The Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) established the Youth Leaving Care Working Group in July 2012, with input from the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth. Representatives on the Working Group included youth with experience living in care, as well as community partners from various youth-serving agencies, including children s aid societies (CASs). The Working Group reviewed all of the goals and recommendations identified in My REAL Life Book, the report from the Youth Leaving Care Hearings which took place in November 2011, and discussed the challenges that many children and youth face while in care, as well as when they transition to adulthood. These discussions informed recommendations made by the Working Group to improve outcomes for children and youth in and transitioning from care. The Working Group s Final Report Blueprint for Fundamental Change to Ontario s Child Welfare System was presented to the former minister, Laurel Broten, on January 22, 2013, and was subsequently posted on the MCYS website. On January 24, 2013, in response to the recommendations made by the Youth Leaving Care Working Group, the former minister announced several new resources and supports for children and youth in and leaving care, including a new Living and Learning Grant (LLG) for youth transitioning from care who are enrolled in Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)-eligible post-secondary programs. The LLG will provide $500 a month during the school year to youth ages 21 to 24 (inclusive), enrolled full-time in OSAP-eligible programs who were formerly in receipt of, or eligible to receive Continued Care and Support for Youth (CCSY) (formerly Extended Care and Maintenance (ECM)). The LLG is jointly provided by MCYS and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). The grant will be available in Fall 2013 for study periods beginning on or after August 1, 2013. Eligible youth will apply for the grant through the OSAP Application for Full-time Students. CASs will be required to verify that an eligible youth received or was eligible to receive CCSY (formerly ECM), using a verification form provided by the ministries. To be eligible to receive the LLG, a student: Must be a previous recipient of, or would have been eligible to receive, CCSY (formerly ECM); Must be aged 21 to 24 inclusive; Must be enrolled in a post-secondary program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate at an institution in Canada approved for Ontario student loan purposes; Page 1 of 10
May be enrolled in a first-entry or second entry program 1 ; Must be a Canadian Citizen, protected person 2, or permanent resident; Must be a resident of Ontario as required for full-time student eligibility for assistance under OSAP; Must be enrolled as a full-time student taking at least 60% of a full course load 3, or at least 40% of a full course load if the student has a permanent disability 4 ; Must be satisfactorily completing the academic requirements of their program of study; and Must not be restricted from receiving OSAP loan or grant funding. For example, a student may be restricted if the student has filed for bankruptcy, or has committed fraud or has been convicted of an offence under the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act. A. Overview of the LLG Application Process 1. How will the LLG be accessed? Eligible youth who submit a 2013-14 OSAP Application for Full-time Students will automatically be considered for the LLG. However, eligibility for the LLG will not be dependent on a youth applying for, or being eligible to receive, an OSAP loan and/or grant funding. MTCU will create and post on the OSAP website at https://osap.gov.on.ca a separate application form for youth who elect not to apply for OSAP funding. 2. What documents will an eligible student need to provide? Eligible students will need to provide documentation from their CAS confirming that they were previously in receipt of, or eligible to receive Continued Care and Support 1 OSAP defines a second-entry program as graduate or professional university programs and some high-demand post-diploma college programs. Examples include law, teaching, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and optometry 2 According to OSAP, protected persons can include convention refugees, humanitarian-protected persons abroad, and persons in need of protection. A protected person is defined in subsection 95(2) of the federal Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. 3 According to OSAP, the academic institution determines the number of courses or credits that make up a full (100%) course load. As a general rule, if 5 courses = 100% course load; then 4 courses = 80% course load; 3 courses = 60% course load; 2 courses = 40% course load (part-time); and 1 course = 20% course load (part-time). 4 According to OSAP, a permanent disability is a functional limitation that is caused by a physical or mental impairment that restricts an individual s ability to perform the daily activities necessary to participate in studies at a post-secondary level or in the labour force, and is expected to remain with the individual for his/her expected life. Page 2 of 10
for Youth (formerly Extended Care and Maintenance). MTCU has developed a standard form for CASs to use for this purpose. Page 3 of 10
Youth who are eligible for CCSY include youth who: Had Crown ward status that expired at age 18; were subject to a protection (formal) customary care agreement or a protection custody order at age 18; were eligible for support under the Renewed Youth Support Program (RYS). 3. What role will CASs have in helping youth to apply for the Living and Learning Grant? In order to apply for the LLG, eligible youth will be required to provide documentation from their CAS confirming that they were previously in receipt of, or eligible to receive Continued Care and Support for Youth (formerly Extended Care and Maintenance). If a youth applies for the LLG through the OSAP application online, the youth will be required to submit a separate form 2013-2014 Verification of Status Form with Ontario Children s Aid Society (CAS) to verify his/her status. CAS staff will be required to complete this form. A copy of the form is attached to this package, and can also be accessed by contacting your Regional Office. The completed form must be returned to the youth, who is responsible for submitting the form to OSAP. If a youth applies for the LLG using the paper application form, the youth may request that the CAS complete the appropriate section of the LLG application, rather than submitting the separate documentation form noted above. The LLG application, with the completed section, must be returned to the youth, who is responsible for submitting the application form to OSAP. A copy of the LLG application form can be accessed by visiting the following link: https://osap.gov.on.ca/prodconsum/groups/forms/documents/forms/prdr007565.pdf 4. How will the LLG be disbursed? In 2013-14, MTCU intends to provide the grant as a lump sum of up to $2,000 for each term of study, through the fall, winter, and/or spring OSAP disbursement, to a maximum of $6,000 for the school year, based on the youth s enrolment in an OSAP eligible program and the number of terms in the student s study period (e.g., students enrolled in a two term study period would receive up to $4,000). Page 4 of 10
5. How will an eligible youth receive their LLG disbursement? Students will receive cheques, sent to the mailing address they provide on their OSAP Application for Full-time Students or on the LLG application. 6. Does the LLG decrease the OSAP loan amount a student is eligible to receive? The LLG will have no impact on the amount of OSAP loans and other grants that a youth may be eligible to receive. The LLG will be issued to qualifying students in addition to their OSAP loans and other grants. The LLG will not be considered a resource in the OSAP need assessment. 7. Will the LLG be provided for 12 months, or for the months in which an eligible youth is enrolled in an OSAP-approved program? MTCU will provide this grant for the months that an eligible youth is enrolled as a full-time student in an eligible program at an institution in Canada approved for Ontario student loan purposes. Eligibility 8. If a student turns 21 in the middle of their study period, when does the student begin receiving the LLG? Students who turn 21 during their study period will receive the LLG beginning the month after their 21st birthday. 9. If a student turns 25 in the middle of their study period, when does the LLG terminate? Students who turn 25 during their study period will continue to receive the grant to the end of their study period. Page 5 of 10
10. If a youth is in receipt of supports through Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), will the LLG reduce the support provided through either of these programs or result in an overpayment? The LLG is exempt from OW and ODSP income assessments, which means that students who are on OW or ODSP, and who receive the LLG will not see a change in the level of support provided to them through OW or ODSP. 11. Are youth enrolled in apprenticeship programs eligible to receive the Living and Learning Grant? Apprentices complete apprenticeship in-school training as a part of their apprenticeship programs. In-school training represents approximately 10% of their training, with 90% occurring on-the-job. The in-school component of an apprenticeship program is delivered by ministry-approved training delivery agencies (TDAs), which include 24 colleges of applied arts and technology and 44 non-college TDAs. Funding for in-school training is shared by government and the apprentice or TDA, with government paying over 80% of the cost. Given that the government covers 80% of the in-school training costs for apprentices, and that the majority of apprentices are being paid for on-the-job training, apprenticeship programs are not covered under OSAP. As such, most apprentices are not eligible to receive the LLG. However, students enrolled in Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship (CODA) programs may be eligible to receive OSAP funding, and therefore, be eligible to receive the LLG. CODA programs combine a college diploma program and apprenticeship training and lead to a Certificate of Qualification. Participants in CODA programs pursue both diploma courses and apprenticeship in-school training in a related skilled trade. 12. What type of training is covered by the Living and Learning Grant? Youth who are enrolled full-time in training programs that are approved for OSAP purposes, lead to a certificate, diploma or degree and are offered at an academic institution approved for the purpose of OSAP funding, are eligible for the LLG. Some examples of training programs that may be OSAP eligible include: Hairstyling, Electrical Techniques, Welding Techniques, Cabinet Making, Horticultural Page 6 of 10
Technician, Paralegal, Law Clerk, Chef Training, Fashion Merchandizing, Personal Support Worker, Help Desk Support Worker, etc. 13. How can a youth determine whether their program or the school they are attending meets the LLG requirements? To be eligible for the LLG, youth must be enrolled in a post-secondary program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate at an institution in Canada that is approved 5 for the purposes of the Ontario portion of the Canada Ontario Integrated Student Loan. Approved institutions include: Publicly-assisted Ontario colleges and universities; Publicly-funded colleges and universities in Canada, outside of Ontario; Some private post-secondary institutions and private career colleges in Ontario; No private institutions or private career colleges outside Ontario; except in the case of youth who are deaf and attending a U.S. institution where the primary language of instruction is American Sign Language (i.e. Gallaudet Univerisity and National Technical Institute for the Deaf). B. Other Available Supports 14. Who can apply for the 100% Tuition Aid for Youth Leaving Care Program? To be eligible for the program, a student must be: A current or former Crown ward and/or currently receiving or have been previously eligible to receive Continued Care and Support for Youth (formerly Extended Care and Maintenance) from a CAS. Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate, first-entry program (second entry programs like Law or Medicine, or graduate programs are not eligible). Enrolled in a program approved for purposes of the Ontario portion of the Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan. Enrolled at a publicly-assisted college or university in Ontario that is participating in the program. 5 To check if a private institution or private career college in Ontario is approved for the Ontario portion of the Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan, youth may use Check School on the OSAP website at http://osap.gov.on.ca or contact the Student Financial Assistance Branch General Inquiry line at 1-877-OSAP-411 (1-877-672-7411). Private institutions outside Ontario that are listed on the Check School site are eligible only for the Canada portion of the Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan and Canada Student Grants. Students attending these institutions are not eligible for the LLG. Page 7 of 10
15. If a student is eligible to receive the LLG, will they still be eligible to participate in the 100% Tuition Aid for Youth Leaving Care program? Yes. The 100% Tuition program covers 100% of a student s tuition fees to a maximum of $6,000 (i.e. 50% of tuition fees are covered through the Ontario Access Grant for Crown Wards and/or the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant and the remaining 50% is funded by participating institutions). The 100% Tuition Aid program is a joint initiative between MTCU and participating publicly-assisted colleges and universities in Ontario and is available for up to four years of post-secondary study. For the 2013-14 academic year, eight colleges and twenty-one universities will be participating in the program. For a full list of participating institutions please visit the following link: https://osap.gov.on.ca/osapportal/en/a-zlistofaid/prdr007414.html and click on All the Details. Students attending an institution that is not participating in the 100% Tuition Aid program may still be eligible to receive the Ontario Access Grant (OAG) for Crown Wards and/or the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant. 16. How is the 100% Tuition Aid for Youth Leaving Care program accessed? To access this funding the youth must first apply for OSAP for Full-time Students and meet the eligibility requirements for the OAG for Crown Wards, as determined through the OSAP assessment process. MTCU then provides the participating institutions with a list of the students eligible to receive the tuition top-up. Each institution is responsible for determining how they will provide the funding to their students, such as a reduction to the amount of tuition that must be paid or as a cheque issued to the student for tuition already paid. 17. Is there an age limit for youth to access the 100% Tuition Aid for Youth Leaving Care program? Unlike the LLG, which is available to youth ages 21 to 24 (inclusive), there is no age requirement associated with this tuition funding. To access full tuition coverage, youth must apply for OSAP for Full-time Students and be eligible to receive the OAG for Crown Wards, and must be enrolled at a participating college or university. Page 8 of 10
18. Will the 100% Tuition Aid for Youth Leaving Care program have an impact on the loan amount a student receives from OSAP? Tuition fees are covered through a combination of funding provided by MTCU and participating institutions. 50% of the funding is provided by participating institutions and will not impact the calculation of OSAP loans and other grants. The remaining 50% of the funding is provided through OSAP, through the OAG for Crown Wards and/or the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant, if the student is eligible to receive a 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant. The OAG and/or Tuition Grant may reduce the amount of OSAP loan that the student would otherwise receive. 19. What are Ontario Access Grants for Crown Wards? Ontario Access Grants for Crown Wards have helped cover tuition costs for up to four years of study for current and former Crown wards since 2008. In 2012-13, the government extended eligibility for these grants to youth receiving a Continued Care and Support for Youth allowance (formerly Extended Care and Maintenance allowance) who are enrolled in a first-entry college or undergraduate program. In 2013-14, eligibility for the Ontario Access Grant has been extended to recipients of the LLG. Students in programs of two or more years in length are eligible for Ontario Access Grants covering 50% of their tuition costs to a maximum of $3,000 for each year of their program, up to four years. Students in one-year programs are eligible for a grant covering 100% of their tuition up to $3,000. Students apply for the grants through OSAP and must have financial need to be eligible. 20. What other supports does Ontario provide Crown wards that go on to postsecondary education? Ontario has a Crown Ward Strategy to increase the participation and success rate of Crown wards, many of whom are First Generation learners in post-secondary studies. The strategy includes: Page 9 of 10
Community, education and government partnerships through 21 Crown Ward Education Championship Teams that support access to and success in postsecondary education. Reimbursement for college and university application fees for Crown wards. 21. What is the role of Crown Ward Education Championship Teams? Teams support Crown wards in 21 communities across Ontario through partnerships with CASs, school boards, colleges, universities, and employment services. The goal is to remove barriers to help Crown wards access and succeed in postsecondary education. Teams work with youth and stakeholders through youth outreach activities, youth advisory groups, conducting workshops (e.g. esteem building and career planning transition); partnership agreements; and, mentorship programs. These activities help Crown ward students directly and indirectly, when foster parents and social workers are given resource materials and training. Page 10 of 10