New rent supplements, transition workers and a no-limit earnings exemption will help youth from care make stronger transitions to adulthood.

Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, and Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development, have issued the following statement in recognition of Community Social Services Awareness Month, March 1-31:

Young people in government care will have access to new and increased supports until the age of 27.

The Province is investing $20 million in one-time grants to help licensed child care providers meet the challenges of additional pandemic-related health and safety costs, while also supporting access to inclusive, quality and affordable child care.

The Province is distributing up to 250,000 rapid antigen tests to government-funded child care providers throughout British Columbia for use by child care professionals with COVID-19 symptoms.

New early learning and child care legislation, which became law Oct. 27, 2021, will help the Province deliver on its 10-year Childcare BC plan to build an affordable, quality and inclusive early learning and child care system for B.C. families.

Eligible youth and young adults who have transitioned from government care will continue to benefit from more flexible access to the Agreements with Young Adults (AYA) program, as government extends COVID-19 emergency measures to March 2022.

Métis families in Saanich will benefit from dozens of new licensed child care spaces that recognize and honour Métis culture and heritage, as part of the Province’s commitment to support communities and build resiliency.