Young people in the child welfare system face a countdown to independence. Upon aging out—typically between ages 18 and 21, depending on the province or territory—they lose many of the supports provided by the system. While some transitional assistance exists, such as Ontario’s monthly allowance of $850 until age 21 and certain tuition support programs, these resources are not universally available. Many youth aging out of care lack access to comprehensive, wrap-around support, leaving them vulnerable to housing instability and financial hardship. As a result, between 25% and 50% of youth exiting foster care experience precarious housing or homelessness within a year. They also face high unemployment rates, disrupted education, and difficulty establishing permanent connections with family or support networks. Mental health struggles further compound these challenges, making the transition to independent adulthood particularly difficult for many young people leaving the child welfare system.