Is it Working?

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The Numbers Don’t Lie

StepStones has demonstrated proven results in improving the lives of youth from the foster care/group home system and who are in transition.  By being part of the StepStones program, youth are significantly more likely to graduate high school, attend post secondary education and attain employment.  Furthermore, youth who are part of StepStones are less likely to become involved in criminal behaviour, become homeless and rely on social assistance in compared to their peers in similar life circumstances.

History of Abuse/Neglect

  • 70% of program participants were previously involved with child protection services and have a history of abuse or neglect.

High School

  • Of youth at least 18 years old and older, 74% have graduated from high school.
  • 92% of youth in our program have either graduated or are attending high school.
  • In Ontario, only 44% of youth from the foster care system graduate from high school compared to 81% of the general population.

Identity/Self-care

  • At intake, 31% of the youth had all their necessary government issued ID (not including drivers license).
  • By 6 months, 85% of the youth have all their necessary government issued ID (not including drivers license).

Mental Health

  • 49% of youth in our program were diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Of these youth, 90% of the youth are being supported/receiving treatment for this mental health disorder.

Housing

  • At intake, 47% of youth had stable housing. After 6 months of being in the program, 88% of youth reported stable housing.
  • Stable housing is defined, as housing which is not temporary, is less than 60% of one’s income and the youth describes as safe.

Post Secondary

  • 1% were attending post secondary education at the time of intake. After 6 months, 9% of youth were attending post secondary education.
  • After 12 months, 27% of youth were attending post secondary education.
  • 4 youth in our program have graduated from post secondary education.
  • In Ontario, only 1% of youth from the foster care system attend post secondary education.

Support Network

  • At intake, 25% of youth had a (non-professional) supportive adult in their life to assist them in life choices.
  • By 12 months, 87% of youth had a (non-professional) supportive adult in their life to assist them with life choices.

Education/Employment

  • At intake, 52% of youth were attending school (or an educational program). After 12 months, 90% of youth were attending school (or an educational program).
  • At intake, 29% of youth were unemployed and not attending school. After 12 months, only 2% were unemployed and not attending school.

Scholarships

  • 0% of the youth were receiving scholarships at the time of intake. At 12 months, 22% youth had received a scholarship.

Criminal Involvement

  • At intake, 32% of the youth had previous involvement with the criminal justice system.
  • Within the first 6 months, 0% of youth had been involved in criminal activity.
  • Within the first 12 months, 2% of youth had previous involvement.
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