When no protection concerns exist, Voluntary Support Services are available to help children, youth and their families. A Voluntary Support Services Agreement can help provide services and support to children, youth and their parent(s) without giving up their legal rights and responsibilities towards their child.
Voluntary Support Service Agreements are signed by parents and by children/youth up to 18 years old. A variety of preventative services and supports can be provided such as referrals for counseling, respite, parenting programs, referrals for alcohol and/or drug treatment, mental health support and services to improve a family’s financial situation. All services and supports are meant to assist when there is no other help available from family, friends, or other community services. The goals of these services are to support families so they can remain together and raise their children successfully.
Types of Voluntary Support Service Agreements
There are a few other types of voluntary Support Services: Support Services Agreements, and Extended Support Services Agreement (ESSA). You and your social worker can work together to determine which supports are better suited to your needs.
Read more about each of these service agreements below:
Support Services Agreements
A Support Services Agreement is an agreement for youth ages 16-18 years old, and can help provide services and support such as assistance with schooling, room and board arrangements, counseling, respite, young parenting programs, alcohol and/or drug treatment, mental health support and services to improve a youth’s financial situation. Services are meant to help when there is no other help available from family, friends, or other community services. The goals of these services are to support youth so they can live independently and achieve their self-identified goals.
Extended Support Services Agreement (ESSA)
The Child Protection Worker may extend support services for young adults who transitioned out of the permanent custody of the Director of Child and Family Services, when they attain the age of majority until they reach the age of 23 years.
Contact
For more information, please contact your local social services worker. Click here to view the community social worker contact list.