On January 1, 2018 Ontario increased the age of protection to include all children under the age of 18.  Voluntary Youth Services (16 and 17 year olds) are available for youth aged 16 and 17 years.    

Children or youth with Extended Society Care status (previously known as Crown Wards) currently have Continued Care and Support for Youth (CCSY) opportunities along with Post-Secondary Education options.  Click here to download an information handout.

YouthCAN (Communication, Advocacy and Networking) is a program for youth in care of Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario, and Children’s Aid staff who work with them.  YouthCAN activities are organized through the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies.

The Aftercare Benefits Initiative (ABI) offers free health coverage, including dental, vision, prescription drugs, extended health care, and counselling supports to eligible youth between 21 and 25 years of age, without requiring them to pay for services out of pocket.

KRRDCFS sincerely thanks The Kenora & Lake of The Woods Regional Community Foundation and the Hill Family Foundation for supporting the educational needs of children in care. Grant monies received go directly toward educational needs of our children in care who struggle with academics. When confidence grows in children, so does their self-esteem, which promotes better academic outcomes. The ultimate goal is to build pathways toward post-secondary education and a bright future for every children in care.

Research studies of more than 4 million young people across North America (as well as other countries) show that the more Developmental Assets young people have, the more likely they are to be prepared for life and the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors. The following 40 Developmental Assets illustrate the importance of healthy development for early childhood (ages 3-5), children (ages 5-9), middle childhood (ages 8-12), and for adolescents (ages 12-18).