January 13, 2025

Research Snapshot: Indigenous Care Leavers Aging Out of Care in Manitoba

Highlights from a study about how Indigenous children are overrepresented in the child welfare system in Canada

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Indigenous children are overrepresented in the child welfare system in Canada as a result of colonialism, discrimination, and harmful initiatives like residential schools. When Indigenous children transition out of care, they face more challenges and barriers than their white peers.

In this study, researchers examined the experiences of 17 Indigenous care leavers regarding their transition out of care and post-care life.

This research builds on our growing understanding of the Family Identity  component of the Vanier Institute’s Family Diversities and Wellbeing Framework.

Woodgate, R. L., Bennett, M., Martin, D., Tennent, P., Sandy, C., Plaut, S., Legras, N., Bell, A., & Lys, J. (2024, July 16). Alone, lost and unprepared by the system: Indigenous care leavers’ experiences of aging out of child welfare care in Manitoba. International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies, 15(2), 94–128. https://doi.org/10.18357/ijcyfs152202422045