Setting up for Success: Programs for Indigenous Youth Aging out of Government Care in British Columbia

Indigenous youth aging out of government care face many challenges that other youth their age are not facing. This study addresses the policy problem: Too many Indigenous youth in British Columbia aging out of government care have not received the supports they need, and as a result many are becoming homeless. Some of the supports needed for success can include life skills, employment, housing, desired education attainment, and a supportive community. This study uses cases and interviews to identify programs that would best support these youth. One of the program options is based primarily around supportive, subsidized housing. The other option is a mentorship program that supports youth with life skills, finding housing, employment or educational outcomes, cultural identity, and leadership. These programs are assessed based on their effectiveness, cultural appropriateness, cost, scope, and administrative complexity. The supportive housing program is ranked as preferable based on several criteria.