Re. “Changes to provincial program for vulnerable young adults could lead to tragedy, NDP says,” Nov. 5
Social workers were heartbroken to hear of this recent government decision to cancel support and financial assistance agreements (SFAA) for young adults ages 22-24.
SFAAS provide vital support for young adults who were raised in care and have experienced various trauma, neglect, or abuse. When they were in care, their experience most likely included multiple caregivers, isolation from family and community, and stigma.
These young adults were not only receiving financial support through the SFAA, but vital emotional and mental health support from their caseworkers. The government stepped in as their parent when they were children, and now has unexpectedly and abruptly cut them off financially and taken away primary sources of support.
Imagine being 22 and without the ability to call your parent for advice and support. Now imagine having lived a life of trauma, abuse and/or neglect, multiple caregivers and your parent, the government, completely turning their back — no forwarding address or phone number. The government has essentially walked away from its most vulnerable young adult children.
We call upon the government to reverse the decision to cancel SFAA and do the right thing for young Albertans raised in care. Julie Mann-johnson, co-chair, Alberta College of Social Workers Child and Youth Interest Group
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