New app helps young adults transitioning out of care

In partnership with the Government of Alberta, Native Counselling Services of Alberta is launching an app to support former and current youth in care navigate the adult world.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and young adults can download the free Connections app to access information to help make the transition into adulthood a little easier. The app provides practical information, including how to do your taxes, easy recipes and life hacks for household chores.

The Connections app is a critical tool to make sure youth and young adults have convenient and immediate access to important supports and resources on topics such as housing, budgeting, school, employment and mental health.

“We know that young adults coming out of government care need financial, social and emotional resources to help them successfully transition into the next phase of their lives,” Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Children’s Services said. “This app is a critical tool to help them at a crucial period in their lives and will give them access to important information at their fingertips.”

“This app allows us to provide ongoing and increased support for young adults to transition out of Child Welfare’s care into independence in a meaningful way,” Allen Benson, CEO, Native Counselling Services of Alberta said. “It provides the access young people need to assist them on their journey to success. The app is also a tool for guardians, caregivers, parents and professionals supporting youth. We hope young people find the information they need to increase their confidence in their gifts, so they can make positive community and family connections for themselves.”

The app is designed for Alberta youth and young adults aged 14-26 who are transitioning to adulthood from government care. Connections provides more than 150 resources in 17 topic areas, including housing, education, mental health, money, food and transition to adulthood, and quick access to mental health and emergency information

“Transitioning to adulthood is a critical time in a young person’s life and we need to ensure supports are there to help them navigate the transition successfully,” Del Graff, Alberta’s Child and Youth Advocate said. “For vulnerable children and youth, accessing culturally appropriate, timely support can be more challenging. This app is a tool that young people will have on hand to help with day-to-day problem solving and decision-making.”

The Connections app is available to download at no cost on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.