Survey of youth transitioning out of government care

What is this survey?
The survey is for youth who have recently transitioned out of government care or an alternative to government care (e.g., Youth Agreement) in British Columbia. It was designed by youth in and from care and by adults who support youth through the process.

You may have completed a similar survey around six months ago. If not—and you have transitioned out of care within the past year—you are still invited to complete this one, and another similar survey in six months, so that we can learn what is going well and what challenges youth experience as they transition out of care. This information will be used to understand where services and supports need to be improved to better support youth through their transition.

The survey asks about your health (including mental health and substance use), your experiences in care and transitioning out of care, your living situation, your strengths and needs, and about the supports and challenges you might have experienced and are currently experiencing.

What if I don’t want to answer some of the questions?
This survey is completely voluntary. You can choose to not take part, to stop at any time, and to skip questions you do not feel comfortable answering. Deciding to be, or not to be, a participant in this project is completely up to you and does not affect your involvement in any programs or services.

Will anyone see my answers?
The information you provide will be anonymous and confidential.  Your survey will only be seen by researchers at McCreary and will be kept confidential. If you completed a survey around six months ago and/or choose to complete one now, you will have a unique ID to link surveys from one time point to the next. Your name and other identifying information will not be included.

The only time we would have to share your survey answers would be if you put your full name on the survey and wrote that you are at risk of serious harm to yourself or are planning to harm someone else. In that case, by law, we would have to share this information to keep you safe.

Will I get an honorarium if I take part?
You can choose to get a $20 gift card each time you complete the survey (i.e., at each time-point). Instructions on how to do so will appear on the screen after you submit your survey. We still won't be able to link your name to your survey answers -- your survey will stay anonymous.

If I want to take part in the survey again in 6 months, how do I let you know?
When you submit this survey, you will be asked if you want to continue to take part in this study, and if so what the best way is to contact you.

Other information
We do not believe you will face any risks by participating. However, some of the questions may make you feel uncomfortable. If you do become upset, we have provided a resource sheet which has helpline numbers (e.g., Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868), and it also contains information about resources that might be useful as you leave care. The list of resources can be found at the end of the survey.

The survey is funded by Vancouver Foundation and Victoria Foundation and it is being conducted by McCreary Centre Society’s Youth Research Academy (YRA), with the support of experienced community-based researchers. The YRA is a group of youth aged 16–24 with government care experience who are learning research skills and carrying out research projects of interest to youth in and from care and the organizations that serve them.

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What if I have other questions?

If you have any questions or would like further information or to know the findings of this project when it is done, please contact:
 
McCreary Centre Society
Email: mccreary@mcs.bc.ca;
Phone: (604) 291-1996
 
In addition, you may verify the ethics approval of this study, or raise any concerns you might have, by contacting the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s Strategic Policy, Research & Engagement Branch (MCF.ResearchApplication@gov.bc.ca).
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*NOTE: IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY BEING DELAYED FROM AGING OUT OF GOVERNMENT CARE OR AN ALTERNATIVE TO GOVERNMENT CARE (E.G., ON A YOUTH AGREEMENT) DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, PLEASE USE THE LINK BELOW INSTEAD TO COMPLETE THE APPROPRIATE SURVEY.

https://form.simplesurvey.com/f/l/YouthTransitionTIME1
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By clicking "Next page," you acknowledge that you have read and understand the information on this page and ​agree to take part.