Youth involved with the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development’s in care, kinship and youth services programs will continue to be supported during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The department currently provides a broad range of supports and services to youth aged 16 to 21 through kinship services, in care, and youth services programs and is positioned well through current policy to continue supporting this vulnerable population during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, youth who were in care are already eligible to receive services voluntarily from the Youth Services Program until the age of 21. As a result of COVID-19, the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development has made temporary policy enhancements to its Youth Services and Kinship Programs to ensure transition aged youth do not lose access to required supports during the COVID-19 situation.
For youth set to age out of these programs and services over the next few months, the department’s social workers are reaching out to let them know the supports can continue during this time. The social workers will resume or commence transition planning with the youth once it is safe to do so.
For the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19. For general inquiries related to available government services, please email covid19info@gov.nl.ca.
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Media contact
Gina MacArthur
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca