A government-commissioned study in Quebec has found that young people who have spent time in the care of the youth protection authorities are less likely to graduate from high school or be employed compared to their peers. The study, conducted by researchers at several Quebec universities, revealed that only 37 percent of youth who were in care had graduated high school by the age of 21, in contrast to 86 percent of all Quebecers. Additionally, one-third of 21-year-olds who had been in care were not employed, in school, or in a training program, compared to less than 10 percent of their peers of the same age. The study’s lead author, María Eugenia Longo, pointed out the institutional flaws that result in these significant disadvantages and social inequalities faced by young people leaving care.
The study highlighted the need for more support for the over 2,000 young people who leave care each year to prepare them for adult life and ensure they have a stable living environment after aging out of youth protection. Researchers found that unstable living environments, including changing placements within the system, make it harder for these young people to stay employed. Jessica Côté-Guimond, the director of Le Collectif Ex-Placé DPJ, a group of individuals who have been in care, emphasized the negative impact of residential instability during placement on young people’s adult lives. She stressed the importance of providing more resources and support for young Quebecers as they transition out of the system, citing the need for a better support system during this critical time.
Côté-Guimond further highlighted the lack of support and accompaniment for young people transitioning to adult life in Quebec, compared to other provinces like British Columbia and Ontario. She noted that more psychological support is needed to help children dealing with trauma and learning disabilities, as resources for such support are often limited in schools. Many young people who have been in the youth protection system end up in adult education programs that do not offer the specialized support they require. Additionally, the study revealed inequalities within the province, as a program offering financial aid and mentorship is only available in four out of 17 regions. Côté-Guimond called for support to come from various departments, including education, higher education, employment, and youth protection authorities.
The study, conducted between February 2023 and February 2024, included data from 1,136 young people aged between 16 and 24 who had been or were in youth protection. The researchers also conducted interviews with 30 of these young individuals, shedding light on their experiences and challenges. The findings underscore the urgent need for a more comprehensive and supportive system for young people leaving care in Quebec, addressing the various barriers they face in terms of education, employment, and stable living environments. As the study highlights the social inequalities and disadvantages faced by these young individuals, it calls for a collective effort from various sectors to provide the necessary resources and support for a successful transition into adulthood.
