Ontario Boosting Support for Children and Youth in Care
Press Release
Province Investing in Transportation, Educational Liaisons to Provide Stability for Students
October 23, 2017 2:30 P.M.
Ontario is boosting support for children and youth in care with new funding for student transportation and educational liaisons, to provide more stability and assistance at school so students can reach their full potential.
Mitzie Hunter, Minister of Education, alongside Michael Coteau, Minister of Children and Youth Services, made the announcement in Hamilton today.
The province will be providing school boards with funding for transportation services for children and youth in care, which will provide more stability by allowing students to stay in their current school when they experience changes in their place of residence.
Funding will also be provided to Ontario’s children’s aid societies, including Indigenous societies, to connect children and youth in care with an educational liaison. The liaisons will assist students in navigating the school system and developing educational plans and goals, and coordinate available supports within the school and the community to help students reach their full potential.
Boosting the success of students inside and outside the classroom is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.
Quick Facts
- Ontario is providing $21 million over three years to improve transportation services for children and youth in care, and connect them with educational liaisons.
- In 2016, Ontario’s five-year graduation rate increased to 86.5 per cent – up more than 18 percentage points compared to the 2004 rate of 68 per cent.
- There are 38 children’s aid societies and 10 Indigenous societies in Ontario.
- In 2016-17, the average number of children and youth in care was 13,980.
Additional Resources
- Ontario Student Assistance Program
- Highly Skilled Workforce
- Ontario’s Renewed Vision for Education
- The Child, Youth and Family Services Act
- Supports for Youth Leaving Care
- Blueprint for Fundamental Change to Ontario’s Child Welfare System
Quotes
“Ontario is committed to providing the best possible learning opportunities and supports for all students. This funding will bring stability to students at a critical time that will enable them to focus on their education. Students will also be able to maintain important relationships in school with friends, staff and educators, from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and beyond.”
Mitzie Hunter
Minister of Education
“There is no doubt school can be a daunting, challenging time for young people as they learn to navigate new social experiences and learning opportunities. Ontario is ensuring all kids face as few barriers as possible, so they can learn, grow and reach their full potential.”
Michael Coteau
Minister of Children and Youth Services
Media Contacts
Richard Francella
Minister’s Office
richard.francella@ontario.ca
Heather Irwin
Communications Branch
416-325-2454
Public Inquiries
416-325-2929
TTY
1-800-268-7095
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