Ontario Regulation 35/23 amends Ontario Regulation 156/18, introduces revisions to the province’s child welfare framework, particularly regarding the transition of young people from care to independent adulthood.

A notable addition is the mandate for “transition planning” for children aged 13 and older who are in extended society care. Transition planning involves preparing these individuals for life beyond care, addressing key aspects such as health, education, identity, family and social relationships, emotional and behavioral development, and self-care skills.

For children aged 15 and older, the regulation requires that societies offer opportunities to participate in a conference or forum focused on transition planning, long-term goals, and potential barriers. This offer must be made within nine months of the child turning 15 or, if the child is already 15 or older at the time of placement, within nine months of the court’s placement order. Societies are required to document these offers and, if declined, record the child’s reasons when possible.

Additionally, at least 90 days before a child in extended society care reaches 18, the society must provide an information package. This package should include guidance on financial literacy and details about available resources and support for their transition to adulthood. Documentation of the information package’s provision is also required.

Regulation 35/23 also revises the “Permanency Funding Policy Guidelines,” now known as the “2023 Ontario Permanency Funding Policy Guidelines,” effective April 1, 2023. This update includes extending the age limit for certain financial supports from 21 to 23 and introducing new income criteria for care agreements.

Changes to Subsection 54 of the regulation include extending the period of support to 60 months and updating guidelines for agreements under section 124 of the Act. Care and support will continue for individuals who turn 23 before October 6, 2023, until that date, despite the new regulations.

The regulation also specifies revised eligibility criteria for care and support, indicating that individuals must have been in interim society care before turning 18 and must have received specific support services between March 26, 2020, and March 31, 2023.

Overall, Ontario Regulation 35/23 aims at clarifying the transition process for youth leaving care, updates financial support guidelines, and ensures continued support for eligible individuals under the new criteria.

Ontario (35/23) March 25, 2023