The province is topping up financial support to help young people transition from being in government care, to being on their own.
About 300 youth availing of help with housing, have also been receiving money and other support from the province. And as of January 1, they’ll get at least another $600 a month to help with expenses, plus help around education and joining the workforce.
Rick Kelly, executive director of Waypoints, which helps care for vulnerable children, youth and families, says the additional support will not only help with the basics, but also the intangibles such as mental health and addictions services, life skills programming and employment counselling.
Kelly says while it will help with groceries and heat, the additional wrap-around supports are key to the success of the program.
Children, Seniors and Social Development Minister John Abbott noted the basic income program is based on an analysis and recommendations stemming from the Health Accord, which places great emphasis on the social determinants of health.
Abbott says the program will help further empower vulnerable youth to successfully transition to adulthood.