The transition from the foster care system to successful independent living is fraught with challenges.

A recent study from the University of Victoria鈥檚 School of Social Work examining what happened to B.C. youth following their exit from government care suggests that youth leaving care are under pressure to do more, sooner, and with fewer internal and external resources than their peers.

In addition, when the transition from foster care is not well supported, youth are at greater risk for homelessness, sexual exploitation, victimization, and involvement in the criminal justice and child welfare systems.

The United Way of Central and Northern Vancouver Island is seeking to determine the services and gaps in services for youth aged 19 to 23 who are leaving or have left foster care in the Comox Valley. The results of this research will be used to identify appropriate programs and services for future funding.

The United Way is seeking input from key experts who have worked with or cared for foster care youth aged 19 to 23 in the Comox Valley; and/or have experience in programs, services or policies relating to their transitions to independence.

If you have any experience in this area, go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/B9PC77V and fill out a 10-minute survey to help determine how we can improve services for these youth.

If you are a youth aged 18 to 23 who is leaving or has left foster care, the United Way wants to hear from you. You are invited to the Lewis Centre鈥檚 Tsolum Building on Feb. 12 between 4 and 7 p.m.

鈥淲e want to hear your ideas on what kind of services were available to you when you left foster care, and what kind of services are missing, but would really help foster care youth become independent when leaving care,鈥� the United Way says in a news release. Food will be provided, and it is a drop-in event.

For further updates or information about the meeting, go to http://jodymacdonald.shawwebspace.ca/pages/view/current_projects.

If you cannot make it to the open house but would like to share your thoughts, visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y9XBPDC to complete an online survey.

This research is being conducted by local consultant Jody Macdonald. Contact Macdonald at jodymacdonald@shaw.ca.

鈥� United Way of Central and Northern Vancouver Island