Why We Help

Little boy in blue shirt smiling and holding a soccer ball under his arm

from surviving to thriving

Together with our donors and partners, we believe every young person in every part of Canada deserves every opportunity to thrive.

Together, we have the strength to change lives

Right now, approximately 59,000 children and youth across Canada are living in permanent government care with foster families, extended family, or in institutional settings. At least 300,000 more are living with vulnerable or unstable families and are significantly at risk of abuse or neglect.

Poverty, addiction, mental health challenges, isolation, and intergenerational trauma are a few of the most common reasons children are removed from their homes and placed in government care.

But coming into care is never a child’s fault. These kids need our help.

Without support, young people raised in government care face profound barriers to success, stability, and well-being.

They are nearly 200 times more likely to experience homelessness. In Ontario, less than 50% of youth in and from care graduate from high school.

And they are significantly more likely to experience underemployment and low income –– a reality that has a ripple effect across the Canadian economy.

Together with our communities of donors and partners, we are committed to helping kids in care access the tools, resources, and supports they need to overcome the odds stacked against them.

Priority populations
Children and families at risk, children and youth living in government care, and youth transitioning out of care.
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Our programs and funds
Through our wide range of high-impact programs and services, we support more than 16,000 children and youth each year.
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Publications and financials
Access our publications and reports to learn more about how we’re helping to change the lives of children and youth involved with the child welfare system.
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Young People In Profile

Meet Suzie

Read Suzie's story

“A lot of parents are able to give their kids a little bit of money for school or they’re able to help pay for things, help apply for schools, help them by doing just normal parent things. A lot of times youth in care don’t have that. Getting these scholarships is a way to help youth in care feel normal. It helps them feel like they’re a kid, that they have the same benefits that regular kids do because of this support.”

Read Suzie's story
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