The Youth in Care program, which was launched in September 2021, was initiated in partnership with the Children's Aid Society of Ottawanorth_eastexternal link and Child Welfare PACnorth_eastexternal link, a national organization that defends the interests of youth leaving the child protection system.
"Our goal is to raise awareness of the comprehensive support that we can offer to students who have been, or are still, under the care of the child protection system. We differ from other universities in that we offer not only financial support, but also personal support to these students," said program creator Tim Aubry, a professor at the School of Psychology and researcher at the Centre for Research on Educational and Community Services at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Ottawa.
In any given month, some 8,700 children and youth are in the care of Ontario's child protection services, according to the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies (2022).
And according to a report published in 2017north_eastexternal link, these youth are at much higher risk of experiencing low levels of education, unemployment, and housing insecurity. They also face financial barriers and may lack social support networks.
"These students at uOttawa are often very resourceful, resilient, and motivated. But they are often very disadvantaged in comparison to their peers in terms of social, academic, and financial resources. These youth may be the first among their family or friends to attend university. We want to help them in their transition." - Tim Aubry
University of Ottawa students who are eligible for this program will receive a scholarship along with orientation and mentoring services.
The new uOttawa Youth in Care program has already given out two scholarships this year.
"We want to provide better access to post-secondary education for people who have had a more difficult start in life. It's a question of accessibility," said Tim Aubry.
"Our goal is to help them to succeed in their studies, to graduate, and to find employment."
Quotes
"Thank you to the University of Ottawa for supporting brighter futures for former foster kids. The scholarships provided will encourage vulnerable youth from systems of care to take action to improve their lives."
- Ingrid Palmer, Board Chair of Child Welfare PAC
"Many youth currently in and formerly in care have aspirations of finishing high school and going on to post-secondary, making this new program a critical social issue. We are very pleased with the partnership with the University of Ottawa and believe this will go a long way in reducing barriers for youth to access post-secondary education and make their aspirations come true.
- Kelly Raymond, Executive Director, The Children's Aid Society of Ottawa"Having a streamlined pathway from high school to the University of Ottawa with a program such as this takes the burden off accessing supports and strengthens the focus on well-being and learning. Our youth deserve no less."
- Jill Bennett, Educational Liaison, The Children's Aid Society of Ottawa
