For many children and youth in government care, the thought of going to university may seem like little more than a pipe dream. But it's a dream that Thomas Murtland made a reality, and now he wants to mentor other young people so that they too can experience the rewards of a post-secondary education.

Growing up, Thomas faced some of the challenges common to many children and youth in government care. Having spent time in two foster care settings and at several family placements, he lacked the home stability and steady financial support that would allow him an easy transition into post-secondary education.

Now, he is one of more than 1,200 young adults who have benefitted from the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Agreements with Young Adults (AYA), a $5-million program that supports young people aged 19-24 who are transitioning out of government care and into adulthood.

Through AYA, Thomas got the support he needed, including advice, guidance and funding for room and board to attend Trinity Western University in Langley. He also received a separate tuition bursary through the Youth Education Assistance Fund (YEAF). After graduating earlier this year with a degree in general studies, he returned to Trinity Western, this time as an admissions counsellor who helps secondary school graduates navigate the sometimes confusing entrance into post-secondary education.

Thomas has since offered to work with the ministry to explore a formalized mentoring process that would allow those who have had success through the AYA program to share their knowledge and experience with others.

Why it Matters:

For most young people, the task of planning for their future is daunting enough; for children and youth who have been in government care, that challenge is often compounded by financial, health, family and other issues.

The AYA program provides financial assistance and support services to help young people finish secondary school, learn job and life skills, attend college or university, or complete a rehabilitative program. Under the AYA program, social workers work with young people to develop a written plan that helps them address their needs and goals as they approach adulthood. Throughout the agreement, the social worker maintains close contact, provides advice and support, and helps youth make decisions that will enable them to achieve their full potential.

Interested youth can find out more and can apply to the program by contacting the social worker they had while they were in care/in a Youth Agreement, or by phoning their nearest Ministry of Children and Family Development office.

Quotes:

Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development -

"We want all those who have gone through the foster care system to know that there are resources available, even after they reach adulthood, to help them overcome obstacles and realize their full potential. By linking young people to programs like Agreements with Young Adults, government is working to ensure more successful transitions and better life outcomes for children and youth who have been in care."

Thomas Murtland, undergraduate admissions counsellor at Trinity Western University -

"The AYA and YEAF programs provided me with much-needed financial assistance as I prepared for post-secondary education. Finances are a concern for many students pursuing a university education, but students in government care are typically faced with even higher financial concerns. However, finances are not the only concern of students leaving care; there are also parts of the transition that the program can help cover that you may not think of - like where to go for Christmas break. I am fully convinced that two things contributed heavily to my success leaving the foster care system: the financial support and mentorship of the AYA program and choosing a small, liberal arts university with the community support I needed."

Cricket Minich, social worker - Agreements with Young Adults -

"It is extremely exciting to witness the transformation of the young adults I work with. The AYA program enables our youth to gain skills and confidence to enter the workforce as well as fulfil their dreams."

Quick Facts:

• Since its creation in 2008, more than 1,200 young adults have benefited from the Agreements with Young Adults program.
• Approximately 8,200 children and youth are in government care in B.C.
• The Ministry of Children and Family Development funds a range of youth services, including outreach workers, youth support workers, youth and family mediation, safe house and emergency shelter beds, transitional housing, youth agreements, support services to sexually exploited youth, and Agreements with Young Adults.

Learn More:

Agreements with Young Adults: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/youth/aya.htm

Youth Education Assistance Fund: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/yeaf/index.htm

MCFC youth programs and services: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/youth/index.htm

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639

Thomas Murtland
Undergraduate Admissions Counsellor at Trinity Western University
604 513-2121 (ext. 3075)