We brought you the story earlier this week about concerns from the Saskatchewan Youth in Care and Custody Network which is now easing a sigh of relief. The organization had been asking for the government to cease aging youth out of government care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tuesday, the Saskatchewan government issued a moratorium on youth aging out of care. Minister of Social Services Paul Merriman has said that youth in care will not be transitioned out of their housing.

The Network wants to build on specifics on the government response to the pandemic by ensuring that all youth in and from care/custody have access to mental health and addictions services, that there are continuous check ins with the young person noting that social distancing can aid in the increased risk of abuse and intimate partner violence. And the Network wants all young people, upon transitioning out of care, to be helped and equipped to find safe housing.