As part of its commitment under the Provincial Domestic Violence Plan, the B.C. government is investing $500,000 to increase access to transition house and safe-home services for Aboriginal women and children who are affected by domestic violence.

The Government of B.C. is taking the next step toward its goal, under the BC Early Years Strategy, to expand the network of BC Early Years Centres in communities throughout the province.

Former children and youth in care will receive support for their future training and educational needs through the newly established Learning Fund for Young Adults (LFYA).

Government is contributing $250,000 to the Youth Futures Education Fund, which will be available to help cover expenses beyond tuition that may be a barrier to post-secondary education for former youth in care.

Perseverance, strength and resilience - these are the traits of B.C.'s children and youth in care.

Government is providing $315,000 to support the establishment of a mentorship program for 16-to 24-year-olds that will be delivered through Covenant House Vancouver.

The Province is providing $175,000 to ACT - Autism Community Training - to develop an online training program that will help qualified health professionals to better recognize the mental-health challenges that often accompany Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Domestic violence perpetrators, who previously only received intervention services following conviction, will soon have access to new, preventative community-based programs that can be attended before a crime is committed.

Government will provide $1 million to continue a bursary fund for students enrolled in early childhood education programs, Children and Family Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux announced at the BC Early Years Forum in Richmond.