Vancouver Youth
Resources
A voluntary, short-term, live-in program for youth ages 16 to 18 who do not have a safe place to stay
Resources to help youth aging out of care with the transition to adulthood
If you’ve been in foster care or had a Youth Agreement, you may qualify for this program to help cover a range of costs while you go back to school, or attend rehabilitation, vocational or approved life skills program
Programs of various levels for young artists age 2-22
Helps prevent children in foster care from becoming homeless and mothers in need from losing custody of their children. Provides supported housing, job training, and coaching on essential life skills.
Empowers youth to take personal and collective action for a just, sustainable, resilient, and personally-fulfilling world
Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver
Various mentoring programs for youth
Offers activities that are not only of interest to kids, but that are good for them, too: sports, homework, safe access to the online world, arts, crafts, and of course, sharing meals.
Broadway Youth Resource Centre
A one-stop youth centre that provides a wide range of social, health, education, employment, and life skills services to youth
Recreational, employment, and skills training for autistic children and youth
City of Vancouver Youth Programs
Programs for youth throughout BC. Young persons age 8-18 can also receive support from youth workers who provide additional support and resources.
Programs and housing for youth and young adults facing homelessness
Offers low-barrier programs and services to support youth under the age of 25 who are in crisis or experiencing homelessness
Drive Youth Employment Services
Specialized youth employment services, creative youth programming, and a drop-in resource room. All of services are available to youth aged 16-30.
Info on how to obtain or renew a driver license or other provincial ID
Engages youth facing barriers to become environmental stewards and community leaders
Promotes diversity in engineering, tech, science, arts, and math education by offering low-barrier learning opportunities
Helpline for Children
If you are a child or youth and would like to talk to someone call the Helpline for Children at 310-1234.
You do not need an area code. You can call at any time of the day or night and you do not have to give your name.
Offer nature-based programs for youth grades 1-12. Programs include nature curriculum, field trips and competitions.
Social programs, life skills, and housing for youth in East Vancouver
Wellness support in multiple languages
Provides nurturing safe havens for children facing adversity when schools are traditionally closed
Provides tickets to partner organizations so that children and their families can enjoy special experiences in the community
Information about legal rights for youth in BC
Offers media arts and leadership programs to youth facing multiple barriers in the Lower Mainland
Helps youth discover their inherent value through meaningful relationship and intentional programming in the Downtown Eastside.
Red Fox Healthy Living Society
Free recreational activities, employment programs, and mentorship for children and youth, with a focus on Indigenous cultural education
Society for Children and Youth of BC
Promotes the rights and well-being of children through advocacy, education, and programs
A hub for youth in South Vancouver
Gives youth the opportunity to earn money, confidence and skills, while connecting them to supports that lead to improved outcomes in their lives
An online crisis and emotional support chat service. Chats are without judgement and kept confidential and anonymous
A youth employment centre for job seekers aged 16-30, where they can access a range of free employment services
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some notable ages in BC?
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Age of adulthood: 19
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Age you can drive: 16
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Age you can fly: 17 to obtain a Private Pilot License; 18 for Commercial
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Age you can work: 14 with parental permission; 16 no permission required
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Age you can vote: 18
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Age you can get a credit card: 19
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Age you donate blood: 17
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Age of consent: 16
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Age of marriage: 16-18 with parental permission; 19 no permission required
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Age you can own a firearm: 18
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Age you can join the RCMP: 19, though you can start training at 18
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Age you can join the military: 17 with parental permission; 18 no permission required
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Age you can drink, smoke, or gamble: 19
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Age you can stay home alone: no specific law, but 12 is the guideline
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Age you can get a tattoo or piecing: no specific law, though the Ministry of Health suggests that studios should get parental permission for minors