Need Help?
If you need help now and it is outside of our office hours, see below for a list of emergency contacts and other groups who work to support youth in and from care in BC.
Crisis and Support Lines
In the event of an emergency, DIAL 911.
Youth in BC
Free 24/7 crisis counseling line for youth in B.C. with online chat until 1 AM
PHONE: 1-800-784-2433 | LIVE CHAT: http://youthinbc.com/
Kids Help Phone
Free 24/7 crisis counseling line for young people age 20 and under
Phone | 1-800-668-6868 | LIVE CHAT: http://kidshelpphone.ca | Resources Around Me
Non-profit registered charity that provides 24 hour crisis services through education, prevention and intervention programs.
Toll Free | 1-800-588-8717 | Child/Youth Line | 250-723-2040 | Adult/Elders Line | 250-723-4050 | Métis Line | (1-833-MétisBC)
Resources for Young People in and from Care
BC Housing develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options across the province. They work with the ministry responsible for housing to address gaps in the housing sector, which range from emergency shelter and rent assistance in the private market to affordable home ownership.
WorkBC connects job seekers and employers – helping people find jobs, explore career options and improve their skills, and helping employers find the right talent and grow their businesses.
TRAC is a non-profit organization that provides free legal education, representation, and advocacy on residential tenancy matters. A leader in tenants’ rights since 1984, TRAC’s mandate is to improve legal protections for all tenants living in British Columbia.
BC 211 OR call or text 2-1-1.
BC 211 helps you find support services for all of life’s challenges. The service is free, available 24/7, and available in over 150 languages.
MCFD Agreements with Young Adults (AYA)
If you’ve been in foster care or had a Youth Agreement, you may qualify for an Agreement with a Young Adult (AYA). It can help cover the cost of things like housing, child care, tuition and health care while you go back to school, or attend a rehabilitation program.
Applications are closed for this program until Spring 2023. Eligible young adults (ages 19-27) may apply for a $600 monthly rent supplement for up to 2 years.
A collaboration between TELUS and Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada (CAFC) and select Centre de Jeunesse Foundations, Mobility for Good® helps youth aging out of care achieve independence by providing them with a free phone and a $0 plan. This enables them to stay in touch with friends and vital support networks, search for somewhere to live, find education and job opportunities, and build credit.
AgedOut
A website that supports young people to navigate many of the challenges and barriers that come with transitioning out of government care and into adulthood.
A website that supports young people to navigate many of the challenges and barriers that come with transitioning out of government care and into adulthood.
BC Representative for Children and Youth (RCY)
If you are still in care, the RCY has advocates you can contact if you are not happy with your experience in care; they also have a free app that empowers young people to understand and speak out about their rights guaranteed under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
If you are still in care, the RCY has advocates you can contact if you are not happy with your experience in care; they also have a free app that empowers young people to understand and speak out about their rights guaranteed under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
BC Ombudsperson
Do you feel like you have been treated unfairly? Do you have a complaint and feel like your voice isn’t being heard? The Ombudsperson's office is here to listen to complaints youth may have about a variety of issues from youth agreements, aging out and transition planning to housing, schools, healthcare and more. Services are free and confidential.
Do you feel like you have been treated unfairly? Do you have a complaint and feel like your voice isn’t being heard? The Ombudsperson's office is here to listen to complaints youth may have about a variety of issues from youth agreements, aging out and transition planning to housing, schools, healthcare and more. Services are free and confidential.
The PGT protects the legal and financial interests of children and youth in care in BC. They’re responsible for your money and for representing you in some legal situations.
