1.1.8 Agreements with Young Adults (Extensions of Care)

An agreement for services is offered to a youth who is under a permanent order at the time they turn 18 years of age and whose further planning (that was identified at the assessment process) meets the criteria below. These agreements may be renewed as provided by legislation.  An agreement may be signed between a young adult and an agency to support (as defined in The Child and Family Services Act):

• education goals
• transition to adult services
• transition to independent living
• training
• treatment programming
• other services that will provide an opportunity for the young adult to be safe, achieve success and well-being including culturally appropriate services that recognize and support their background

Young adults 18 years and older are not in care. In each situation, they have signed agreements with their agency detailing what the terms and conditions of the services needed are. If the young adult continues to live with a former foster family, the former caregivers need to agree to the agency’s plan/conditions and rates; no respite is paid for a young adult that is classified under Basic or Standard maintenance rates.

• Legislation

  The Child and Family Services Act Section 50(2)

  The Child and Family Services Authorities Act

  The Child and Family Services Authorities Regulation

• Policy

  Appeal Process

  Child and Family Services agencies and Authorities are required to have an appeal process that is consistent with legislative requirements.

  If an agency chooses not to offer an Agreement with the Young Adult, a letter must be sent to the young adult explaining the reason for its decision, written notice and the appeal process. A young adult has a right to an appeal if they feel that services were needed but not offered.

• Standards

  1. When a youth is assessed as requiring agency supports beyond age 18, the youth and case manager assess the goals necessary for the youth to achieve their successful transition to independence.
  2. A written plan is developed based on this assessment, including the length of the agreement, the goals and the frequency of contact between the youth and the case manager. Both parties then sign the contract.
  3. The case manager follows the agency’s internal review and approval process.  The initial request is then forwarded to the authority for approval a minimum of three months prior to the agreement coming into effect.
  4. When the authority receives a copy of an agreement, it will:
  • Ensure the youth/young adult is eligible
  • Review the case plan to determine if it meets the requirements of Section 50(2) of The Child and Family Services Act and any other specific authority standard
  • Approve and forward to the director for review and approval along with:
  • A copy of the financial plan
  • A copy of the authority’s approval
  5. The case manager to review the plan with the young adult at regular intervals depending on the length of the agreement.
  6. The case manager to review the plan with the supervisor to ensure goals and objectives are being met.
  7. The youth and the case manager assess the agreement prior to its expiration.  If further time is required to meet the goals, a request for a continuation of the agreement can be made (same process as outlined above).
  8. Document termination reasons and closing summary on file.

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