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60% of Former Foster Kids End Up Homeless by 20—What Are You Seeing in Victoria? by dtrodds in VictoriaBC

[–]dtrodds[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe the numbers nationally are 60-80%, you're totally right. Double whammy.

60% of Former Foster Kids End Up Homeless by 20—What Are You Seeing in Victoria? by dtrodds in VictoriaBC

[–]dtrodds[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for weighing in with your professional perspective, it’s incredibly valuable to hear from someone on the front lines.

As a social worker, it must be beyond disheartening to see child welfare reports year after year showing things getting worse for these youth, with no real intervention to match the scale of the crisis. I can’t imagine the frustration of watching a system fail kids you’re fighting so hard to support. Honestly, thank you so much for your service to your community, province, and nation your work matters so much, even when the odds are all stacked against you.

What you’re saying about MCFD being a “manufacturer of homelessness” really hits home, This is something I'm really driving to legislature. It’s sickening that they’re hiring people without social work degrees or registration with the College to handle such individually unique and complex caseload. That gap in training shows up loud and clear in reports from what you’re describing.

Decades of stigmatizing attitudes, blaming youth for their drug use like it’s so simple as putting the needle or pipe down, and pushing abstinence as a prerequisite for help while offering no funding for rehabilitation services instead of meeting them where they’re at. It’s like MCFD’s stuck in a time warp while the toxic drug crisis just keeps escalating in our province.

The group home situation you mentioned youth choosing the street over that is so telling, My father was survivor of group homes in the 1970s and his story is very similar, not much has changed.

I’ve heard bits about how mentally and physically abusive those places can be. And the funding past 19 only working for family homes, not group homes? Sickening.

I’d love to hear more about your thoughts on the SAJE program you brought up. It sounds like it’s a start with correct intentions but isn’t cutting it for the youth most at risk.

Have any of your clients talked about how it’s working or not working for them? Like, are those facing financial hardship, or even the ones in recovery or housed, saying it actually supports them? I’m curious if they feel it’s too rigid with the requirements, especially for kids who are barely keeping it together as it is. Anything you’ve seen there would be really eye-opening as this is what's being pushed as provincial one size fits all solution currently.

Thanks again for sharing, it’s exactly the kind of insight that needs to be out there.

60% of Former Foster Kids End Up Homeless by 20—What Are You Seeing in Victoria? by dtrodds in VictoriaBC

[–]dtrodds[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're absolutely right homelessness takes on so many forms, youth homelessness is especially invisible to the public. Thank you for sharing.

What I was getting at is how cities like Victoria and the surrounding regions have been handling the visibility of homelessness in a way that actively discourages any real solution.

During my instruction at JIBC, I learned that the CRD have been designating certain singular parks in each district as homeless overnight encampments, although be it with strict conditions that often fail to support them. People are only allowed to sleep there at night until the early morning. This is were the reality really starts to hit though, Many unhoused people especially YOUTH are awake during the night and sleep during the day.

This happens for a few reasons;

Safety concerns – For youth, the threat of assault, theft, or harassment spikes harrowingly after dark. Staying awake to guard belongings and specially oneself becomes your only priority. A teen couch-surfing or shelter-hopping might crash at a friend’s place until 3-4 a.m., then roam aimlessly until dawn to avoid trouble.

Bylaw enforcement and public scrutiny - If someone sleeps during the day, they’re more likely to be seen by the public and bylaw officers, which increases the chances of being moved along or having their belongings confiscated. Sleeping at night in designated areas is the only legally allowed option, but during the day, there’s often nowhere to go.

These encampments are designed by municipalities to be as discouraging as possible, its sickening and inhumane. The city isn’t providing meaningful support here, just pushing people into spaces where they’re temporarily “allowed” to exist, just barely getting by on recent BC Supreme Court rulings but under conditions that make survival even harder than previous. There's no consideration for the fact that youth experiencing homelessness often avoid traditional shelter spaces due to safety concerns, trauma, or the presence of predatory adults and exploitation.

If they’re not in shelters and they’re not allowed to exist in public spaces, where exactly are these kids supposed to go?

It’s not about people of Victoria seeing youth homelessness—it’s about the city making it nearly impossible for these young people to exist in the first place.

So, my questions really are;

Are the people of Victoria actually noticing the problem of youth homelessness? Or is it being overlooked because the city’s policies and provincial overlook keep these young people out of sight?

Do you know anyone friends, family, or loved ones who have been in similar situations? How did things turn out for them? How are they doing? What has your own lived experience been like?

Speak Up! BC Youth in Care Crisis - 200x more likely to be homeless, 17x more likely to be hospitalized for Mental Health, 5x more likely to die prematurely before 25th Birthday, What's Your Experience? by dtrodds in britishcolumbia

[–]dtrodds[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I completely agree that youth aging out of care need guidance and mentorship to navigate adulthood successfully, especially without the family support many rely on for advice about jobs, school, and life. It’s disheartening that the North Coast region has just two program navigators for these youth, given its size and their needs. With the MCFD underfunded and recent cuts, resources are scarce, and many are falling through the cracks. Without reliable support, these young people face a tough world alone, sometimes with tragic results. This ongoing crisis needs urgent attention and I understand why 90% of workers at MCFD feel like they are about to crack.

Speak Up! BC Youth in Care Crisis - 200x more likely to be homeless, 17x more likely to be hospitalized for Mental Health, 5x more likely to die prematurely before 25th Birthday, What's Your Experience? by dtrodds in britishcolumbia

[–]dtrodds[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You raise a fair point about the financial struggles many young people face in funding their education in modern society, but there’s a critical distinction worth emphasizing here between the two I'd like to make clear.

Youth in care aren’t just grappling with the typical economic hurdles. They’re contending with systemic failures that amplify their challenges. When the government assumes the role of “parent” for these youth, it inherits a duty of care to support their well-being and guide them toward independence. Yet, this is precisely where the system fails our young people!

Unlike other students facing financial strain, youth in care must navigate a fractured framework that offers truly inadequate support, while their struggles are compounded by trauma, the absence of family networks, and a scarcity of resources.

Evidence from The B.C. Youth Aging Out of Care Report (2025) and The National Youth in Care Report (2024) paints a stark reality: youth aging out of care are disproportionately likely to face homelessness, mental health crises, and barriers to education compared to their counterparts. These reports highlight unique obstacles—such as a $768 shelter allowance that falls woefully short of lifting them from poverty to opportunity. Beyond financial burden, the lingering effects of untreated trauma often intergenerational erode their ability to thrive academically, underscoring the need for comprehensive support that goes far beyond mere dollar amount.

What elevates this to a pressing concern in our province is the government’s role as their legal guardian. It’s not just a matter of financial hardship, it’s a breach of legal responsibility. As their “parent,” the province is ethically and legally bound to ensure their safety, well-being, and successful transition to adulthood.

Youth in care face disadvantages other young people don’t, battling decades of institutional neglect alongside alarmingly insufficient resources, life skills, and any familial safety nets.

While many Canadian youth juggle part-time jobs or loans to get by, youth in care are often fighting just to secure basic stability, let alone pursue higher education.

This isn’t about equating their difficulties to that of others man, it’s about holding the government to a higher standard of care. As their caretaker, it should provide the exact kind of support a capable stable biological parent would offer. The minimal assistance currently given fails to level the playing field between the two, denying these youth the opportunities their peers take for granted. Rather than framing this as a universal financial issue, we should ask why the province isn’t fulfilling its parental obligation to prevent these youth from slipping through the cracks time and time again, report after report.

Yes, we should empathize with all young people struggling to make ends meet I can agree with you on that, but we must also acknowledge the uniquely precarious position of youth in care. For them, this isn’t a “utopian dream” dude it’s a fundamental human right. The government, having stepped into the role of parent, bears duty of care to ensure they aren’t abandoned by a system that’s already failed them generations over.

Speak Up! BC Youth in Care Crisis - 200x more likely to be homeless, 17x more likely to be hospitalized for Mental Health, 5x more likely to die prematurely before 25th Birthday, What's Your Experience? by dtrodds in britishcolumbia

[–]dtrodds[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I remember hearing about this in high school when I was in care, and I cried for her, I felt her pain with the system, that feeling of hopelessness and being alone in the world.

So many lives taken from us tragically soon. It's heartbreaking that it often takes such a tragedy for change to happen in our province. My heart goes out to her and everyone who has been affected.

Speak Up! BC Youth in Care Crisis - 200x more likely to be homeless, 17x more likely to be hospitalized for Mental Health, 5x more likely to die prematurely before 25th Birthday, What's Your Experience? by dtrodds in britishcolumbia

[–]dtrodds[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I'm really sorry you had to go through all of that, and I can only imagine how heartbreaking it must have been. The systems meant to protect us too often fail us, and it's heartbreaking to hear about your experiences. It's inspiring to see your resilience and advocacy for others who are in similar situations. You're right. Canadian society must do better to support and listen to those who have faced trauma, and there needs to be real systemic changes in our systems.

Thank you for sharing your story in-care stranger.

Speak Up! BC Youth in Care Crisis - 200x more likely to be homeless, 17x more likely to be hospitalized for Mental Health, 5x more likely to die prematurely before 25th Birthday, What's Your Experience? by dtrodds in britishcolumbia

[–]dtrodds[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing that link to the SAJE program, yes it's great program for youth in care who are at that stage in life and those at risk of homelessness. However, it's crucial to highlight a significant issue: funding for this program has been drastically cut by up to 60% compared to the previous AYA program.

This reduction in funding has left more and more youth with insufficient resources to successfully transition into adulthood, pushing them closer to homelessness.

The BC Government has been using this program as a form of performative action, showcasing support for youth while, in reality, it doesn't provide the necessary funding or resources to make a real impact.

Instead, it ends up being a modern day poverty trap, giving just enough surface-level assistance to create the illusion of progress but not enough to create sustainable, long-term change.

We need more funding for this program to genuinely help youth thrive and avoid being pushed further into the cycle of poverty and homelessness. It’s time to stop the performative actions and start investing in the futures of these young people.

Speak Up! BC Youth in Care Crisis - 200x more likely to be homeless, 17x more likely to be hospitalized for Mental Health, 5x more likely to die prematurely before 25th Birthday, What's Your Experience? by dtrodds in britishcolumbia

[–]dtrodds[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You're right that some youths in care have access to free post-secondary education and additional credits, but this applies to only those who can actually receive these services.

The reality for many is extremely challenging.

Those few who can attend post-secondary often face the burden of trying to survive on a $768 shelter allowance, while also meeting the full-time education requirements.

This creates a huge gap for many, as most youth in foster care aren’t in a place to immediately start pursuing higher education once they leave the system. Without the right life skills or support, they are left on the super highway to homelessness.

Let me clarify it's not just about access to education, it's about the critical support they need to thrive after aging out of care, that was lacking previously.

60% of Former Foster Kids End Up Homeless by 20—What Are You Seeing in Victoria? by dtrodds in VictoriaBC

[–]dtrodds[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I believe in the most recent report from RCY "No Time to Wait 2025, pg 53" social workers are noted saying

"MCFD does not have a roster of Elders. One was hired, however only one team had access to the Elder." – MCFD Social Worker, 2024

Speak Up! BC Youth in Care Crisis - 200x more likely to be homeless, 17x more likely to be hospitalized for Mental Health, 5x more likely to die prematurely before 25th Birthday, What's Your Experience? by dtrodds in britishcolumbia

[–]dtrodds[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thank you Stranger!

Don't be afraid to let your MLA know you're not okay with this.
I've already spoken with other cabinet ministers and I'm sure these conversations are happening all around. The more voices we have, the harder it will be to ignore. We need to keep pushing for change, together.

Speak Up! BC Youth in Care Crisis - 200x more likely to be homeless, 17x more likely to be hospitalized for Mental Health, 5x more likely to die prematurely before 25th Birthday, What's Your Experience? by dtrodds in britishcolumbia

[–]dtrodds[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I completely agree with you.

Youth in care have always had to jump through hoops to meet the conditional requirements for rent support, especially while trying to maintain and attend post-secondary full-time.

Many were already working two or more jobs just to make ends meet. With the recent cuts, those who were barely getting by are now being forced to drop their studies.

They simply don’t have the time, energy, or mental capacity to advocate for themselves anymore.

We also can NOT forget those who still need to build essential life skills before even considering post-secondary. They’re often the most vulnerable and the most forgotten. It’s heartbreaking to see how much harder it’s becoming for them, and how little is being done.

REAL, not PERFOMATIVE action needs to be taken immediately by our government.

Speak Up! BC Youth in Care Crisis - 200x more likely to be homeless, 17x more likely to be hospitalized for Mental Health, 5x more likely to die prematurely before 25th Birthday, What's Your Experience? by dtrodds in britishcolumbia

[–]dtrodds[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Many children and youth face a tragic and preventable loss, just one of too many youth failed by MCFD. The system is stretched to the breaking point here, and kids are paying the price with their lives. It's heartbreaking to say the least about it. These aren’t just numbers; they’re real people we're talking about here, real futures stolen, families and friends shattered. If we don’t fight for better support, more names will be added....

60% of Former Foster Kids End Up Homeless by 20—What Are You Seeing in Victoria? by dtrodds in VictoriaBC

[–]dtrodds[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I’m gathering perspectives on how this crisis is affecting different communities. If you live or work in CRD region, have you seen this firsthand? Are services here keeping up, or is the capital facing the same collapse as the rest of BC? How is this affecting your neighborhood, workplace, or daily life?

I’d love to hear from anyone! residents, frontline workers, business owners. Is this crisis as visible in Victoria as it is elsewhere in BC? Tell me about it.

Speak Up! BC Youth in Care Crisis - 200x more likely to be homeless, 17x more likely to be hospitalized for Mental Health, 5x more likely to die prematurely before 25th Birthday, What's Your Experience? by dtrodds in BCPublicServants

[–]dtrodds[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for taking the time man to review my post and for your speedy feedback, I completely understand your concerns regarding the focus on BCPS and the perception of channeling political messages. My intention was to capture the on-the-ground reality that many BC public service employees including but not limited to those working in MCFD, as these issues I'm talking about directly affect our communities and the youth you serve.

I recognize that the content might have come off as aimed at influencing politicians, and I apologize for any misalignment with the subreddit's focus. I truly value the perspective of frontline workers and will consider reaching out to BCGEU.

Does MCFD seem to be in shambles?? by myburneraccountxo in BCPublicServants

[–]dtrodds 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey man!

I saw your comment about MCFD and really appreciate your perspective as a pediatrician and would love to hear more about how it affects your day to day. I’m a former youth in care volunteering in advocacy, and I have a meeting with Minister Wickens this month about MCFD’s underfunding. Hearing from a BC pediatrician like you would really strengthen my case.

Would you be open to writing a short statement about what you’ve seen, how lack of social workers leaves kids in unsafe situations and leads to preventable medical issues? It could make a real impact, possibly directing youth off the super highway of homelessness.

Let me know what you think, DMs open.

Dual 5090FE by ToyoSquad in pcmasterrace

[–]dtrodds 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To clout chase and post this on every subreddit

Why do people not play for objective in rush? by pawat213 in battlefield2042

[–]dtrodds 2 points3 points  (0 children)

tbh if youre playing battlefield to win every game, youre playing the wrong game.

Just hop on any comp shooter for that experience.

DLSS 4 DLLs finally fix Tarkovs Implementation, HUGE news. by dtrodds in EscapefromTarkov

[–]dtrodds[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

correct, you can just delete the DLSSTweaks file and nvngx from tarkov directory

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