario has extended funding to caregivers to provide a stable home for these youth as they complete their education.
Finding a job
At Peel CAS, we are committed to creating employment opportunities for youth. We want to provide you with all the support you need to create a career path once you turn 21.We have created employment partnerships with a variety of organizations to provide summer and long-term employment opportunities for our youth. Opportunities also exist to work with Peel CAS in our office as a financial literacy trainer or in our youth programs. For more information, please contact us.
Aftercare benefits
A comprehensive health and dental benefits program is available through OACAS for former children and youth in care from age 21-25. This program also offers life skills support counselling until the age of 29. Find out more about the program.
Youth Success Coordinator
The Youth Success Coordinator at Peel CAS is available to youth in our care, and those transitioning to adulthood, to connect them to resources and community supports to help them on their journey.
