NEWS: BILL 88 PASSES IN COMMITTEE
The Right to Care bill addresses a significant systemic gap that leaves some of Ontario’s children in need behind.
Currently, 16 and 17 year olds who have a history within the child welfare system are set in a stream where they may access support services until they are 18 and sometimes beyond; however, 16 and 17 year olds who are in need for the first time, because their life circumstances changed at a later point in their lives or they slipped through the cracks, are processed as adults. Outside of the child welfare system, they are often directed to homeless shelters and Ontario Works.
The Youth Right to Care bill gives 16 and 17 year olds in need voluntary access to age appropriate services through the child welfare system. Children’s Aid Society services are almost entirely publicly funded same as adult services like Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program; however, this bill ensures that all children have a right to age appropriate support that will promote their best outcomes.
You can review the bill directly at: http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&Intranet=&BillID=2815
What’s next for Bill 88? For a Bill to become law it must pass through Third Reading. You can help make this happen by telling your friends family and colleagues about Bill 88, and asking them to send a letter to the Premier telling her to support Bill 88.
For further explanation, please see the video of a press conference that details the proposed legislation from the point of view of the legislators, several child welfare advocates, and a youth affected by this systemic shortfall http://youtu.be/_12a2bTeVdU.
Rod Jackson, MPP (Barrie) 