As of April 2020, government will lower the age of qualification to 22 from 24 for the support financial assistance agreement (SFA) program.

Shyannah Sinclair had a plan for independence — a plan that’s now full of uncertainty.

The 21-year-old mom and NorQuest College student is aiming to transfer to the University of Alberta, complete a native studies degree and, by age 24, be ready to work to support herself and her daughter.

Distroscale

Although parents often pitch in financially to help their adult children transition to independence, Sinclair’s “parents” are the provincial government. The government has changed its mind.

Beginning next April, the government will lower the age of qualification to 22 from 24 for the support financial assistance agreement (SFA) program. Run by the ministry of children’s services, the program offers financial and other help to more than 2,100 young adults who were in government care as children. About 480 people in the program will age out when the rule changes in April.

The Opposition NDP call the upcoming change unconscionable, immoral and shameful, and say it will put vulnerable young adults at risk of homelessness and suicide.

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The government said it’s about focusing money budgeted for vulnerable children on kids and families, and moving adults to different, more suitable programs.

The SFA program cost about $28 million last year. Children’s Services Minister Rebecca Schulz said Monday she’s unsure if the move will save money, as many adults will qualify for aid through programs run by other ministries.

Participation in the program dropped off significantly after age 21, she said.

‘Absolutely insane’

Flanked by Sinclair and Edmonton youth outreach worker Wallis Kendal, NDP children’s services critic Rakhi Pancholi said at a Monday news conference the cut targets young people who have endured trauma, abuse, tragedy and separation.

Kendal said the change is prompting young adults at risk to rethink positive choices. Another young woman he works with has cancelled her plans to enter a six-month drug rehabilitation program because her benefits will halt while she’s enrolled, he said.

Preventative programs keep young adults out of jail, he said, and keeping people in jail is far more expensive.

“To say that there’s a timeline that you’re going to be ready (for independence) and you’ve got to set out, and everything’s going to work for you, is absolutely insane,” Kendal said.

Sinclair found out Thursday the approximately $2,500 a month she receives for rent, groceries, child care and health benefits would end in August 2020 when she turns 22.

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“I was really upset and shaking. I was really worried about what I was going to do in the future,” she said. “My initial thought was just, how? I always thought I had until I was 24 and I was comfortable with that. I don’t feel ready right now.”

Each SFA agreement is unique and based on the person’s needs.

Other options for young adults

Schulz said young adults who were in government care as kids could qualify for the advancing futures bursary , which also covers living expenses and tuition. In the budget last month, the United Conservative Party government raised the amount of money available for those bursaries by 10 per cent to a total $11 million.

Case workers will work closely with the young adults as they approach age 22 to transition them to support programs designed for adults, Schulz said.