The biggest change that needs to occur is supporting organizations within both urban and rural centres and supporting with depth of care. That means providing support that is not time-bound, providing life skills development, providing wellness support and showing up in the same way that a family and community around a person would. That means continuing to support a youth, in particular, while they're pursuing their education and experiencing independence for the first time, likely stumbling in the way any young person may, and being there to show up, support and coach. That's when we will begin to see transformation occur and see a step into a space of being where youth then convert to contributing members of society.
If I were to point to a program or initiative that does this work, I would point to the Safe Haven Foundation. Again, it's one of the only programs that has live-in house parents. This is a key differentiator for us. This means that it is not a group home, where staff rotate in and out and clock in and out. It's not a foster home, where there's an inherent power dynamic. It is a caring family environment that shows up for youth. Again, there is no limit on the length of stay. We walk with her until she no longer needs us.