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Youth 16 to 17 (VYSA)

Youth In Care
The information below is extracted directly from the
Government of Ontario site:


On January 1st, 2018 Ontario increased the age of protection to include all children under the age of 18 years. By increasing the age of protection, 16-and-17-year-olds who are in need of protection are eligible for the full range of child protection services, which gives them a better opportunity to get the support they need, and have better outcomes as they transition to adulthood.

A youth may be eligible for protection services if they are experiencing physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and/or abandonment, or if they are at risk of any of these things. Youth who have left home because of concerns about safety or risk of harm at home, and youth who are homeless, may be eligible for services from a children's aid society (society)[1]. If you are concerned that a youth may be in need of protection, you can contact the society in your area. You can find your local society in your local telephone listings or, where available, by dialing 411. In some communities, societies are known as "family and children's services", "child and family services", or a "child and family services agency".

A new Voluntary Youth Services Agreement (VYSA)
will be available for youth who:

* are aged 16 or 17;
* cannot be adequately protected at home or in their
   current living situation;
* have no other safe options with family or friends; and
* need an out-of-home placement.

WHO TO CONTACT
Windsor- Essex       519-252-1171
Sarnia Lampton       519-336-0623
Chatham-Kent        519-352-0440
London-Middlesex    519-455-9000
Serving Youth Since 2000
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