Investing in Post-Secondary Education for Former Youth in Care

The Challenges Faced by Youth Aging Out of Care in Canada

As the fall term approaches, returning to school is a common topic of conversation and excitement. For many, it represents a fresh start and an opportunity to shape their future. However, for youth who have experienced life in the child welfare system, the transition back to school or into postsecondary education is often fraught with challenges.

Educational attainment plays a critical role in determining future income and opportunities. Yet, for many young people who have aged out of care, the path to higher education is not only difficult but also rarely walked. In fact, approximately 50% of youth who have lived in care in Canada do not complete high school, and even fewer go on to attend postsecondary institutions. This lack of access to education has far-reaching consequences, including a higher likelihood of poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, and worse health outcomes. These individuals are also more likely to interact with the criminal justice system.

Barriers for Youth Aging Out of Care

Youth who age out of the child welfare system are among the most vulnerable in society. They often face overwhelming barriers, including systemic discrimination and a lack of support. Without proper guidance and resources, many fall through the cracks, not because they lack ability or ambition, but because the system fails to provide the necessary tools for success.

To address these issues, Canada must shift from punitive responses to meaningful investments in education and equity-focused policy changes. Support systems should be "wraparound" in nature—intensive, tailored, and designed to meet the complex needs of these youth. These programs must also take into account the cultural contexts, identities, and strengths of the individuals they serve.

Systemic Neglect and Its Consequences

Systemic neglect has serious consequences for youth who have experienced care. Research shows that these individuals are overrepresented in Canada’s justice system, being 20 times more likely to be involved with it compared to their peers. This is not coincidental; it is the result of the school-to-prison pipeline and the absence of support during critical transition points.

When youth age out of care, often as young as 18, they are expected to navigate adulthood without a family network, limited life skills, and inadequate financial support. This leads to a predictable cycle of poverty, homelessness, and criminalization. The cost of this approach is staggering, with incarceration costing between $300,000 and $500,000 per year for a single youth.

Seeking Better Outcomes Through Education

Investing in education offers a more effective and humane alternative. Providing access to postsecondary education—including tuition waivers, housing support, and mentoring—costs an average of $85,000 to $100,000 over four years. This investment yields long-term benefits, including stable employment, better health outcomes, and positive contributions to communities.

Education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for breaking cycles of trauma. However, fewer than 10% of former youth in care in Canada complete a postsecondary credential. This low rate is not due to a lack of ability or ambition, but rather to the lack of targeted, consistent support.

A Just and Fiscally Responsible Approach

The criminalization of youth from care is a policy failure that reflects a societal preference for punishment over prevention. Canada, like many other OECD countries, has a practical incentive to reverse this trend. Investing in education, mental health services, and housing for youth aging out of care is not only more humane but also fiscally responsible and socially just.

By shifting public investment from incarceration to education, Canada can reimagine the future for thousands of young people. These youth deserve the same chances we would want for any child: a fair start, a quality education, and the opportunity to thrive.

Strong Economic Returns

Investment in education, housing, and mental health for youth leaving care has been shown to reduce justice involvement and lead to strong economic returns. Studies have demonstrated that extending support for these youth leads to long-term economic and social benefits.

In Ontario, every dollar invested in extended care from ages 21 to 25 could yield $1.36 million in savings or earnings over a lifetime. Similarly, a study in Quebec estimated that raising the age of care from 18 to 21 would cost $146 million but generate up to $254 million in benefits.

How We Can All Benefit

A national commitment to educational equity for youth from care is a sound fiscal strategy and a transformational approach to ensure all youth in Canada can benefit from postsecondary education. As a society, we all benefit from this approach.