Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies - Aftercare Benefits Initiative

Application

Enrol online
Verifications should be emailed by a former worker or CAS to abi@oacas.org (must include youth's name, date of birth and confirmation of their former status)
Adopted youth must submit a copy of their adoption order by email to abi@oacas.org or by fax to 416-366-8317

Eligibility - Population(s) Served

Youth who were eligible to receive Continued Care and Support for Youth (CCSY) or Extended Care and Maintenance (ECM) which includes youth who:

had Crown ward status that expired at age 18
were subject to a protection (formal) customary care agreement or a protection custody order at age 18, or
were eligible for support under the Renewed Youth Support (RYS) program
Youth who were adopted on or after June 1, 2016 and are between 18 and 25 years of age
Youth who are attending college or university and opt out of their school health benefits plan
Youth receiving Ontario Works (OW) or the Ontario Disability Support (ODSP) are only eligible for the counselling and life skills support services portion of the ABI plan

Fees

None

Languages

English ; French

Description of Services:

Provides aftercare benefits to former Crown wards and other youth who have left or are leaving care

Health and Dental Benefits (provided by Green Shield Canada) are available to plan members between 21 and 25 years of age and include:

Dental plan
Extended Health Benefits
Medical equipment
Prescriptions
Vision care

Counselling and Life Skills Support Services (provided by Shepell) are available to plan members between 21 and 29 years of age and include:

Access to e-counselling, video, telephone, in-person, or live chat counselling
Career coaching
Financial planning
Legal advice
Manage stress, improve self-esteem, fight depression