Youth Transitioning Out of Care Study

Since 2019, the Youth Research Academy has led a study of the experiences of young people as they transition out of government care in BC. The goal of the Youth Transitioning Out of Care (YTOC) study is to understand what is working well and what can be improved for young people before, during, and after they leave care in BC.

The Youth Research Academy (YRA) is a group of young people aged 16–27 who have experience in the government care system in BC. During their 10-month cohort, members of the YRA are trained in community-based research and supported to carry out projects of interest to youth in and from government care and the agencies that serve them. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE YRA   

"I enjoy that this survey is sent to me. It allows me to stop and think about everything that has changed for me, appreciate the supports that I am given, and see all of the progress I have made. Thank you."

— YTOC survey participant

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ABOUT THE YOUTH TRANSITIONING OUT OF CARE STUDY

Who can participate & how to join

Youth aged 18–20 with experience in government care or an alternative to care (e.g., a Youth Agreement) in BC are invited to join the YTOC study, and can continue to take part until they turn 27.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

To join the study, youth complete a first survey and can continue taking part by completing additional surveys every 6 months until age 27. The survey asks questions about youth's background, health and well-being, experiences in care, housing and living situations, education, employment, access and barriers to services, and strengths and goals.

For a link to the survey:

For more information:

CAN BE COMPLETED

Online or on paper

PARTICIPATION IS

Anonymous, confidential & voluntary

SURVEY TAKES ABOUT

20 minutes

FIRST SURVEY:

$30 gift card

EACH ADDITIONAL SURVEY:

$35 gift card

ABOUT THE YOUTH TRANSITIONING OUT OF CARE STUDY

Who can participate & how to join

Youth aged 18–20 with experience in government care or an alternative to care (e.g., a Youth Agreement) in BC are invited to join the YTOC study.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

To join the study, youth complete a first survey and can continue taking part by completing additional surveys every 6 months until age 27. The survey asks questions about youth's background, health and well-being, experiences in care, housing and living situations, education, employment, access and barriers to services, and strengths and goals.

CAN BE COMPLETED

Online or on paper

SURVEY TAKES ABOUT

20 minutes

PARTICIPATION IS

Anonymous, confidential & voluntary

FIRST SURVEY:

$30 gift card

ADDITIONAL SURVEYS:

$35 gift card

TO JOIN THE STUDY:

YOUTH TRANSITIONING OUT OF CARE STUDY

Reports

Since the study was launched, members of the Youth Research Academy have prepared regular reports sharing updates on the study results, as well as their own reflections on the findings. The YRA have also prepared reports sharing updated results from youth living in Metro Vancouver to support the work of TRRUST Collective Impact.


For a print copy of the YTOC reports or posters, or to schedule a YRA presentation of the results, please contact yicstudy@mcs.bc.ca.

Youth Transitioning Out of Care in Metro Vancouver: 2025 update

Prepared for TRRUST Collective Impact by the ninth cohort of the Youth Research Academy.

Youth Transitioning Out of Care in British Columbia: 2024 update

Prepared for TRRUST Collective Impact by the ninth cohort of the Youth Research Academy.

PAST REPORTS
For more information, to get a link to the survey, or to request a presentation:

Email yicstudy@mcs.bc.ca.