Should Ontario extend its support for Crown wards?

Child advocates are calling on the Ontario government to extend care to Crown wards beyond the age of 18 or 21.

Instead of cutting off all support to Crown wards once they turn 18, or at age 21 if still in school, assistance should be extended until they turn 25, said Irwin Elman, the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth.

Young people under the care of the Ontario government receive support until the age of 18, or 21, if attending school. (Dave Chidley/Canadian Press) In a report released Thursday, Elman argued that extending the care will result in fewer of these youth becoming involved in the criminal justice system, which would save the province money in the long run. 

Also, it is more likely for people in their 20s to live with their families today than 20 years ago, and need more support, the report said. 

Do you think that Ontario should extend its support for Crown wards? Why or why not? If not, how would you rather see those resources allocated?

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