When children or youth are not able to live with their parent(s), there are services to help ensure their safety, well-being, and, ultimately, their successful transition to adulthood.
Children, youth and young adults may live with their kin (family or close network), with a foster family, in a group home or professional care home, or independently and receive care/support from Social Development.
The type and level of support depend upon the young person’s circumstances and are assessed case-by-case. Decisions and planning respect the child or youth’s beliefs, values and customs and involve the participation of their network of significant people.
Types of Care
When it has been decided that a child or youth cannot live safely with their parent(s), the Child and Youth Well-being Act establishes the Minister of Social Development’s legal responsibility for them. This responsibility may be permanent or temporary. Social Development employees provide this care on behalf of the Minister.
Temporary Care
A child or youth may come under the temporary legal care of the Department of Social Development under the terms of protective care or a custody agreement or custody order.
With a custody order or agreement, the Minister must act in the best interest of the child/youth, respect the content and terms of the agreement or order and consider the wishes of the child/youth and the parent(s). The Department of Social Development works with families to make decisions about the well-being of the child or youth’s safety, permanency, and well-being.
According to research, in many cases, maintaining a relationship with the birth parent(s) and families is in the best interest of the child or youth. Where possible, and in the best interest of the child or youth, the Department of Social Development helps families reunite.
Permanent Care
If reuniting is not in the best interest of the child or youth, a voluntary agreement or court order gives the Minister all parenting rights and responsibilities.
Programs and Services
Preparing for Adulthood and Independence
Becoming an adult is a journey. Social workers work with youth and their caregivers, support workers, significant people, and service providers to help prepare the young person for adulthood.
Independent living skills help young people make the most of their abilities by increasing their self-reliance and self-confidence. They include:
- Housekeeping and cooking
- Shopping and budgeting
- Time management
- Self-care and health care
- Social presentation and social activities, resources.
Pursuing Post-Secondary Education and Work
The government may continue to help support a young person who has been in permanent care by providing mentoring, facilitating their transition to the workforce and reinforcing their support networks.
NBCC Bursary
The New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) offers a Former Youth in Care Tuition Bursary to youth who have spent at least 12 months (consecutive or cumulative) in care. It covers all tuition and program fees for eligible applicants, regardless of age. For more information about the bursary, email firstgen@nbcc.ca or call 1-888-796-6222.
Rebuilding Family Support Systems
Family Group Conference
Family Group Conference is a collaborative approach that can be used when decisions must be made for a child/youth in permanent care. An impartial coordinator organizes and facilitates a meeting that brings together family, kin, social workers, and appropriate community members to plan for the child/youth’s safety, permanency, and well-being. This process promotes cooperative planning and decision-making and rebuilds a family’s support system.
A child/youth may refer themselves for a Family Group Conference through their social worker or by contacting the Family Group Conference supervisor. The Family Group Conferencing may address:
- establishing or maintaining family group connections
- the need for ongoing, long-term support
- life transitions and preparation for independence
- prevention of placement breakdown
- termination of Guardianship
- extending social resources
Youth Voice
New Brunswick Youth In Care Network
The New Brunswick Youth In Care Network (NBYICN) brings together youth and young adults from across New Brunswick who are or were once in care. Its goal is to unite people who understand what it's like to be in care. The NBYICN strives to provide a sense of belonging and empower youth in care throughout the province. It helps young people by:
- addressing the stigma of being in care
- ensuring members have a voice in their lives, in the community, and in services to children and youth in care
- encouraging youth to assume positive roles in their lives
- advocating and educating for the rights and responsibilities of youth in care
Youth and adults can contact the NBYICN directly by calling 506-462-0323, extension 4. Visit their Facebook page by clicking here and their website by clicking here.
Partners for Youth CONNECT
Partners for Youth CONNECT (PFY) supports timely access to counselling therapy for youth aged 14 to 24. Funded by the Fredericton Community Foundation Impact Grant and the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada, it fills a gap in mental health support for youth.
- Youth who need support can apply through a simple referral process. Click here for the referral form to get started.
- PFY staff will reach out, on behalf of the youth, to a licensed counselling therapist and make the first appointment for the consenting youth.
- PFY will follow up with the youth to confirm the appointment and address any barriers to attending, such as transportation.
- PFY will support up to 8 sessions of private counselling therapy.
Child, Youth and Senior Advocate and Ombud’s Office
When a child/youth feels their voice is not being heard nor their rights respected, they have the right to contact the New Brunswick Child and Youth Advocate's office by calling 1-888-465-1100. The Child and Youth Advocate:
- Listens to the needs and concerns of children and youth
- Ensures their rights and interests are protected
- Makes sure their views are heard in the appropriate forums
- Investigates complaints about how government agencies handled previous situations
- Assures proper access to appropriate services
- Continually monitors laws and policies to make sure they are fair and followed properly
- Reports on the availability, effectiveness, responsiveness, and relevance of child and youth services
- Acts as the advocate for the rights and interests of children and youth in general
