Province announces $28M for youth transitioning from care, but critics say program falls short

The UCP government is investing $28 million in a program aimed at supporting young adults aging out of government care, but critics say the transition has been disastrous and programming falls short for those most in need.

The Transition to Adulthood Program (TAP) was introduced last year as the province moved to end the Support and Financial Assistance Agreements (SFAA).

This week the province announced more funds for TAP — $25.6 million from Children's Services, plus $2.5 million from Skilled Trades and Professions.

"This is a life-changing program for youth in care and I'm incredibly grateful that budget 2023 includes $25.6 million over the next three years to help more youth and young adults make a smooth transition out of care," Mickey Amery, minister of Children Services, said at a news conference Wednesday.

"We're finding that it has benefited our young transitioning adults significantly."

One TAP beneficiary shared her journey from foster care to Red Seal welder after graduating from Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Emilia St. Pierre said her foster mom was her biggest cheerleader, instilling confidence and encouragement, and caring for her son while she attended school.

"This new Initiative from the government can help you find success in life and find the career of your dreams," St. Pierre said.

'We don't need to be limited by our past. And if I can do it, so can you."

Amery said TAP has improved upon SFAA supports by providing services that are specialized and more consistent to build successful, independent lives.

TAP financial supports end at 22 but non-financial supports are available up to 24 including mental health and addictions services, health benefits, and access to social workers, as part of a larger Youth in Transition program. 

But according to critics, TAP was not available as SFAA participants were cut off, and it has left behind those who are most vulnerable.

"They did not have an alternative program in place," said lawyer Avnish Nanda in a recent interview. "They developed the TAP program and it has been an unmitigated disaster.

"It has forced … people who otherwise would have been through the SFAA program, taken care of, supported, led to an independent self-sustaining life in adulthood, to homelessness, to substance use, use, to overdose, death."