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.
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.
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? (New!)
Life Skills Programs Eligible for AYA-Funded Young Adults - Location map
| Where | Who | What program | Contact |
| Abbotsford | Abbotsford Community Services (ACS) | Autumn House | 604-859-7681 ext 258 |
| Campbell River | Laichwilthach Family Life Society | Aboriginal Life Skills Program |
250-286-3430 |
| Campbell River | The John Howard Society of North Island | Foundry Campbell River |
250-286-0611 |
| Kelowna | New Opportunities for Women Canada Society (NOW) | The Essential Program | 250-763-3876 |
| Kelowna | The Bridge Services (TBS) | Bridge Youth & Family Services | 250-878-6200 |
| New Westminster | Aunt Leah's Place | Branches AYA Life Skills Program | (604) 525 1204 ext. 234 |
| North Vancouver | Hollyburn Family Services Society (HFSS) | Life Success Program | 604-987-8211 |
| Prince George | Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) | Bridging to Employment Life Skills to Success | 250-562-3591 |
| Prince George | Prince George Association for Community Living | AimHi | 250-649-3321 |
| Salmon Arm | Aspiral Youth Partners Association (AYPA) | Life Skills for Youth in the Shuswap | 250-832-0108 |
| Smithers | Smithers Community Services Association | Youth Empowerment Program | 250-847-9515 |
| Squamish | Sea to Sky Community Services (SSCS) | SSCS Road Maps Program - Life Skills for Young Adults | 604‐892‐5796 ext 222 |
| Surrey | Life Skills Therapy (LST) | Steps 2 Independence | 778-384-4503 |
| Surrey | Options Community Services (OCS) | Supported Youth Independent Housing Program | 604-418-4736 |
| Terrace | North West Inter-Nation Family and Community Services | Bite into Life Skills Program | 250-622-2514 |
| Vancouver | Covenant House Vancouver | Rights of Passage | 604-647-4480 |
| Vancouver | Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) | Youth Housing Services | 604-951-4821 |
| Vancouver | YWCA Metro Vancouver | Strive | 604-895-5791 604-202-7011 (cell) |
| Victoria | Osanis Counselling and Consulting Inc (OCC) | Osanis Youth Hub | 250-216-1983 |
| Whistler | Zero Ceiling | Work 2 Live | 604-962-5000 |