Resources for Young People in Care
MCFD Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE)
SAJE is a suite of supports provided by the Ministry of Children and Family Development for youth leaving their care. Click on the links below for more information about specific supports.
- Unconditional Income Supplement (UIS)
If you’ve been in care, you can access an unconditional monthly income supplement of $1,250 from age 19 to your 20 birthday.
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Conditional Income Supplement (CIS)
Conditional Income Supplements (CIS) help cover living expenses while you attend education, vocational training, life skills, cultural or rehabilitative programing. *Agreements with Young Adults (AYA) is being phased and replaced with CIS.
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Eligible young adults (age 19-27 birthday) renting in the private market may apply for a $600 monthly rent supplement for up to 2 years.
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You can stay in your placement up until your 21 birthday on a SAJE Housing Agreement (SHA).
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You can receive funding for living expenses up to your 21 birthday under a SAJE Support Agreement (SSA).
- SAJE Navigators and Guides can help you explore your interests, plan for the future, and access supports. SAJE Navigators support youth aged 14-19 ½ and Guides support youth between ages 18 ½ - 25.
- You can receive some extended health benefits while on an Income Supplement (UIC/CIS), Agreement with Young Adults (AYA), SAJE Housing Agreement (SHA), or a SAJE Support Agreement (SSA). Benefits include funding for dental, optical, counselling, and mental health.
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Life Skills, Training and Cultural Connections Funding (LSTCC)
You can access up to $5,500/year to cover costs related to your Life-skills, Training, and Cultural Connection goals while on a CIS/UIS/AYA. A total of $11,000 can be accessed between the ages of 20-27 birthday.
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.
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.
Tenant Resource and Advisory Center
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.
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.
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.
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.
Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT)
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.
