Press Release: May 3, 2021

RESPONSE TO FINDINGS OF THE COMMISSION SPÉCIALE SUR LES DROITS DES ENFANTS ET LA PROTECTION DE LA

JEUNESSE

Montréal (Québec) – C.A.R.E. Jeunesse is pleased to see the wide range of recommendations made by the Laurent Commission to improve the youth protection system in Quebec. Particularly necessary are the expansion of services beyond age 18 for young adults transitioning out of care.

C.A.R.E. Jeunesse strongly agrees with the commission’s recommendations that transition supports need to include housing, revenue, professional qualifications, etc. However, the termination of support services should be determined by readiness, rather than a strict age cut-off.

C.A.R.E. Jeunesse agrees with the recommendation of permitting youth to remain in foster families until at least the age of 21, but proposes that this minimum be applied to all placement facilities. Youth in non-familial care placements, such as group homes and rehabilitation centres, are equally in need of this extended care.

Additionally, C.A.R.E. Jeunesse supports the report’s conclusion that children and youth must be actively engaged in all processes that concern them. We would suggest that those recommendations go even further. Service providers and government must regularly solicit feedback from youth in care and their families. This is essential to ensuring services meet the

needs of Quebec youth in care.

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CARE Jeunesse is a provincial, bilingual, non-profit organization dedicated to creating a supportive community for youth in care and alumni of care. Founded by alumni of care who have experienced the youth protection system first hand, the organization aims to assist youth after they leave care.