Mentoring for youth in foster care in the GTA
Through team based mentorship, we aim to see youth in the foster system thrive by experiencing the care and support of a long-term community who is unconditionally “for” them during and beyond their time in care.
A Team Approach to Mentorship
At Circles, our mentoring relationships are not governed by a time limit, a goal met, or professional obligation. Our teams of mentors are simply people who show up consistently and truly enjoy their time together with the youth. No pressure. Simply presence.
CONSISTENCY
SUPPORT
COMMUNITY
Learn more about our team approach.
Homelessness Prevention
58% of youth leaving foster care will experience homelessness
Most youth in foster care grow up knowing that many of their key supports and relationships, including with their foster family, will end at some point between ages 18 to 21, a process referred to as “aging out”. Yet stable, reliable, safe, and trustworthy relationships with adults are a key protective factor against many challenges faced by youth exiting foster care, and in particular reduces their chance of becoming homeless when they age out (Kovarikova, “Exploring Youth Outcomes After Aging-Out of Care,” 2017).
I developed a sense of abandonment because nobody really wants me. I’m in care, care kicks me out and they don’t [want me], and nobody calls me, I don’t even have a phone, I get $50 a month and nobody [cares] about it.
— Arlo, age 24, former youth in care
Want to learn more? Check out our collection of articles about the foster care system in Canada.