Youth with various difficulties will get some help transitioning into adulthood once a six-month pilot project starts this September.
The “youth transition to adult services” initiative is targeted at area teens with developmental disabilities, mental health concerns or other factors that make them vulnerable.
Pembina Hills trustees heard at their June 27 meeting that the initiative, which is being carried out by the school division and the provincial government’s North Central Alberta Child and Family Services Authority, is designed to create a vision for a teen’s future, plot a career or education path and help provide them access to adult programs and services.
Division director of student services Rob McGarva and the family services authority’s Nancy Yee delivered a report on the project — Vulnerable Youths Transitioning to Adults Programs – Independent Living.
McGarva said the project was necessary to stop youth from falling through the cracks in support services once they turn 18.
He gave examples of services in the area. For children, these included Family Support for Children with Disabilities and intervention services. For adults, there were Persons with Development Disabilities, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), and the Office of the Public Guardian.
Navigating the terrain between child and adult services is difficult for many, he said, as up to now there had been no coordinated approach. He added that a key figure in the initiative was Chris Kristiansen, who will take on the role of youth transition coordinator.
Kristiansen, who currently works for children’s support services in Barrhead, will sit down with youth and their families to discuss what services are available and how to navigate the paperwork.
That discussion, said McGarva, may also include independence, career or education goals and living arrangements.
“Many of the youth in the project may not be able to work completely independently as adults, but still do some work, either on a part-time basis or as a volunteer, and feel good about themselves as contributors to the community,” he said.
McGarva said the pilot project will target up to 25 kids ages 14 to 18. Participation will be voluntary.
“Key special education teachers in schools in the division will approach families and ask them whether they want their child in the project,” he said.
“The idea is to start planning for these children before they turn 18. The project fits nicely with our board’s desire for inclusive education and success for all our students.”
McGarva said the project would be reviewed after six months and then, hopefully, expanded.
Division chair Sharon Volorney said such an initiative was “way overdue.”
She said it doesn’t make sense for someone to be left without support the moment they turn 18.
Division Supt. Colleen Symyrozum-Watt also lauded the pilot program.
“I see nothing but good coming out this for citizens of our community,” said Supt. Colleen Symyrozum-Watt.
“It is a very exciting development.”
