Vancouver Youth Resources
Resources
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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
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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.
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Support for adoptive families and youth in or from care, including various bursaries
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Empowers youth to take personal and collective action for a just, sustainable, resilient, and personally-fulfilling world
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Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver
Various mentoring programs for youth
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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.
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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
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Recreational, employment, and skills training for autistic children and youth
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Free legal support for young people, with no minimum age to receive help
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Civic engagment and education programs for young community members​
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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
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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.
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Info on how to obtain or renew a driver license or other provincial ID
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Engages youth facing barriers to become environmental stewards and community leaders
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Promotes diversity in engineering, tech, science, arts, and math education by offering low-barrier learning opportunities
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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.
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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.
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Social programs, life skills, and housing for youth in East Vancouver
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Delivers free hands-on, immersive education for youth in work readiness, financial health, and entrepreneurship
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Wellness support in multiple languages
Provides nurturing safe havens for children facing adversity when schools are traditionally closed
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Provides tickets to partner organizations so that children and their families can enjoy special experiences in the community
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Information about legal rights for youth in BC
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Offers media arts and leadership programs to youth facing multiple barriers in the Lower Mainland
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Helps youth discover their inherent value through meaningful relationship and intentional programming in the Downtown Eastside.
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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
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A hub for youth in South Vancouver
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Gives youth the opportunity to earn money, confidence and skills, while connecting them to supports that lead to improved outcomes in their lives
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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