Resources

Youth Agreements

What is a Youth Agreement?

A youth agreement is a legal agreement between you and the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). The purpose of the agreement is to help you gain independence, return to school, and/or gain work experience and life skills, and protect your right to be:

  • healthy and independent
  • protected from abuse, neglect or harm
  • given guidance by a parent or adult
  • supported in your cultural identity
  • supported to make safe, healthy choices, and
  • helped to gain self-confidence.

The ministry may be able to help you if you feel you are at risk and:

  • between the ages of 16 to 18, and
  • there is no parent or other person willing to take responsibility for you, or
  • you cannot return home to your family for reasons of safety.

How does it work?

  • The agreement lets you live independently.
  • It helps you gain skills and experience so you can continue to live independently.
  • It gives you access to supports and services to help you cope with alcohol or drug problems or mental health issues.
  • It lends you support to help you strengthen your relationships with friends and family.

The agreement may help you with:

  • a place to live
  • your physical and mental health
  • your education, and
  • managing your money effectively.

Now What?

  • Together with a youth worker, you will see whether a youth agreement is a good idea for you.
  • If it does seem like a good idea, the youth worker will help you write your own agreement. It will spell out what the ministry’s responsibilities will be and what your responsibilities will be. A youth worker will work with you to make sure you can meet your responsibilities.
  • Some examples of what your responsibilities might be are:
  • attend counseling (alcohol and drug or mental health),
  • take educational courses
  • have regular visits with your family or some members of your family, or
  • learn to shop for and cook inexpensive, healthy meals.

Think you can qualify?

You can phone or visit the nearest Ministry of Children and Family Development office, listed in the blue pages of your local phonebook.