AGREEMENTS WITH YOUNG ADULTS (AYA) PROGRAM

What Is the Agreements With Young Adults (AYA) Program?

The Agreements with Young Adults (AYA) program provides financial support to former youth in care (Continuing Custody Order or Youth Agreement) to help them finish high school, attend college or university, to complete a rehabilitation program, or to take part in a life skills program.

Are You Eligible for the Aya Program? You may be eligible for the AYA program if:

  • You are between 19 and 26 years old and haven’t past the day of your 27th birthday.

  • On your 19th birthday, you were in one of the following care arrangements:

    • Continuing Custody Order (CCO);
    • Youth Agreement (YAG);
    • In the guardianship of the director of adoption (in the process of being adopted); or
    • In the guardianship of the director under the Family Law Act.

  • You are currently or are planning to do at least one of the following:

    • Finish high school;
    • Attend college or university;
    • Complete a rehabilitation program;
    • Complete a life skills program.

If you believe you may be eligible for the AYA program, you can call our office at (250) 383-2990 and ask to speak to the duty worker about your eligibility and/or to apply.

WHAT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE CAN YOU EXPECT TO RECEIVE?

In most cases, AYA will cover your living expenses while you go back to school, attend rehabilitation, or take part in a life skills program. Living expenses include things like food, housing and transportation. The maximum monthly support through AYA is $1250.

Your tuition and other school related expenses are generally covered through the Youth Education Assistance Fund or the Provincial Tuition Waiver Program. If not, AYA may be able to help you pay for your books, uniforms, and other expenses required in your education program.

HOW LONG CAN YOU BE ON AYA?

  • Each AYA lasts for up to 6 months at a time.

  • The total amount of time you can be on an AYA is 48 months.

  • AYAs can’t extend past the last day you are 26 years old.

  • You can have more than one AYA, which means that you could:

  • Attend a training program for six months with AYA support; and then,

  • Work for a year without AYA support; and then,

  • Go to college or university with AYA support