My personal journey with the youth social services system in Calgary began in August of 2022. I was fortunate to receive excellent care initially, but everything changed when I was transferred into another program in May of 2023. The quality of care drastically declined, leaving me unsupported and my needs unmet. This is not just my story - friends close to me have experienced similar issues.

Social services only focus on basic needs - health, housing, food, and income. There should be a mandatory addition for social support.

Not only that, but there should be a fight for additional funding toward youth-targeted wrap-around care within the city and the province, so these care facilities can provide our youth with just what they need. From food, to bus passes and more.

This change needs to occur to ensure youth can thrive while feeling supported by people other than a case manager. 

The brain does not stop growing until age 25, therefore, a need for a healthy support system is an urgent and extreme necessity; so that youth can build their lives with the help of those around them.

We are among the many young adults under 25 years old who are falling through the cracks of a system that should be designed to help us thrive. It's clear that our current youth social services system is failing us and needs urgent reform.

In Alberta, thousands of young people rely on these services each year (source: Government of Alberta). Yet, too often we hear stories like mine where the support provided is inconsistent or inadequate. We need a more efficient and reliable system that ensures every young person receives high-quality care regardless their program or situation.

This petition calls for immediate action from local authorities in Calgary to review and improve our youth social services system. We urge them to implement changes that will provide better, consistent support for all youths under 25 years old navigating this complex network.

Please sign this petition if you believe in a better future for our young people - one where they receive the support they need from a reliable and caring social service system.