October 27th, 2020
October 27th, 2020
LONDON – NDP MPP Terence Kernaghan (London North Centre) has issued a statement after the Child Welfare Political Action Committee (Child Welfare PAC) announced an additional four post-secondary institutions in London have committed to financial support for 30 students who aged-out of child welfare at 18:
“Ontarians growing up in foster care suffer extreme hardship when they are left without any support at the age of 18 and are denied the same opportunities as their peers to achieve their potential. Children rise to a challenge when expectations are high, but for crown wards, the bar is incredibly low. For every 1000 kids who age out of care, 400 graduate high school, 80 enroll in university and only eight – less than 1 per cent - complete their studies.
Without financial aid, post-secondary education is too often an impossible dream for them. Young people leaving care deserve the same life chances as everyone else, and they deserve the opportunity to learn the skills they need to build a career.
Today’s announcement is an important step for this initiative that is transforming lives and opening new doors for young people leaving the child welfare system. I am thrilled that Huron University College, Brescia University College, King’s University College, and Western University in London have signed on to offer financial assistance for former crown wards to enable them to pursue their education dreams. This historic leadership illustrates how Londoners care about one another and promote a kinder, more just, and brighter community.
Today’s announcement of 35 spaces brings a total of 76 financially-supported spaces across Ontario for individuals who aged out of the care system. I very much support Child Welfare PAC’s goal to have all 45 of Ontario’s post-secondary institutions join the movement to ensure those raised in care have bright futures. This is life-changing work and it has been an incredible honour to be a part of it. I will continue to work closely with advocates to ensure we achieve this goal so that children leaving care have access to the university or college of their choice.”