Key Findings

Several key areas related to the transition to adulthood were highlighted by vulnerable youth, including:

Education: Vulnerable youth value education but face significant barriers in staying connected to school. Employment: Vulnerable youth are struggling to secure employment. Basic Needs: Vulnerable youth are struggling to meet their basic needs. Social Protection: Vulnerable youth are experiencing significant levels of stress and trauma. Social Supports: Vulnerable youth demonstrate real strengths in their close peer networks but have limited access to bridging social capital.

1.) Many vulnerable youth in Calgary are struggling during the transition to adulthood. Whether vulnerable youth have had experiences with poverty or with family breakdown, for instance, the key challenges they struggle with during the transition period tend to centre around: a lack of family supports, difficulties with staying engaged in educational institutions, a lack of employment opportunities, chronic stress, limited community integration, or combinations of these and other issues.

2.) The impact of the transition to adulthood is significant for the well-being of youth and our community. There is a clearly established link between a youth’s ability to make investments in their personal and professional development during the transition period and a significantly higher likelihood of leading a resilient adult life. Successful transitions lead to better health outcomes, increased levels of well-being, improved employability and earnings and greater community engagement.

3.) Investing in vulnerable youth supports them to successfully transition into adulthood and lead resilient lives. Transitions to adulthood represent a critical time for transforming and breaking inter-generational cycles of poverty. It is a time when youth are able to expand their opportunities through education, skills training and personal development, ultimately laying the foundation for meaningful, resilient lives. If vulnerable youth can access the supports and resources they need during this period, they are better able to pursue these opportunities and invest in their futures.