Refusal reversed

A 16-year-old complained to us that her children’s aid society (CAS) had refused to allow her to enter into a Voluntary Youth Services Agreement (VYSA) after she had left her home due to the abusive behaviour of her aunt.

Issues: Children’s aid society; Voluntary Youth Services Agreement (VYSA); Rights (Get help)

A 16-year-old complained to us that her children’s aid society (CAS) had refused to allow her to enter into a Voluntary Youth Services Agreement (VYSA) after she had left her home due to the abusive behaviour of her aunt. VYSAs are offered to 16- and 17-year-olds who have left home because of concerns about their safety. CAS officials initially told us they were unable to verify that the youth’s aunt was abusive. As we looked into the situation further, we discovered that her younger brothers had been removed from the home out of concerns for their safety. We asked the CAS to review the girl’s allegations about her aunt again, and based on their review, the CAS agreed to offer her a VYSA.