The Agreements with Young Adults (AYA) program is only for former youth in care (Continuing Custody Order or Youth Agreement). It provides financial support for you to finish high school, to go to college or university, to take a rehabilitation program, or to take a life skills program.
*NEW* Temporary changes to the AYA program
The temporary changes to the AYA program have been extended until March 31st 2022.
This means:
- The hours you need to participate in a program for AYA have been reduced (minimum hours: 5 hours per week of life skills OR 5 hours per week of mental health/rehabilitative programs OR a combination of both equal to 5 hours.
- You can take programs online or take a combination of life-skills programs that focuses on the areas that are important to you – including cultural connections.
As of Oct 1, 2020, more flexibility to access mental health supports including cultural healing and wellness are available for young adults under the AYA rehabilitative program area.
Click here to read the full announcement.
Reach out to your local MCFD/DAA office to access the AYA under these new guidelines. You can also contact the Representative for Children and Youth at rcy@rcybc.ca or call 1-800-476-3933. The Representatives Office can support you in making the right connections within your local MCFD or DAA office.
Am I eligible for the AYA program?
You can apply to AYA if:
1. You had one of the following care statuses on your 19th birthday:
- Continuing Custody Order (CCO)
- Youth Agreement
- In the process of adoption (Family Relations Act)
2. you are doing at least one of the following:
- Finishing high school
- Attending college or university
- Completing a rehabilitation program
- Completing a Life Skills Program See below for a list of eligible programs.
3. And are older than 19 and younger than 27 years old.
Insider Tip
When you leave care, get a letter stating your care status (Many bursaries require you to prove you were in care). If you've already left care, call your last social worker's office and ask them for the letter. You might have to go into an office and show your ID to get it.
What kind of financial help can I get from AYA?
You can get money for:
- Living expenses
- Child care
- Tuition fees
- Health care
How do I apply?
To apply for AYA:
1. Fill out the application form. (If you experience issues opening the form, please email Info@agedout.com with subject line AYA form and we will send it to you in file format)
2. Drop it off at an MCFD office.
When looking for an office:
- Click the link above
- Enter in your city or town
- Look for Child and Family Services offices
- Select the one closest to you
3. Wait for the AYA social worker in your area to contact you. It might take a month or so.
Who can help me fill out the application form?
Anyone at an MCFD office.
When looking for an office:
- Click the link above
- Enter in your city or town
- Look for Child and Family Services offices
- Select the one closest to you
How long can I stay on an AYA for?
You can stay on an AYA for 48 months.
Which life skills programs are eligible?
Life Skills Programs Eligible for AYA-Funded Young Adults
|
Where |
Who |
What program |
Contact |
|
Abbotsford |
Stepping Stones |
Lisa Hedrick -lisa.hedrick@archway.ca |
|
|
Campbell River |
Aboriginal Life Skills Program |
250-286-3430 |
|
|
Whistler |
Work 2 Live |
604-962-5000 |
|
|
Courtenay |
The Station - Supported Independent Living |
250-338-7341 |
|
|
Kelowna |
The Essential Program |
250-763-3876 |
|
|
Kamloops |
Life Skills |
Sadie Hunter: ed@awayhomekamloops.com or Madison Smith: Email:lifeskills@awayhomekamloops.com/
|
|
|
New Westminster |
Branches AYA Life Skills Program |
|
|
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North Vancouver |
Life Success Program |
604-987-8211 |
|
|
Prince George |
Bridging to Employment Life Skills to Success |
250-562-3591 |
|
|
Prince George |
AimHi |
250-649-3321 |
|
|
Surrey |
Supported Youth Independent Housing Program |
604-418-4736 |
|
|
Vancouver |
Rights of Passage |
604-647-4480 |
|
|
Vancouver |
Youth Housing Services |
604-951-4821 |
|
|
Vancouver |
Strive |
604-895-5791 604-202-7011 (cell) |
|
|
Vancouver Island |
Life Skill and Outreach program |
Linda Foster - lfoster@saanichschools.ca |
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